Home Retention Services, a subsidiary of Stewart Lending Services, teamed with Freddie Mac (FRE) to help process thousands of additional applications for Home Affordable Modifications in several regions. Home Retention Services will determine the eligibility of delinquent borrowers with Freddie Mac-owned mortgages for Home Affordable Modifications and process borrower financial information for the servicers’ review and approval, according to a release from Freddie Mac. “By using Home Retention Services’ staff and resources we can ease some of the pressures on our servicers’ staff while helping more borrowers pursue a mortgage workout,” said Ingrid Beckles, senior vice president of default asset management at Freddie Mac, in the release. While the new agreement adds to the program’s capability, Beckles urged borrowers to initiate the loan modification process with a phone call. Freddie Mac will send letters to borrowers deemed eligible by participating servicers, asking them to call Home Retention Services. The letter will include unique borrower PIN numbers to protect borrowers from counterfeits. Home Retention Services will then lead the negotiation by assessing eligibility, completing documentation and advising the borrower of their proposed modified payment, according to the release. Once the servicer approves Home Retention Services’ completed package and receives a check for the for the new monthly mortgage amount, the borrower’s Home Affordable Modification trial period begins. Write to Jon Prior.