We see a lot in the news about banks working out their own problems while homeowners themselves are stressed by the housing market and mortgage crisis. Foreclosures by lenders on homes almost conjures up images from the 1930s, when the evil banker took away homes and farms with an almost gleeful demeanor.

But when it comes down to it, the banks don’t want to own homes. Nor do they want to go through the foreclosure process.  Why? It’s about the money. They lose in both the legal proceedings of foreclosure and the process of taking possession of a home, managing it and trying to resell it in this very low point of the market.

That’s why loan modification specialists are smart for anyone in a distressed loan or undergoing home loan foreclosure proceedings. To the homeowner, it’s about the place where they live, the emotional attachments and all-important place to sleep at night. A loan modifier – usually staffed by attorneys and mortgage financing experts – knows the financial position of the bank. They know where the lender’s hot spots are, and what lower, recast mortgage terms they might agree to because they’ll save money in the end. Note also that by allowing a homeowner to continue making lower mortgage payments, the lender ultimately keeps a customer for the long term.

Like the line from Cuba Gooding in the modern movie classic Jerry McGuire, it’s all about “show me the money!”  That’s what banks want, what loan modification specialists do – and what benefits the homeowner in the end.