Since March 2012, a landmark mortgage settlement has been providing direct relief to homeowners with $152 million to Texans so far.  As part of the National Mortgage Settlement, the country’s 5 largest mortgage servicers have provided loan forebearance, refinancing programs & loan modifications to reduce mortgage principal.  Thru September 30 of this year, over 4,500 Texas households have received assistance as part of the settlement, totally the $152 million amount.  Nearly half of the assistance came in the form of forgiveness of remaining loan balances to facilitate short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure.  The loan servicers under the settlement are required to complete their consumer relief activities by February 2015.  All this information according to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.