Now look at your hardship letter brainstorm list and pick the most obvious ones that have the most affect on your financial situation and ability to make payments on the home. Look at the list as if you were Countrywide, or Washington Mutual, or your specific bank. Which hardships would you look at as the most crucial? Once you select 3 or 4 hardships, focus on them and explain exactly why they are affecting your ability to make payments on the loan. (For example: I was laid off on Sept. 27 and as a result, my monthly income has decreased by $2,100.) Step 3Now you're ready to begin writing and putting together your hardship letter. Rule # 1, make your hardship letter less than one page, paragraph form. Short sale department reps look through many letters. They don't want to be reading a novel to find out why you can't afford your mortgage payments.
