More than 1-million U.S. home mortgages underwent permanent modifications in 2011, according to the independent alliance of mortgage help mortgage servicers Hope Now. The figure represents a steep decline of 40% from a year ago, but outpaces the number of foreclosures sold during the year.

In December affiliates of the organization completed 80,000 loan modifications, including 56,000 proprietary modifications and about 23,000 that became permanent through the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program. The reduction in mortgage payment amounts are the primary motivator behind most mortgage modifications.

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