If you are searching for Litton Loan Servicing to manage your mortgage, you have likely noticed that their original website is no longer active. This is because the company underwent significant changes and acquisitions over a decade ago. Understanding where your mortgage ended up is the first step toward managing your payments, viewing your escrow balance, or obtaining tax documents.
When a mortgage servicer is acquired, your loan terms do not change, but the company responsible for collecting your payments and managing your account does. This guide will help you identify who currently holds your mortgage and how you can regain access to your account information quickly and securely.
The History of Litton Loan Servicing
Litton Loan Servicing was a major player in the mortgage industry, particularly in the subprime market, during the early 2000s. Based in Houston, Texas, it was a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs. However, following the housing market shift, the company was sold to Ocwen Financial Corporation in 2011.
Following this acquisition, the vast majority of loans previously managed by Litton were transferred to Ocwen’s platforms. Later, Ocwen acquired PHH Mortgage and eventually rebranded much of its servicing business under the PHH Mortgage name. Consequently, most former Litton customers are now serviced by PHH Mortgage.
How to Identify Your Current Mortgage Servicer
If you haven’t looked at your mortgage paperwork in a long time and are just now trying to track down your account, you might feel lost. Use the following steps to identify which company currently manages your loan:
- Check Your Recent Mail: Look for any correspondence regarding your mortgage. Even if you haven’t opened it, the return address will likely list PHH Mortgage or Ocwen.
- Review Your Bank Statements: If you have automatic payments set up, check your bank’s transaction history. The name of the company withdrawing the funds will be listed there.
- Look at Your Credit Report: Your credit report lists the name of the company reporting your mortgage payments. You can get a free credit report from the major bureaus once a year.
- Use the MERS Servicer Identification System: The Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) maintains a database that allows homeowners to find their current servicer by entering their property address or Mortgage Identification Number (MIN).
Using the MERS System
The MERS website is a reliable tool for homeowners who are unsure who owns or services their loan. By visiting the MERS Consumer Identification website, you can search for your information. This is particularly helpful if your loan has been sold multiple times since it was with Litton.
Contacting PHH Mortgage for Account Access
Since PHH Mortgage is the successor to Litton through the Ocwen merger, they are your most likely point of contact. To regain access to your account, you will need to register on their modern web portal. This will allow you to view your balance, make payments, and download your 1098 tax forms.
When contacting a new servicer, have the following information ready to verify your identity:
- Your Social Security Number
- The property address associated with the loan
- Your old Litton Loan Servicing account number (if available)
- The approximate current balance of the loan
Common Contact Methods
Most modern servicers offer several ways to get help. You can call their customer service line, which is usually found on their official website under the “Contact Us” section. Many also offer secure messaging or live chat once you have logged into your account portal.
What Happens During a Servicer Transfer?
It is important to remember that a change in servicer is not a change in your mortgage contract. The interest rate, remaining term, and principal balance remain exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is where you send your check or which website you log into.
By law, you must be notified of a transfer. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), your old servicer must send you a “goodbye letter” at least 15 days before the transfer date. Your new servicer must send a “welcome letter” within 15 days after the transfer. These letters contain vital information, including the new mailing address for payments and the date the new company will begin accepting them.
Managing Your Escrow and Tax Documents
One of the most common reasons people search for Litton Loan Servicing is to find historical tax documents or check on escrow payments for property taxes and insurance. When Litton was absorbed, their records were integrated into the new servicer’s database.
If you need a 1098 form for a year when the loan was still with Litton, you may need to speak with a specialized customer service representative. While most current portals show the last few years of history, older records might be archived and require a formal request to retrieve.
Checking Property Tax Payments
If you are concerned that your property taxes weren’t paid during a transition period, you can verify this through your local county tax assessor’s office. Most counties have an online portal where you can search by property address to see the payment history. If you see a missed payment, contact your current servicer immediately to provide proof of your escrow balance.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Dealing with a defunct loan servicer can be frustrating, but staying organized will help you resolve any issues. Follow these tips to ensure your mortgage remains in good standing:
- Keep All Correspondence: Save every letter you receive from any mortgage company. These documents serve as a paper trail if there is ever a dispute about payments.
- Monitor Your Credit: After a transfer, check your credit report to ensure the new servicer is reporting your on-time payments correctly and that the old account is marked as closed or transferred.
- Update Automatic Payments: If you use your bank’s “bill pay” feature rather than the servicer’s auto-pay, you must manually update the mailing address and account number to avoid late fees.
- Confirm Insurance Coverage: Ensure your homeowners’ insurance company has the correct mortgagee clause on file so they know where to send the bills.
Conclusion
While Litton Loan Servicing is no longer operational, your mortgage information has not disappeared. By identifying your current servicer—likely PHH Mortgage or Ocwen—you can regain full control over your account. Use tools like MERS or your credit report to bridge the gap between your old records and your current financial reality. Taking these proactive steps ensures that your home remains protected and your credit stays healthy. For more guidance on managing your home services, explore our other articles on financial navigation and home ownership tips.