What to do if you default on a mortgage loan

Oct 05, 2023

Defaulted on Mortgage Loan?

Okay, first things first. Deep breath. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve missed a payment on your mortgage loan. Life can be wild sometimes. Maybe you lost a job, faced an unexpected expense, or just got sidetracked with those Wisconsin winters and life in Wauwatosa. But worry not! We're here to guide you on what to do if you find yourself defaulting on your mortgage loan.

1. Don’t Run and Hide – Communicate

First things first, let's not play hide and seek with your lender. It’s easy to avoid those scary-looking letters or decline calls but resist the urge. The earlier you communicate with your lender, the better. Most lenders don’t want to take your home. They'd rather find a solution that works for both parties. After all, foreclosure is a lengthy and costly process for them too.

2. Understand Your Rights

Alright, now put on those reading glasses and dive deep into the details of your loan agreement. Somewhere in there, you'll find details about what happens when you default. Usually, there’s a grace period (yay!). And after that, they’ll send you a notice of default. Know your rights and how long you have before any drastic measures are taken.


3. Consider a Repayment Plan

If your financial hiccup is temporary (like, you know you’ll be back on your feet soon), then chat with your lender about a repayment plan. It could mean slightly higher payments for a few months until you're caught up. It's a bit like after indulging during a cheese curd festival – you might need a few extra jogs around the block, but you'll get back on track.


4. Refinance the Mortgage Loan

If you’ve built up some equity in your home and think you can score a better interest rate or terms, consider refinancing. This can potentially lower your monthly payments. However, be aware that there might be some costs involved, and if your credit score took a hit from the missed payments, this might be trickier.


5. Loan Modification

Another convo to have with your lender is about modifying your existing loan. Maybe they can extend the term of your mortgage loan or change the interest rate to make your payments more manageable.


6. Rent Out a Room or The Whole Place

Wauwatosa's a neat place, right? If you have a spare room or can bunk with a friend for a bit, consider renting out your space. The additional income can help you catch up on those payments.


7. Consider Selling Your Home

If things are looking super bleak and you're thinking it might be time to downsize or move, we at "Sell My House Fast Wauwatosa" are here for you. The upside? You can potentially pay off your mortgage loan, save your credit score, and move on without the looming threat of foreclosure.


8. Seek Legal Advice

If push comes to shove, and things are spiraling, it might be worth chatting with a legal expert. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation, maybe even options you haven’t considered.


Wrap Up

Hey, life in Wauwatosa – and well, anywhere – can be unpredictable. If you've tripped up on your mortgage loan, it's not the end of the world. The key is to be proactive, understand your options, and make informed decisions. And if you ever want to chat about selling your home quickly and painlessly, you know where to find us! Just contact us.


Remember, you're not alone. Breathe, reach out, and let's tackle this mortgage loan hiccup together.

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