Can I Sell My House During Mortgage Forbearance

Can I Sell My House Before Forbearance Ends?

Have you ever wondered what is mortgage forbearance? Hopefully, this is something you never need. Nevertheless, it does come in handy when you are in difficult financial straights. When you are under forbearance, you get to skip your mortgage payments. This can help you get some much-needed breathing room. Do not let the pressure mount. Start making plans now. That way, when the time comes, you know what to do.

Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Forbearance

Before you decide to sell your home, you need to understand what forbearance is. These programs aren’t always available. However, the federal government issued edicts mandating them this year. 

What Is Mortgage Forbearance:
Forbearance is a financial term referring to a period of suspended mortgage payments. Typically, you make no payments while you are under forbearance. Once forbearance ends, you pay everything that you would have paid.

Mortgage forbearance can be beneficial for people who have lost income. If you are struggling to make your payments, it might be worth considering. However, there are some rules and regulations you should know about first.

You Can Sell Your Home During Mortgage Forbearance 

First, we want to let you know it is possible to sell your home during this time. Even though you are not making payments, you can find someone to buy the property off of you. This is the ideal method to protect your credit score. If you have no prospects of being able to make your mortgage payments, sell the house.

Foreborn Amount Becomes Payable Upon Sale of Property:
Selling during forbearance can be a great idea, although there is one caveat. Immediately upon sale, you must pay the entire foreborn amount. These funds will come out of the sale price before you get the money.

Mortgages Forbearance Vs. Deferment – What’s The Difference

Forbearance and deferment are two closely related terms. Both of them allow you to skip making your mortgage payment. However, there are several key differences.

Forbearance:
When you are under forbearance, you must repay the missed payments. Once the mortgage forbearance period ends, all of the money is due at once. Sometimes, lenders may be willing to negotiate.

Deferment:
When you are in deferment, you do not have to make payments. Instead of paying back all the missed payments after your deferment ends, you pay them back by lengthening the loan term. In effect, you stop making payments now, and in exchange, you lengthen the term of the loan.

When Does Mortgage Forbearance End?

Forbearance is generally limited to a specific amount of time. Currently, homeowners are protected under federal Regulations. As part of the CARES act, homeowners were given up to 180 days of forbearance.

Federal and GSE-Backed Mortgages Have 180 Days:
These federal regulations apply to mortgages that are backed by the federal government. These mortgages automatically qualify for 180 days worth of forbearance. After this, you must pay back all of the payments that accrue.

Request an Extension For 180 More:
Homeowners have an additional option. After the initial 180 days, they can file an appeal to ask for more. These must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your circumstances, you could be given a supplementary 180 days.

Why Should You Consider Selling During Forbearance?

Why would someone consider selling when they do not have to make their payments? Typically, it is recommended if you do not expect to make your payments after forbearance is over. In this case, it can be a good option. Selling before the end of your forbearance helps to protect your credit score.

Top Reasons to Consider Selling During Forbearance

• – Don’t have the money: By the end of your forbearance, you may need to have the money to make the missed payments. Otherwise, you risk damaging your credit score. Getting the property off of your hands by selling it negates this risk.
  
• – Relieve the Stress: Are you anxious about the end of your forbearance? If so, selling your property could relieve a great deal of stress. When you are no longer the owner of the property, you don’t have to worry about forbearance ending anymore.
  
• – Want to Rent: Are you tired of being a homeowner? Selling your home before the end of forbearance could be a great way to transition back to renting. People that prefer renting can take this opportunity to switch.
  
• – Unemployment: Have you lost your job? This year, we have had record-breaking levels of unemployment. If so, you are far from the only person in your shoes. If you will not have an income, you might want to get rid of the house. Otherwise, you could end up in foreclosure anyway. At least when you sell the house you’ll get some money out of the deal.
  
• – Spouse Lost Employment: Maybe you still have your job. Nevertheless, you cannot make your payments because your spouse lost theirs. If that is the case, selling the home can take a lot of financial pressure off of your back.

As you can see, your situation will determine which decision is the correct one. If you are still struggling by the end of forbearance, letting someone have it might be best. Understandably, homeowners don’t like to let go of their assets. Nonetheless, when you can’t make your payments, you aren’t going to keep the property either way. If you sell it, it will protect your credit. Plus, you will also get to capitalize on any equity you built in the property.

The Bottom Line When it Comes to Selling During Forbearance

Should you consider selling your home? Ultimately, no one can answer that question for you. Our best advice would be, to be honest with yourself. When you act honestly, you can objectively evaluate your circumstances. Are there any prospects of you paying the mortgage before the end of your forbearance? If so, fully explore that approach. You could keep your home without harming your credit score. On the other hand, if there is no hope, just get rid of it. Waiting until your forbearance ends only culminates in foreclosure. Unless you’ve got the income to pay the mortgage, foreclosure is the final destination. If you do not, selling it will be the most appropriate route. It may not be what you want. However, it’s the best option you have at the moment.

Have questions about selling your home during mortgage forbearance? Give Cash Out House a call at 678-540-4725!