Should I sell my house while in forbearance?
Deciding whether to sell your house while in forbearance depends on your financial situation, housing goals, and the current real estate market. If you’re struggling to catch up on payments or facing long-term financial challenges, selling could offer a way out of debt and help you avoid foreclosure. However, if you believe you can recover financially or your home’s value might increase soon, holding onto your property might be a better choice.
Carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks below. Consider your equity position, the housing market conditions, and your future financial outlook. Transitioning to a new housing situation might offer relief, but it’s important to understand the potential trade-offs.
Benefits of selling a house while in forbearance
- You can avoid foreclosure: Selling your home can prevent the foreclosure process, protecting you from the significant financial and emotional toll that comes with losing your home.
- You can get out from under debt and move: By selling, you can pay off your mortgage, including missed payments, and potentially free yourself from a burdensome financial situation.
- You can find a more fitting housing situation: Selling might allow you to downsize or relocate to a home that better suits your current needs and financial situation.
- You can limit damage to your credit score: Selling before foreclosure can help maintain a healthier credit score, making it easier to qualify for future loans or rentals.
- You may have more control and more proceeds: By choosing to sell, you maintain control over the timing and terms of the sale. If your home has equity, you could walk away with proceeds that could help you transition to your next chapter.
Drawbacks of selling a house while in forbearance
- You’ll still need to pay missed payments: Even with a sale, any missed mortgage payments and associated fees must be covered, reducing your net proceeds.
- You may not be able to sell: If your home’s value is less than your mortgage balance (underwater), selling might require lender approval for a short sale or coming up with cash to cover the gap.
- Your forbearance amount grows: During the selling process, the amount you owe in deferred payments continues to accumulate, potentially increasing your debt.
- You may face tougher negotiations: Knowledgeable buyers might see your situation as urgent or desperate and use it to push for lower offers or less favorable terms.
- You may feel pressure to sell fast for less: The need to quickly resolve your financial situation could force you to accept a lower price than you might otherwise obtain.
It should also be noted that selling your home while in forbearance can make you ineligible for certain loan programs in the future, such as FHA or VA loans.
Forbearance and foreclosure resources
If you’re not yet in forbearance or foreclosure but facing financial hardship, here are some resources to help you explore additional options for keeping your home.
- HOPE Hotline: This HUD-approved national hotline and website offers 24/7 personalized housing counsel for homeowners. Call 888-995-4673 or visit 995hope.org.
- Borrower Help Center: In this searchable site maintained by Freddie Mac, you’ll have access to HUD-certified housing resources and counselors to assist you. Free phone assistance is also available by calling 877-300-4179 or through the regional Borrower Help Centers listed on the site.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Locate a HUD-certified housing counselor in your area by visiting consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor. Aside from buying and renting advice, you’ll find resources about defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues.
How to sell a house while in forbearance
Selling a house while in forbearance can feel complicated, but knowing the steps can make the process easier to navigate. Whether you plan to list with an agent or accept an all-cash offer, you’ll need to understand what happens from the initial conversation with your lender to closing. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to sell a house while in forbearance.
Selling with an agent
- Find a qualified real estate agent: Choose an agent experienced in handling sales involving forbearance or financial distress. They can guide you through the complexities and help you price your home competitively.
- Communicate with your lender: Inform your lender about your intent to sell. They may have specific requirements or need to approve the sale if you’re in a short-sale situation.
- Prepare your home for sale: Work with your agent to make necessary repairs and stage your home to attract buyers quickly.
- Market your property: Your agent will list and market your home, targeting buyers who can close quickly, minimizing the time your debt continues to grow.
Selling with an all-cash offer
- Find cash buyers: Seek out credible investors or established house-buying companies specializing in all-cash offers. These buyers typically purchase homes “as is,” reducing the need for repairs or negotiations. However, selling to a cash buyer means you’ll receive fewer proceeds than with an agent-assisted sale.
- Review terms and sign an agreement: Check the sale price, closing date, and other key details, and confirm the terms work for you before putting pen to paper.
- Close quickly: All-cash transactions often close within a week or two, helping you quickly resolve your forbearance status and avoid additional financial strain. Some house-buying groups can even close a deal in a matter of days.
