Some, but unfortunately not all, lenders are allowing homeowners to delay payments on their mortgage for up to 6 months (or longer). Sounds wonderful, right? However, after the forbearance period is over, the homeowner is required to repay the entire amount due at the end of the forbearance period. For example, your lender allows to delay payments on your mortgage for the next 6 months. Now in month 7, your payment resumes BUT the payments for last 6 months that you did not make are now also due in full. This will be a major problem for most homeowners. If you do not have the funds to stay current on your mortgage and are granted a forbearance, you most likely will not have funds available to pay the 6 month arrearage in month 7 along with the all the payments that were part of your forbearance. Instead, lenders should allow a homeowner to put the payments at the back end of their loan and extend the term of the mortgage. Call your lender to negotiate the most favorable terms but be aware of your bank is truly offering.
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