Forbearance

A forbearance is an agreement between a homeowner and the lender to delay foreclosure proceedings. Under this scenario, the lender gives the homeowner a specific amount of time to catch up on the delinquent mortgage payments. Technically, the original monthly mortgage payment is still due each month to the lender, but the lender will also accept the lower forbearance amount for the specified amount of time. At the conclusion of the forbearance period, the homeowner's regular mortgage payment will again be required. Forbearance is a tool used by the lender to work with the homeowner and take control of the negative situation so that neither party has to deal with the hassle of the foreclosure process. It is a temporary solution, and if the homeowner still cannot meet the forbearance payment, then foreclosure may be inevitable.