First, identify the type of problem
| Situation | Possible direction |
|---|---|
| Temporary income drop | Forbearance, repayment plan, budget bridge, servicer hardship review. |
| Permanent income change | Loan modification, selling, renting, or restructuring the household budget. |
| High rate but stable finances | Refinance break-even analysis and rate monitoring. |
| Already behind | Contact servicer and consider a HUD-approved counselor quickly. |
Do not ignore notices
If letters or emails from your servicer are arriving, open them. Missing a deadline can reduce options. Keep copies of every notice, every payment confirmation, and every message you send.
Be careful: Avoid companies that promise guaranteed mortgage relief or ask for large upfront fees. Use official resources and verify any professional before sharing documents.
Options that may be worth comparing
- Servicer hardship review — ask what options exist for your exact loan.
- HUD-approved housing counseling — free or low-cost guidance from approved organizations.
- Loan modification — potential change to existing loan terms.
- Forbearance — temporary pause or reduction, not forgiveness.
- Refinance — only if the math works after costs.
- Sell or rent — sometimes better than falling deeper behind.
Use numbers, not panic
Calculate your payment burden, missed-payment risk, equity position, and urgency. A simple score can help you decide whether you are planning ahead or need immediate help.
Check your Mortgage Stress Score
Use the free calculator to understand your estimated risk level and compare possible next steps.
Start free checkEducational information only. MortgageStressScore.com is not a lender, mortgage broker, law firm, financial advisor, foreclosure prevention company, or housing counseling agency.