Behind on Your Mortgage in California? Here Are Your 5 Best Options

If you've missed one or more mortgage payments, you're not alone — and you're not out of options. Here are the five best options for California homeowners who are behind on their mortgage.

Option 1: Call Your Lender Immediately

The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem. Call your lender's loss mitigation department and explain your situation. Lenders generally prefer to work with you rather than go through the expensive foreclosure process. Ask about forbearance, loan modification, or repayment plans.

Option 2: Request a Forbearance

A forbearance agreement temporarily pauses or reduces your payments for 3–12 months. This gives you time to recover financially. At the end of the period, you'll need to repay the paused amounts — either in a lump sum or spread over time.

Option 3: Apply for a Loan Modification

A loan modification permanently changes your loan terms — lower interest rate, extended term, or adding missed payments to the end of the loan. This requires documenting financial hardship and takes 30–90 days to process.

Option 4: Sell Your Home for Cash

If you have equity in your home, selling to a cash buyer is often the fastest and cleanest solution. We can close in 7–14 days, pay off your mortgage balance (including all missed payments and fees), and put any remaining equity in your pocket. This stops the lender's collection process and protects your credit from a completed foreclosure.

Option 5: Short Sale

If you owe more than your home is worth, a short sale allows you to sell for less than the balance owed with your lender's approval. This is far better for your credit than a completed foreclosure. As a licensed California agent, we can help negotiate a short sale with your lender.

What Not to Do

• Don't ignore notices from your lender
• Don't pay a "foreclosure rescue" company upfront fees
• Don't sign over your deed to anyone without consulting an attorney
• Don't stop paying your property taxes

Call us at (559) 281-8016 for a free, confidential conversation about your options. We'll give you honest advice — even if a cash sale isn't your best choice.