With interest rates and mortgage payments increasing, it’s important for homeowners to be prepared for these rising costs in order to secure their financial future. Knowing what mortgage delinquencies are and the consequences of not meeting those obligations can help you stay on top of your finances and can improve your financial well-being.
Enjoying our content? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to get real estate market insights, news, and reports straight to your inbox.
Understanding Mortgage Delinquency
Mortgage delinquency occurs when a borrower fails to make the payments that were agreed upon in their mortgage documents. When this happens, the lender may take action against the homebuyer and may even take back the home and sell it – a process known as foreclosure.
The maximum amount of time a borrower can miss paying their mortgage is generally 60 to 90 days depending on the lender. However, even missing one payment could result in late fees, penalties, and damage to their credit score. When a borrower misses three or more consecutive payments, it’s considered an act of default which can have more serious implications such as higher interest rates and increased monthly payments.
Steps to Avoid Mortgage Delinquency
The best way to avoid mortgage delinquencies is by staying on top of your payments and making sure you have enough funds available each month to cover them. However, if you do run into unexpected financial troubles, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
Contact Your Lender: Reach out to your lender as soon as you realize you’re having trouble making payments. They may be able to provide temporary solutions like deferring payments, extending your amortization period, or adding missed payments to your mortgage balance.
Consider Mortgage Refinancing: Refinancing your mortgage essentially allows you to lock in a new, lower rate which will in effect lower your monthly payment. Refinancing will hurt your credit score, however, it is only temporary and less damaging than if you were to experience mortgage delinquency.
Seek Financial Counselling: Non-profit credit counselling agencies can provide advice on managing your money and debts, help you budget, and offer free educational materials. More information, including credit counselling agencies, can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Use Government Programs: The Government of Canada offers some programs to help homeowners in difficulty. For instance, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides tools that can assist homebuyers struggling with their payments and will consider alternative options.
Remember, the earlier you address the issue, the more options you will have available to avoid mortgage delinquencies.
If you’ve got questions about mortgages, interest rates, or housing affordability, our real estate agents are here to answer your questions and help address your concerns. Give us a call today to learn more about your local real estate market.
