Homeowner FAQs

Answers when you are behind on your mortgage

You do not need to have everything figured out before asking for help. These answers explain common options and what to expect from a Confidential Homeowner Options Review.

I missed a mortgage payment. What should I do first?

Contact your mortgage servicer as soon as you know you cannot make a payment. Ask what options are available for your loan and what documents they need from you. You can also request a Confidential Homeowner Options Review to understand your property value, equity, and possible selling options.

Do I have to sell my home?

No. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to catch up on payments, enter a repayment plan, request forbearance, or apply for a loan modification. Your mortgage servicer decides whether you qualify for those programs. Our review helps you understand the property side of the decision; it does not require you to list your home.

What is a Confidential Homeowner Options Review?

It is a conversation about your home’s estimated value, what you owe, any foreclosure deadlines, and the options that may fit your situation. We can discuss ways to keep your home as well as ways to sell it. Requesting a review does not commit you to a sale.

How do I know whether I have equity?

Start with your home’s estimated market value. Subtract the mortgage payoff, other liens, and estimated selling costs. The amount left is an estimate of what you might receive from a sale. A mortgage statement balance is not always the same as a current payoff amount, so request a written payoff statement when you need a more accurate estimate.

Can I have equity even if I am behind on payments?

Yes. Being behind on your mortgage and being underwater are different things. You could be behind on payments and still have equity in your home. Knowing your numbers before making a decision can help you protect that equity.

What if I already received a foreclosure notice?

Do not ignore it. Look for any response deadlines and scheduled sale date, contact your mortgage servicer, and seek advice from a qualified professional in your state. Tell us about the notice when you request a review so we can discuss whether there is enough time for a sale or another real estate option. Foreclosure rules and timelines vary by state.

Can you stop or pause my foreclosure?

We cannot promise to stop or pause a foreclosure. Only the applicable lender, investor, loan servicer, court, or other authorized party can determine whether foreclosure activity will be delayed or stopped. Continue communicating with your servicer even if you are exploring a sale.

What if I want to sell but owe more than the home is worth?

A short sale may be an option if the sale proceeds will not cover the amounts owed. A short sale requires approval from the applicable lender or loan servicer, and other lienholders may also need to agree. We can help you examine whether that path is worth pursuing.

Do I have to accept a cash offer?

No. A cash offer is one possible way to sell. Depending on your home and timeline, a traditional listing or expanded marketing approach may produce a better result. We can compare the estimated proceeds, timing, and tradeoffs before you decide.

Will a review cost me anything?

The Confidential Homeowner Options Review costs you nothing and does not commit you to list or sell your home. If you later choose a sale strategy, we will explain the proposed services and selling costs before you agree to anything.

What information should I have ready?

Start with your property address and a recent mortgage statement. If you have a payoff statement, foreclosure notice, sale date, or information about a second mortgage, HELOC, HOA balance, or other lien, have those available too. Contact us even if you do not have every document yet.

Where can I get independent foreclosure counseling?

A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand mortgage and foreclosure options. Foreclosure prevention counseling from a HUD-approved agency is free. You can find a counselor at hud.gov/counseling or call 800-569-4287.

You Have Options. Let’s Review Them.

Understand your value. Know your equity. Review your options.

Request a Confidential Homeowner Options Review or call or text 888-870-0443.

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KW Home Solutions is part of KW Default Solutions and powered by Keller Williams Realty.

This page provides general educational information, not legal, tax, credit, or financial advice. Mortgage assistance, short sales, and any delay in foreclosure activity require the applicable party’s approval. Available options depend on your loan, liens, property value, location, and timeline.