The U.S. government has multiple options available for military veterans who may be facing foreclosure. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, borrowers can get financial relief through means such as forbearance, deferment, refinancing and more. However, there are some crucial details to be aware of. Here are some of the most important things to know about current veteran mortgage relief options:
One of the most important aspects of understanding veteran mortgage relief options is knowing the difference between loan deferment and loan forbearance. A loan deferment basically "pauses" your mortgage payments for a pre-determined period. During this time, you don't have to make payments on either the principal amount or interest. Your interest is also paused: during your deferment period, you will not continue to build interest on your loan.
Forbearance is extremely similar except for the lack of accrued interest. Just like a deferment, forbearance allows you to stop regular payments for an agreed upon amount of time. However, interest will continue to accrue as normal. While you don't need to pay it off until later, this can sometimes result in a higher total loan balance than originally planned.
Credit scores factor in to nearly every aspect of our financial lives. As such, it's important to consider the possible effect of mortgage relief on your credit score. While most mortgage relief programs won't affect your credit in a negative way, there are some situations that could cause your score to drop.
Normally, missed mortgage payments would negatively impact your credit score. If granted forbearance or deferment, your lender should keep your account marked as current. If you were already behind on payments before the relief period, it might mean your mortgage will remain in delinquent status and hurt your credit score.
There are many options for mortgage relief offered to U.S. veterans to suit a variety of situations. To determine which is best for you, keep these details in mind.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
