What may happen if you fail to pay your mortgage?

When a borrower fails to pay their mortgage, one possible consequence is the invocation of an acceleration clause. This clause is included in most mortgage agreements and gives the lender the right to demand the entire outstanding balance of the loan immediately upon a default, rather than waiting until the end of the loan term. Essentially, if the borrower misses a payment or otherwise violates the terms of the mortgage, the lender can accelerate the loan, making the full amount due instead of just the missed payment.

The acceleration clause serves as a protective mechanism for lenders, enabling them to respond expediently to defaults by recovering their funds more quickly. Once accelerated, the lender can initiate foreclosure proceedings, leading to potential loss of the property for the borrower.

The other options, while related to mortgage handling, do not specifically pertain to the consequences of failing to make mortgage payments. Forbearance refers to an agreement where the lender allows the borrower to temporarily pause or reduce payments, while modification involves changing the terms of the loan to make it more manageable for the borrower. Subordination relates to the priority of liens against a property, which does not directly address the consequences of not paying the mortgage.