After mortgage forbearance ends, you must resume full payments and address any missed ones—ignoring it can hurt your credit or lead to foreclosure. Most lenders offer options like repayment plans, deferrals, or loan modifications. Understanding what happens after mortgage forbearance ends and contacting your loan servicer early is key to staying on track and protecting your home. Planning ahead gives you more control and peace of mind.
What Happens After Mortgage Forbearance Ends?
When your forbearance period ends, your mortgage company expects you to resume payments. But not just that—they also want to know how you’re going to deal with the missed ones too. That’s where most people freeze. Because it’s not always clear what the bank’s next move is. But here’s the real: They don’t want to foreclose. That’s the last thing they want. So here’s what typically happens after mortgage forbearance ends:
- You start making regular payments again – That means full payment is due starting your next due date.
- You work with your loan servicer to deal with missed payments – This could mean different repayment options.
- Your credit can take a hit if you skip payments without a plan.
- You risk foreclosure if you just ignore the letters.
It sounds heavy. But you’ve got options. You just need to get ahead of them.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for the End of Your Mortgage Forbearance
Alright, let’s lay out how to reset your mortgage life once forbearance is over. I’ve been through tough seasons, and here’s how I handled it personally—and how I’ve helped others do the same.
1. Know Your End Date Like It’s Rent Day
You’ve got to know the exact day your forbearance ends. Not “sometime soon.” Not “I think next month.” The actual, hard date. Because that’s when full payment starts again—unless you’ve made other arrangements.
Pro tip: Set a reminder in your phone at least 30 days before the forbearance period is up. Get in touch with your servicer BEFORE that date. You can’t wing this.
2. Pull Out the Numbers
Ask yourself: Can I afford to restart full payments right now?
- Has your income bounced back?
- Are you still behind on other stuff?
- How many months of payments did you miss?
You need to know exactly what you owe, and when it’s owed.
3. Talk to Your Loan Servicer Before They Talk to You
Don’t wait for the scary letter. Call them first. Ask about your options. And be honest. Tell them your situation, your income, and whether you’ve got a plan—or not. They’re not trying to kick you out. They’re trying to keep things moving. But communication is your currency here.
4. Know Your Repayment Options Post-Forbearance
So what’s the actual deal with catching up on missed payments? Here’s how it might go down:
| Repayment Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Reinstatement | You pay all missed payments at once (lump sum). |
| Repayment Plan | Missed payments are added to your future payments over several months. |
| Deferral | Missed payments are tacked onto the end of your loan. |
| Loan Modification | Your loan terms may change to lower your monthly payments. |
Most people panic thinking they need to pay everything back at once. That’s not always true. Again, it depends on what your servicer offers—and your income.
The way you handle what happens after mortgage forbearance ends can determine if things stabilize or spiral.
Real Talk: If You Can’t Afford Payments Right Now
Look—I know some people still aren’t back on their feet. You’re doing your best, but it’s paycheck by paycheck right now.
If that’s you, here’s what you need to do today:
- Don’t ghost your mortgage company.
- Ask about loss mitigation options.
- See if you qualify for a loan modification (this saved my house once).
- Connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor—free help, real advice.
And if you ever feel underwater, you might even consider whether selling the property makes more sense. I’ve seen real people win doing this—you take the equity and start fresh.
If that’s something you’re considering, check out some of the content we’ve shared over at reAlpha’s blog on how to sell smart in any market.
FAQs:
Do I need to pay everything back at once?
No. That’s just one option (reinstatement). Most lenders offer repayment plans, deferral, or a loan modification. You have to ask for it though.
Will my credit be affected?
If you stick with the terms of forbearance and get on a repayment plan, your credit should be safe. But if you skip post-forbearance payments? Your score will drop.
Can I extend my forbearance?
Sometimes. But it’s limited. Usually, it’s a 6-month extension at most, and only if your hardship continues and you request it before the current forbearance ends.
How soon should I contact my lender?
Right now. Don’t wait till the end date. Hit them up at least 30 days ahead to discuss your options.
What if I lost income permanently?
That’s where a loan modification could help—lower payments over a longer term. Or, consider selling or renting out the property. Start thinking smart, not emotionally.
We’ll keep unpacking what happens after mortgage forbearance ends in future posts—this is just part one. Stick with me.
Conclusion
Prepare now so you don’t get caught slipping when your lender comes calling. What happens after mortgage forbearance ends is 100% up to how you plan for it now.