Should I Call My Lender If I Can't Make My Mortgage Payment?

Yes — immediately, even before you miss the payment if you can see it coming. Servicers have loss mitigation staff specifically for this, and reaching out early puts you in a completely different category than a homeowner who goes silent.

Timing Matters

Many banks won't seriously discuss workout options until you're at least 60 days past due, and most stop offering new loss mitigation once you're within 37 days of a scheduled sale date. If you can, start this conversation before 90 days past due — you'll have far more leverage.

Before You Call

Know your loan number, have a rough sense of your income and expenses, and be ready to briefly explain your hardship. Ask directly: "What loss mitigation options am I eligible for?" Write down who you spoke to and when.

This single call is often the difference between a manageable plan and a runaway timeline.