Veteran Mortgage Relief: Important Things to Know

by THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo 08/26/2024

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:

Loan Deferment vs. Forbearance

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.

Your Credit Score

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.

About the Author
Author

THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo

The Cuomo Team - 25 years experience serving South Florida's Real Estate needs!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Services - 

 Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.

Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.

Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene. 

The Cuomo Team has several agents, so that someone is always available to assist you with any of your real estate needs any time 7 days a week! Kim's husband, John, a retired firefighter from the Town of Palm Beach, works in the Commercial Division. Kim's son Matthew Cuomo works on the team, along with her daughter in law, Tasianna Cuomo. and Christine Cuomo Georgeou, her sister in law. 

You can contact Kim directly anytime at 561-339-3002, and she will be happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs! She looks forward to hearing from you!