Financial Tips for Struggling Homeowners

A lot has changed in the housing market during the past few years. Prices have surged, then plummeted, and are now slowly climbing back upwards again. During this time, many American homeowners have found themselves in financial trouble and struggling to make ends meet.

If you're one of those people, don't worry! Here are some tips that can help you get out of debt and back on your feet.

Consider Your Income and Expenses

Start by looking at your income. Does it match up with your expenses? If not, what can you change to make that happen?

Think about the things in your home and life that bring you joy and happiness. What might you be able to give up, either temporarily or permanently, so you have more money for necessities like food, housing, and gas?

When you cannot meet your financial obligations, consider getting a second job or taking on freelance work. Chances are there's something that you could be doing in your spare time for money if you just put some effort into it.

Start cooking at home instead of going out! Eating out all the time is expensive and not good for your health. Instead, you will save tons of money by making healthier meals at home with ingredients from the grocery store around the corner--this way, no matter what happens in life, your family has plenty to eat.

Sell & Stay Program

The Sell & Stay Program is a new initiative that helps homeowners stay in their homes by providing them with a way to sell their houses and pay off the mortgage. This program offers struggling homeowners an option to avoid foreclosure and get out from under high monthly payments to live debt-free, which allows them to save up for something better if they choose not to return home after selling.

A financial institution will buy your home at market rate but provide you or your family with rental assistance as well--allowing you and your spouse (if applicable) time away from work while still receiving funds necessary for living expenses. The Sell & Stay Program is available nationwide. Read EasyKnock reviews to help determine if Sell & Stay is the right option for your situation.

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit

One way to get cash quickly is by taking out a home equity loan or line of credit. These loans are available from most banks and credit unions, but they typically come with higher monthly payments than other unsecured loans like personal loans.

A personal loan will give you money in your bank account right away, which may be the quickest option for getting things back on track if your home has equity. You can use it for anything--whether that's paying off debts, investing in a business idea, buying new furniture, so your house doesn't feel as depressing anymore. There are tons of options! One thing to keep in mind: Personal loans usually have high interest rates since they're not secured against property like a home.

Remove Private Mortgage Insurance

If your mortgage is underwater, you might qualify to get rid of PMI. That will save you on monthly payments and, in the long-term, could allow for a lower interest rate or even help you escape from foreclosure. You can simply ask your lender to deduct your PMI payment from the mortgage balance.

Maintain Your Credit Score

Keep making payments on time and don't open too many new accounts, as that could negatively impact your credit score. It is always a good idea to check your credit score at least once a year.

Learn about Your Mortgage Options

Just because you're struggling with payments doesn't mean that there aren't any options for you. For example, a mortgage company might be able to modify the terms of your loan or even help refinance it so that you'll have an easier time making monthly payments.

Find Out If You Qualify For Government Relief Programs

The federal government has created programs to help struggling homeowners and their families stay in their homes while paying off mortgages at low rates to regain financial stability. These include such options as refinancing one loan with another bank (if borrowers have little equity), reducing monthly payments through forbearance plans or other types of payment modification agreements (which usually come with eligibility requirements), or obtaining debt relief from lenders by going into foreclosure.