What is a common reason for the lender to prefer a forbearance agreement?

A forbearance agreement is a temporary arrangement between a lender and a borrower that allows the borrower to pause or reduce their mortgage payments for a specified period. This is often a solution for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, and it serves to prevent the situation from escalating to foreclosure.

The primary reason a lender might prefer a forbearance agreement is to avoid the costs and complexities associated with foreclosure. Foreclosure can be a lengthy and costly legal process for lenders, often resulting in legal fees, property maintenance costs, and the potential for decreased property value. By agreeing to a forbearance, lenders can maintain a relationship with the borrower and have the opportunity to eventually receive full repayment without the need to pursue costly legal action.

While a lender’s focus is typically on recovering their investment rather than increasing interest rates or collecting late fees, a forbearance agreement maintains the integrity of the loan and encourages a resolution that can benefit both parties. In this context, the aim is to find a pathway back to regular payments, rather than pursuing more severe actions that could be detrimental to both the lender and the borrower.