Causes of Financial Distress

Most cases of financial hardship and distress are due to one of the causes listed below.  This is not a casual list - the items on this list are recognized by lenders as legitimate causes of financial hardship.  

  • Loss of Job
  • Mandatory Job Relocation
  • Reduced Employment Income
  • Reduced Self-Employment Income
  • Military Service
  • Business Failure
  • Damage to Property
  • Severe Illness/Incapacity
  • Medical Bills
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Death of a Spouse
  • Death of Family Members
  • Inheritance Tax
  • Payment Increase/Mortgage Adjustment
  • Insurance or Tax Increase
  • Too Much Debt
  • Incarceration

If you want to use one of these causes to help make the case for either loan modification or a short sale, you ned to be able to show to the lender's satisfaction both the cause and the degree of the hardship.