What process follows once a borrower fails to make payments as scheduled, ultimately leading to foreclosure?

When a borrower fails to make payments as scheduled, the process that often follows is a short sale. This occurs when the borrower and lender agree to sell the property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, allowing the borrower to avoid foreclosure. In this scenario, the lender typically agrees to accept the proceeds from the sale as full satisfaction of the debt, despite the sale price being lower than what is owed.

A short sale can be a beneficial option for borrowers because it allows them to eliminate their mortgage debt and avoid the more severe long-term financial and credit implications of a foreclosure. Additionally, a short sale is generally considered less damaging to a borrower's credit score compared to a foreclosure.

In contrast, the other options mentioned, such as loan restructure, credit counseling, and cash payment plans, may involve different strategies for dealing with missed payments but do not lead directly to foreclosure in the same manner. Loan restructures often require negotiations to modify loan terms rather than selling the property. Credit counseling is more about managing debt and creating a financial plan rather than focusing on the immediate sale of the property. Cash payment plans typically involve paying the due amounts directly to become current on the loan, rather than involving the sale of the property.