What really happens if you miss a mortgage payment — and how much time do you actually have before foreclosure is on the table? Today, Zach and Sam break down the full timeline from Day 1 through Day 120+, explaining the consequences, credit impacts, and MOST importantly, the options homeowners have at every stage to fix the problem before it snowballs.

Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to understand the risks, a homeowner navigating a tough financial moment, or just someone who wants to know how the system actually works, this episode gives you a clear, realistic, shame-free breakdown of the process.

From grace periods to late fees… from credit reporting to serious delinquency… from repayment plans to forbearance and loan modifications… Zach and Sam walk through the entire roadmap and explain the power of communication, why banks truly don’t want your home, and how most foreclosures can be avoided long before they become reality.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for buyers, homeowners, landlords, and anyone who wants to protect their credit and their home.

00:00 – Intro: What Happens If You Miss a Mortgage Payment?

00:33 – Thanksgiving Week & Opening Banter

03:00 – Topic Overview: Missed Payments & Today’s Market

04:00 – 0–15 Days Late: Grace Period

07:00 – 16–29 Days Late: Late Fees Begin

10:30 – Renting vs. Owning: Why the Timeline Differs

12:46 – 30 Days Late: Officially Reported Late

15:00 – Credit Impact & Recovery Timeline

18:00 – Communication Is Key

22:00 – 60 Days Late: Serious Delinquency

24:00 – Avoidance, Pride, and Falling Behind

26:40 – 90 Days Late: Pre-Foreclosure Begins

27:30 – The Fork in the Road

28:30 – Options to Avoid Foreclosure (Forbearance, Deferral, Mods)

31:00 – Pandemic Example & Lender Willingness to Help

33:00 – 120 Days Late: Foreclosure Proceedings

34:00 – 7-Year Credit Impact & Score Effects

36:00 – How Long Until You Can Buy Again?

39:30 – Key Takeaways: Communicate Early

41:00 – Closing & Year-End Gratitude