In uncertain economic times, many people find themselves unable to make their mortgage payments. Whether the mortgage is on a primary residence or vacation home, defaulting on a mortgage can have serious consequences for the homeowner. These consequences vary by state, province, and country, so you must be sure to completely understand them.

Defaulting on Spanish mortgages, for example, has very specific consequences. In past years, it was possible to default on a Spanish mortgage with little to no loss at all to the homeowner. This was especially true if the homeowner was not a Spanish citizen and the home was a vacation home or second residence. But now Spanish mortgage holders can and do pursue every legal means necessary to collect on their mortgages.

One option you have when you default on your Spanish mortgage is to turn over the home to the bank. This option will save you money in court costs incurred by the bank when pursuing you for the balance, as well as additional interest on the mortgage during the court battle. However, turning the home over to the bank is a process that must be negotiated. The bank has to accept your offer, and they are under no obligation to do so. The bank is more likely to accept the home back from you if you have had a true hardship that has affected your ability to make payments on your Spanish mortgage. If your spouse dies or your income has dropped due to another cause that is no fault of your own, the bank may consider that a valid hardship and allow you to turn in your keys to the home.

If you cannot negotiate a home turnover with the bank that holds your Spanish mortgage, you will need to sell the home as soon as possible. Try to get a final sale price that will cover the remaining amount on your Spanish mortgage or one that will come as close as possible to paying it off, as the bank will still expect the full amount from you in any case. The bank will be most likely to aggressively pursue you for a large shortfall on the Spanish mortgage. However, the bank can legally pursue the homeowner for any shortfall amount at all. This includes placing liens on any assists you may have, such as investment portfolios, your primary residence, and any other property you own that has value..

If you must default on your Spanish mortgage, it is vital that you contact the bank as soon as possible to work with them. Doing so can result in an agreement that will satisfy the bank, relieve you of your responsibilities associated with the Spanish mortgage, and allow you to keep other assets you may own.