Lost Your Job in the DMV and Still Paying a Mortgage? Here’s What to Do Next

Red "For Hire" sign on vintage taxi meter, slightly weathered, with blurred plaid background, conveying a nostalgic mood.

When you lose a job — especially one tied to a government contract or security clearance — the fear is instant and real. And when you’ve got a hefty mortgage on your plate? The stakes feel even higher. But here's what most people don’t realize: you have more options than you think.

This blog is for DMV-area homeowners, federal employees, and security-cleared professionals navigating layoffs in today’s shifting market. Because sometimes, the right advice can save your home — and your sanity.

Real Case, Real Results: A Microsoft Layoff + $1.8M Home

Just days ago, I received a call from a homeowner in the DMV area who had purchased a $1.8M home with 0% down using a VA loan. They’d just lost their job at a large tech company — a security-cleared role — and were panicking about their mortgage payments. Their first thought? Sell the house.

But that would’ve been a loss. With no equity and high transaction costs, selling would’ve meant walking away with nothing — or worse, in the red. Renting wasn’t realistic either: four dogs, no income, no landlord approval.

Here’s what we did instead: I advised them to call their mortgage company and ask for a loan modification.

Result? They were granted a 3-month deferral, giving them space to breathe and time to strategize. And in three months if they still have no job, they can call again for another deferral.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Job and Have a Mortgage

Contact Your Mortgage Lender Immediately - Ask about forbearance or loan modification programs. Many lenders will allow you to defer payments and add them to the back of the loan — a temporary solution that can be a game-changer. Prioritize a loan mod instead of forbearance because this will add the payments to the end of your loan, instead of having to pay all at once at the end of the temporary forbearance.

Explore HELOCs and HELOANs Before You’re in Crisis - If job loss is looming, consider securing a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a Home Equity Loan before you lose income. Once you're unemployed, these options are typically off the table.

Don’t Rush to Sell (Unless You Know the Math) - Without equity, selling can cost more than it helps. Instead, lean into solutions that keep you in place until you're back on your feet.

If You’re a Government or Security-Cleared Professional in the DMV…

You’re not alone. Layoffs across tech, defense, and government-adjacent sectors are affecting thousands in the region. But this doesn’t have to be the end of your homeownership story — or your financial one.

Now is the time to:

Stay proactive.
Explore all your options before reacting.
Talk to someone who sees beyond the sale.

Not Just a Realtor — A Real Estate Advisor

I didn’t earn a commission this week. But I helped a family keep their home. That’s what real estate advisory is about.

Not every moment is a sale. Some are a lifeline.

If you're in a similar situation — job loss, mortgage stress, zero equity — reach out. Let's talk strategy before you take a loss.

Because you don’t need to figure this out alone.

And in this market? The smartest move isn’t always the obvious one.

Why Who You Work With Matters

Working with me is not your typical real estate experience — and that’s intentional. I’m not a part-time agent. I’m not here between school drop-offs or treating this as a side gig. I’m a trained neuroscientist, educated at Johns Hopkins, who brings a strategic, analytical, and deeply human approach to every transaction. I combine logic and empathy, facts and foresight — because in high-stakes moments like job loss or luxury-level home investments, you don’t need another sales pitch. You need someone who can think clearly under pressure, see solutions where others see problems, and protect your peace of mind like it’s my own.

And if at any point you find yourself behind on payments — please call me before you call a foreclosure attorney. There may be options on the table that could preserve your credit, protect your equity, and buy you the time you didn’t know you had. Let’s solve the problem before it becomes a crisis. That’s what a true advisor does.