A mortgage modification changes the terms of your original mortgage agreement. Your lender will work with you to try and find a way to lower your monthly payment by adjusting the terms of your current mortgage. The goal is to help you get back on track.
Generally, once you've locked in a mortgage rate, the terms are fixed and usually cannot be renegotiated. However, some lenders offer a float down option, allowing you to negotiate mortgage rates if market conditions shift favorably during the rate lock-in period.
It's a form of relief for borrowers facing financial hardship. Mortgage forbearance is a short-term suspension or reduction of monthly mortgage payments granted by a lender to help a borrower through temporary financial hardship. Lenders aren't required to grant your request for forbearance.
The top candidates for mortgage modification are homeowners behind on their payments, or in danger of falling behind, and those who are faced with potential foreclosure as a result of unanticipated or unavoidable (and demonstrable) financial hardship.
Your best chance at getting a modification is to demonstrate the ability to repay and a thorough understanding of the costs and income you face going forward. If the problem making payments is short-term, ask your lender about forbearance or postponement of payments for a limited period.