[org.whodat]

If you default, and the government bails you out, are you still reported to the credit bureaus as a deadbeat?

A default and being behind on the mortgage is not the same thing. Never default, have an attorney write a deed to the lender first, and move out. That is payment in full in most cases.

[Doe Eyes]

Never default, have an attorney write a deed to the lender first, and move out. That is payment in full in most cases.

As a matter of FR etiquette, you should include a derogatory statement about lawyers.

[thirst4truth]

A default and being behind on the mortgage is not the same thing. Never default, have an attorney write a deed to the lender first, and move out. That is payment in full in most cases. Is that a Deed in lieu of foreclosure? You go to the title co and sign the deed over to the bank. That doesn't necessarily mean they won't come after you for the balance of the debt after they sell it, but they are pretty busy right now and maybe they won't.