Julia,
You are in the same bind that thousands of others are in right now. If you have enough income to make the mortgage payment but simply feel cheated because of the decline in the value of your house, the bank is not likely to modify your loan. Your next alternative is to do a short sale. But, if you are not financially strapped, the bank may not agree to the short sale or they might want you to contribute some funds to complete the sale. In essence, it all depends on your finances. If you add in the factor of the move, it might help you with the bank. Your best bet is to put the house up for sale and then ask the bank to approve the short sale based upon all of your financial factors.
Ed Peckham
Peckham Realty
858-278-0881
Cell 858-354-9686 - Wed Sep 9 2009, 09:09