Which of the following is an alternative to default that involves modifying a loan?

The correct answer is related to a loan modification, which is a process that allows borrowers to change the terms of their existing loan agreement to make it more manageable. This modification can involve lowering the interest rate, extending the loan term, or changing the monthly payment amount, providing a viable alternative for those who may be struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments. The goal of a loan modification is to help borrowers avoid default and foreclosure, thus maintaining ownership of their property while addressing their financial difficulties.

In contrast, a short sale involves selling the property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, with the lender's approval, and is typically considered when a homeowner cannot avoid default. Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender takes control of a property when the borrower fails to make payments; this is a more severe consequence of default. Equity restructuring generally pertains to adjusting the ownership structure of a property rather than modifying the loan itself. Thus, loan modification directly addresses and seeks to remedy the borrower's financial situation through adjustments to the loan terms.