One of the most difficult questions I am often asked is whether an individual should default on their loan. Strategic default is the decision by a borrower to cease making mortgage payments despite having financial ability to do so. This phenomena can be used as an affirmative negotiating tool to unload properties with no equity or for individuals seeking to modify a loan or qualify for a short sale. According to recent studies Experian (of the National Credit Bureau) a good portion of all defaulted loans today are strategic defaults made by choice rather than out of necessity. In short, Strategic defaults have become an elective business decision.