Avoiding Foreclosure - What You Can Do

Avoiding Foreclosure - What You Can Do

The rate of residential home foreclosure filings dropped dramatically in April, down 14.3% from the previous month, according to Foreclosures.com. Still, year-to-date the foreclosure-filings rate is higher than the same period a year earlier.

What to Do:  Depending on your lender, you may be able to restructure your mortgage if you're late in making monthly payments. The delinquent mortgage payments may be added to the mortgage balance, or the homeowner could be given additional time to make catch-up payments. If you can no longer afford your adjustable-loan rate, don't count on bankruptcy court to save your home.

Changes in the bankruptcy law in 2005 have made it harder for homeowners to qualify for a "fresh start" and prevent foreclosure. Instead, work with a qualified credit-counseling service to restructure your non-mortgage debt to free up cash-flow. Federal help may also soon be on the way: Mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are planning to introduce alternative financing to help homeowners with subprime loans avoid foreclosure.