If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage or know you will have difficulty in the near future, call your lender! Your lender will be able to provide you with options that may allow you to save your home.

Connect with a local HUD-approved counseling agency for free by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or find a counselor online.

When you call your lender or housing counselor; be prepared with your account information and a summary of the financial problems you are experiencing. You should also have recent income statements and your household budget.

Continue to answer the phone and read your mail. Avoiding your lender won't make the problem go away. In fact, it will only make the problem worse. Your lender will have knowledge of options that may be available to you.

Beware of loan modification scams. Some companies and individuals prey on homeowners seeking foreclosure prevention assistance. Report foreclosure or loan modification scams by visiting www.LoanScamAlert.org or calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).