Foreclosure Help: What a Housing Counselor Can Do

Megan Mollmann
Updated
The thigngs that housing counselors can--and can't do -- for homeowners in foreclosure
The thigngs that housing counselors can--and can't do -- for homeowners in foreclosure

In 2010 an estimated 4 million homes will be slapped with foreclosure notices, making it the worst year yet for foreclosures during the housing crisis. And without a strong economic recovery the numbers could continue to escalate, leaving more Americans unable to afford their homes.

One way to turn back the tide is with foreclosure avoidance counseling. For example, at findaforeclosurecounselor.org, struggling homeowners can search for HUD-approved, not-for-profit housing agencies in their area, where they can get help with loan modifications and advice on alternatives to foreclosure -- such as short sales and deeds-in-lieu.

Though a lot depends on individual circumstances -- including your income, monthly mortgage payment, and amount of time you've been delinquent -- here are some of the steps a housing counselor can take to help you save your home from foreclosure:

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