Introduction

If you’re one of the millions Americans who are having trouble making your mortgage payments or are already in danger of foreclosure, this guide will give you the practical information you need, including:

• the ins and outs of foreclosure
• how to decide if you should try to keep your house
• federal programs to help you avoid foreclosure
• alternatives to foreclosure, such as short sales and deeds in lieu
• delaying or avoiding foreclosure with bankruptcy, and
• avoiding foreclosure scams.

This edition of the nation’s bestselling book on foreclosure is updated with the latest information on the federal Making Home Affordable programs, federal mortgage servicing rules, recent court decisions affecting homeowner’s rights, and state foreclosure procedures and timelines.