If you are fighting foreclosure, knowing all of your options is your best defense in saving your home. There may be options that you are unaware of and knowing the choices you have can make all the difference when making a life changing decision. Whether you want to save your home or feel it would be best to walk away, it will be the hardest choice you will ever have to make. There is an option for those fighting foreclosure which is to seek professional help but when you are unable to make mortgage payments, it may be difficult to find the money to pay for legal proceedings. You can do it yourself through education and knowing your fighting foreclosure options.

Option 1 - Forbearance
If you are just in the beginning stages of fighting foreclosure or it has proceeded to an intermediate point, Forbearance may be an option for you. This term is used for an agreement that gives you a temporary break from making the mortgage payments. This works well if you are suffering from temporary financial crisis such as a job layoff. This option can give you the time you need in order to get your life back on track.

Option 2 - Loan Modification
A loan modification is an adjustment of an existing mortgage that can include a lower interest rate, longer term or reduction in principle balance. When you are accepted for a loan modification, the new note is considered current at the time it is created which means your efforts of fighting foreclosure is stopped immediately.

Option 3 - Pre-Foreclosure Sale/Short Sale/Friendly Foreclosure
This option will allow you to avoid foreclosure by selling your home for less than what is owed on your mortgage. To qualify, your loan must be at least 2 months delinquent, appraisal of your home meets their criteria and your debts outweigh your assets.

Option 4 - Partial Claim/For FHA Loans Only
You may be able to work out with your lender a one-time payment from the FHA Insurance Fund to bring your mortgage current. To qualify you must be at least 4 months behind on your mortgage but no more than 12 months and you are able to start making full mortgage payments. This claim filed by your lender to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will result in an interest free Promissory Note which will be due when you pay off the first mortgage or when you sell the property.

Option 5 - Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure
This involves voluntarily giving your home back to the lender. Although this won't save your home or forgive the debt, it will not damage your credit as much as a foreclosure will. If you have done all you can in fighting foreclosure and do not qualify for any of the other options, this may be a choice that cannot be ignored.

These are just your options but do you know about the laws that are out there to protect you as your fighting foreclosure? Knowing these laws is a vital step in protecting your home. Do not contact your lender until you are fully aware of your rights. Find out what the latest new legislation in Congress is going to do for homeowners fighting foreclosure. Did you know there are Foreclosure Assistance Programs? Are they really legitimate or something to avoid? Find out whether selling your home right now is a real option for you. Fighting foreclosure may be one of the most intimidating experiences you will go through. Don't do it alone.