1. Figure out the amount that you are able to pay each month. It is important to know the amount that you can realistically pay before contacting your lender.

2. Contact your mortgage company immediately. It is best to contact your mortgage lender before problems arise but if you are already behind on your payments; it is not too late.

3. Request a forbearance. A forbearance is a temporary agreement between a lender and a borrower to stop the foreclosure process. A forbearance allows you to temporarily change the payment schedule and the payment terms.

4. Restructure the loan. Restructuring a loan is a longer term solution.. This allows the borrower to decrease monthly payments by increasing the number of years on the loan. Most lenders are willing to work with you to prevent you from losing you home.

5. The last resort is bankruptcy. Under some bankruptcy agreements you may be able to keep your home and discharge other debts that interfere with your ability to make your mortgage payment.