1/31/2011 11:46 AM (PST)

In general, we recommend that if you are having trouble making your mortgage payments we would recommend that you first seek a loan modification through a HUD approved non-profit housing counselor ASAP. If you are in CA and have been unemployed you may qualify for the state's Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program that was launched in January 2011. Call 888-954-KEEP (5337) to see if you qualify.

CA has other mortgage and renter assistance programs besides the Unemployment one launching in the first 2 weeks of February 2011. Check our Facebook page for updates on these:
http://www.facebook.com/Los.Angeles.BBB

If you don't qualify for the CA state programs, they will probably refer you to the national foreclosure prevention hotline to speak with a HUD certified housing counselor who can evaluate your housing options, open lines of communication with mortgage lenders, negotiate a loan modification, and help you with household budgeting, all at no cost.

National Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: 888-995-4673 (Remember, if you are a CA resident start with the state of California's special number for CA mortgage assistance programs: 888-954-KEEP (5337)