Delinquent Mortgage Borrowers . . . what to do

Doing nothing is the worst thing a delinquent borrower can do. And the longer the delay, the worse it gets.

US Comptroller of the Currency John Dugan says, "The record shows that the early stages of mortgage delinquency are the most crucial. The sooner borrowers reach out for help, the more options they have, and the more likely foreclosure may be avoided."

In half of all foreclosures, lenders say borrowers do not make contact with them. Yet, more than a third of those who reach out for assistance are successful in finding alternatives to foreclosure.

Homeowners experiencing financial difficulties can call 1-888-995 HOPE, a toll-free hotline staffed around the clock, seven days a week, by 85 qualified housing counselors from agencies approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs.