If you’re not aware of what the foreclosure process looks like, it can be pretty scary. You make it a lot less discouraging by studying the steps of foreclosure. And that’s why you need to block out the time to learn the foreclosure process and see what steps you can take to stop it from happening.

The moment you miss that first mortgage payment, the steps on the way to foreclosure are set in motion. You will get a notice from the lender saying that you missed a payment. The lender will let it rest if you pay the past due bill. You’ll get calls from the mortgage company if you stay in default. They will announce to you that you are formally in default. If this looks like your situation, contact your lender.

Mortgage loan modification may still be an option if you talk with your lender in time. This can save your home from foreclosure. Most lenders will delay the foreclosure until three months of past due payments before they start foreclosure. Frequently they wait a bit longer, but you can count on that foreclosure notice hitting your doorstep.

The moment that foreclosure notice arrives, you have a problem. You can attend the court hearing and try to stall the foreclosure process, but you will lose because you’re obviously breaking the terms of your mortgage. The bank gets the right to sell your house through an auction when the court hearing is over. When the auction process begins, you only have a few days to leave your house. If you do not leave, you will be evicted by the law.

Meet with your lender before it gets to this point. Oftentimes, mortgage loan modification can be a solution to your problems and it would be a shame to squander that opportunity. When applying for a mortgage loan modification, make sure you study the paperwork so you have the best chance of getting your application accepted.