This technique may also be used to stop foreclosure long enough to allow another purchase, or something else to be done with the property.

Many of these programs enable homeowners to pay zero advance fees, reduce monthly mortgage payments and stop foreclosure.

When choosing a counselor, beware of anyone charging large up-front fees or guaranteeing you a loan modification or other solution to stop foreclosure.

This protects the creditor if the attempt to stop foreclosure is simply an attempt to escape the debt.

Another plus for Chapter 13, Mr. Snyder said, is a "cram down" provision that forces lenders to accept repayment terms they may object to but allow a debtor to restructure loans (except mortgage loans) and often stop foreclosure.

Usually when a lender to the sponsor takes over his position and continues making the payments," said Mr. Weinstein, "it is enough to stop foreclosure.

If someone offers to negotiate a loan modification for you or to stop or delay foreclosure for a fee, carefully check his or her credentials, reputation, and experience, watch out for warning signs of a scam, and always maintain personal contact with your lender and/or mortgage servicer.

Stop foreclosure.

Settlement conferences do not produce formal dispositions but may facilitate loan modifications and stop foreclosure.