HOMEOWNERS RESOURCES TO HELP AVOID FORECLOSURE: You've heard me talk about the recent $25 Bn settlement between 49 states and the five largest mortgage lenders, as well as a number of other recent items to help you avoid a possible foreclosure. In line with that information, I'm providing for your info and use a number of websites that give specific guidance and help in these and related areas. Take them down; contact as many as you feel would be helpful in your case and good luck in your efforts. (Due to space involved in their info, I cannot provide specific info on each one beyond what I note here. The rest of the details will come when you log on. www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com -- this relates to the actual $25Bn settlement; www.oag.ca.gov/hbor -- helps with the recently passed California Homeowner Bill of Rights which goes into effect on 1-1-13; www.hud.gov/counseling -- alternatively, call (800) 569-4287; helps homeowners seek loan mods for free; www.independentforeclosurereview.com -- Helps those who were foreclosed upon in 2009 and 2010 get a fre review of the foreclosure by federal regulators to check for errors in the process, which could lead to compensation to the homeowner.Deadline is 12-31-12, so don't wait!; www.consumerfinance.gov -- From the new government agency that oversees both housing issues and credit cards, from the consumer's point of view; www.makinghomeaffordable.gov -- the site for the Federal foreclosure prevention program, it has links to a number of subjects including loan mods, underwater refis of homes, reduction of loan principal and loan payment forbearance for unemployed owners; www.keepyourhomecalifornia.org -- the site for a California state run program offering temporary mortgage help for unemployed, catch-up payment aid for those behind on payments, reduction of loan principal and other things. These may not cover the entire waterfront of helpful sites out there, but they make a damn good starting point. As always, good luck.