Are you behind in your mortgage payments, or concerned that you soon might be?

Have you received a preforeclosure letter from your lender?

First of all, don't be ashamed. Millions of homeowners are in your situation – many times through no fault of their own. A job loss, a serious illness or other circumstances can put you in danger of foreclosure.

The economic downturn has led to many homeowners being "under water" in their loans, meaning they owe more than the home is worth, making it impossible to refinance.

If you've become one of those millions, don't panic. Foreclosure, and its accompanying effect on your credit, is not inevitable. There are many options out there, and your circumstances may make one of those options feasible and desirable for you.

To keep your options alive, you need to communicate with your lender. Many homeowners have lost their homes to foreclosure without ever having contacted the bank.

This would also be a good time to consult with a tax advisor and a RE/MAX Distinguished Homes & Properties agent. Thousands of RE/MAX Distinguished Homes & Properties agents are trained in working with distressed properties, and will be able to help you explore options other than foreclosure.

Many lenders would rather not foreclose. They take a large financial hit on a foreclosure. So in many cases, they'll consider alternatives. Some of these options may keep you in your home.