There are several options available to help homeowners stop foreclosures. If you have found yourself mired in difficult financial circumstances and are having a hard time paying your mortgage, it is important to take immediate proactive steps to try to protect your home. Most lenders offer a number of assistance programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Loan modifications are one option that is available. In some cases, lenders will actually alter the terms of the loan to make the mortgage more affordable, such as reducing the interest rate, modifying the monthly payment amount, or decreasing the total loan amount. Some lenders may also offer programs such as forbearance, in which a reduced payment, an interest-only payment, or a temporary cessation of payments can be instituted until the homeowner is able to fulfill the original terms of the loan. Alternately, some lenders may agree to work out a payment plan to help you get caught up on late mortgage payments and stop foreclosure proceedings.