Going through a foreclosure is stressful, embarrassing, and scary. It's understandable if you'd like to just hide somewhere until it's all over. Unfortunately, that's not something you can – or at least, that you should – do.

Here are three mistakes people often make when they're facing foreclosure, and some better strategies for handling the situation and getting on with your life.

1. Ignoring the lender. That thing we said about hiding? Yeah, you really don't want to do that. Your lender will start trying to contact you as soon as you start missing mortgage payments. Though you may be tempted to ignore your lender's calls and letters out of shame, embarrassment, or feeling hopeless, doing so will keep you from learning about the ways your lender can actually help you save your home. Your lender may be willing to work with you on payment arrangements, offer a loan modification, conduct a short sale to protect you from foreclosure, or help you participate in a government-backed loan modification program.
2. Transferring Your Title. As soon as your foreclosure notification is made, you may be contacted by so-called foreclosure specialists offering their assistance. Often, they'll try to convince you to transfer the title into their name in order to save your home. Don't do it! Foreclosure doesn't really have anything to do with whose name is on the title, and signing your property over to them will only hurt you, not help you.
3. Damaging the property or letting it fall apart. Though it's perfectly normal to have some bad feelings when you think you're going to lose your property, destroying it or letting it fall into ruin is never a good idea. For one reason, there may be a chance that you can still keep your home. But, even if you can't, if you're able to sell it as a short sale, you want it to sell for the highest price possible. Damaging it or letting it fall into ruin will ultimately only hurt you.

So, what should you do when you're behind on your payments and think you could lose your home? Get help. A lawyer who specializes in foreclosure can help you understand your options and may even be able to help you delay the foreclosure or negotiate with your lender. The best way to understand the foreclosure process and navigate a path through it is with the help of someone who can explain all your options. Contact us today. We can help you through this.