Headed for trouble? Be prepared

Use every resource available to educate yourself on your option if you’re behind on your mortgage — there are many choices, but they aren’t immediately easy to grasp, says Kevin Walker, president and chief executive of MortgageReport.com, a new Web site that helps borrowers learn whether they are eligible for loan modifications. Few borrowers get the benefits of the high-profile Making Home Affordable program unveiled by the Obama administration, but individuals can try renegotiating with lenders or using help from organizations such as Hope Now. Talking with counselors trained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by calling the local consumer credit counseling service or through the federal Hope Now program also is a good start.