If you're in serious financial trouble and face losing your home, put on your game face and get educated. You can get expert advice for free from the Pikes Peak Foreclosure Prevention Partnership. The hotline is (719) 444-8833. Don't be afraid to call the Public Trustee's Office, too. In El Paso County, Tom Mowle and his deputies know foreclosure up, down, inside out, and sideways. The number is (719) 520-6780.

The biggest mistake I see homeowners make... they ignore the reality of their situation, waiting till the last minute to talk to their mortgage lender. The sooner you act, the better your situation. The worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand and then take the advice of a slick stranger who knocks on your door. The law requires foreclosure information to be posted online... so the wolves look it all up and then set off to find uneducated homeowners. Many act like wolves who knock on doors, lend a sympthetic ear, and then act in their own best interests... not yours. It's much like the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood. Any investor who claims they can "solve all your problems" is a liar. Don't believe them just because you want to think they can make your problems vanish.

Also be careful if you're going through a divorce or separation. If you and your spouse's names are on a property, you're both on the hook... no matter who is or isn't paying the mortage.

Other big scams include the crooks who claims they can put together a loan modification for you... do a short sale or refinance your loan. Remember, these are complicated procedures and you need to make sure you're in good hands. Head to the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado for background checks on companies.  The number is (719) 636-5076.  Also, feel free to call me. I'll be happy to help steer you in the right direction... away from the predatory wolves.