The rot continues in foreclosure with insiders not expecting a turnaround anytime soon. Hundreds of thousands of ex-homeowners today are foreclosure casualties of the current real-estate meltdown. Some had not resisted but the majority did try but failed to stop foreclosure because the odds were stacked against them. Things are different today and there is every chance that a foreclosure can be averted.

It is nevertheless a daunting task to stop a foreclosure in the wake of the housing market instability and credit squeeze. That is why the whole exercise must start with a concerted evaluation of the entire financial situation of the threatened homeowner. It may even turn out to be more desirable to forgo the subject property. For or against foreclosure, it is critical that you come out of it in the best possible terms as it will have undeniable bearing on your financial standing thereon.

It rarely comes bigger than that, the decision must be made only after a thorough examination of all the options available to help you tackle the situation. They include: refinancing, loss mitigation and other waiver and relief measures. On top of it, it pays to make note of regulatory reforms in the pipeline as if there ever was a good time to be hit with foreclosure threat, this is it.

Most beleaguered homeowners would strive to stop a foreclosure if at all possible. Once that decision has been formed, it's a race against time right away as options run out as the clock ticks. On the other hand, never allow yourself to be overcome with panic. There are two basic approaches to deal with a foreclosure in a calculated manner namely third-party representatives and DIY (do-it-yourself). The choice is rather individual as each has its merits and price.

What has become popular nowadays is a combination of both, purportedly for the "best of both worlds". There's a certain pattern to many of the eventual success stories about surviving foreclosure: -The affected homeowner takes charge and makes the calls. -Never fall for scams and cons. -Check out every option including those that seem out-of-reach. -Positive, tireless and focused engagement.

Information, guides and handbooks on how to stop foreclosure abound on the internet and various other channels.

A little light can now be seen at the end of the tunnel. Consumer confidence (Conference Board, June 2008), home prices (S&P/Case-Shiller, May 2008) and economic growth (GDP Commerce Department 2Q 2008) all topped expectations. Furthermore, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act 2008 has been enacted. That?s a big shot in the arm for 400,000 foreclosure-bound homeowners while also injecting liquidity into the faltering credit market.