As debtors would tell you, foreclosure is not instant. It is a process that takes a series of steps. And in each step, the debtor is provided with remedies that can be availed of to stop the eventual foreclosure sale.

The first things you need to look into are the telltale signs of an inevitable foreclosure. The two most glaring signs are: first, failure to remit your house payment; and, the likelihood that you will soon renege on your house payment. Indicators of the second sign include: credit card debt that’s rising to unmanageable levels, reliance on credit cards for basic necessities, and general difficulty to pay monthly bills as they fall due. If you are in these situations, then it’s time to take matters into your own hands, and find home solutions for avoiding foreclosure.

Foreclosure is a legal process with certain adverse consequences that are difficult for laypeople to understand. As such, the first-aid when it comes to avoiding foreclosure is always to seek the help of people who can explain to you your prospects. For this purpose, you can coordinate with the nearest housing counselor.

How exactly does foreclosure happen, and how much time do you have to work it out before you lose your home? Here’s a simplified timeline of the stages, and what you should do to avert the eventual foreclosure:

Stage 1: You missed a payment. Expect to get a call or a letter from your creditor reminding you to remit your payment. This early, you can ask help from a counselor.

Stage 2: You missed two payments. Your creditor will be more persistent and would ask to discuss with you the reasons for your failure to pay. Even if you don’t have a better reason than financial constraints, it is still important that you take their calls. Remember that even creditors would prefer a settlement to litigation, so there should be no reason to not talk to them. They will want to hear your explanation and the ways by which you are trying to address you difficulties. At this point, you should also attempt to make at least one payment so your arrears don’t go up to three months.

Stage 3: You missed three payments. Your creditor will likely send you a demand letter asking you to pay your arrears, as stated in the letter, within 30 days, otherwise they will initiate foreclosure proceedings. By this time, they will most probably refuse payment of anything less than the full amount of your delinquency. Call a counselor for tips on how to work something out with your creditor.Stage 4: You missed four payments. Your period for paying is almost over. A housing counselor can advise you on how to keep your account from being transferred to the creditor’s legal counsel so you don’t incur attorney’s fees.