Any homeowner that is facing a Long Island foreclosure should take note that there are alternatives. Although the process of completing a foreclosure in New York does take longer than completing one in other states it is vital that the prolonged time period is used in a proper manner. There is much assistance that can be obtained on county, state and federal levels that can be utilized to help prevent a Long Island foreclosure.

The first step that should be taken when facing a foreclosure Long Island is to contact the lender of the homeowner's mortgage loan. Most mortgage lenders in Long Island are very negotiable when it comes to foreclosure related matters; they are negotiable and willing to work with homeowners so that the foreclosure can be prevented.

Many times the lender will allow a homeowner to refinance their home if the refinance will help avoid the foreclosure from taking place. In many cases refinancing helps to lower a homeowner’s monthly payments, enabling the homeowner to afford the payments that must be met in order for the foreclosure to be avoided. Even those homeowners that have defaulted on their mortgage loan can usually apply for a loan modification.

It is important for a homeowner to discuss all their foreclosure alternatives with their lender. One popular alternative to a Long Island foreclosure is taking part in the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative program. This program allows homeowners to relocate after completing a short sale of their home, which avoids a foreclosure and helps the homeowner avoid enduring horrific damage to their credit history.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as the HUD, offers assistance to homeowners facing a Long Island foreclosure. The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides homeowners with access to foreclosure prevention counseling. After completing counseling a counselor will advise the homeowner as to which route they should take to avoid a foreclosure. The counselor many times will act as an advocate and talk with a homeowner’s lender.

There is also several assistance programs offered by the state of New York that homeowners facing foreclosure in Long Island can take advantage of. Among these programs are the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2009 and the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008. Both programs provide financial assistance to homeowners in Long Island.

A large number of attorneys practicing in the Long Island area offer homeowners free legal advice and assistance. Homeowners that fall into a low or moderate income level can apply for legal assistance through the Foreclosure Prevention Project, or they can attend clinics that are offered by the Nassau County Bar association; these clinics provide free legal advice and assistance.

With so many programs offered in the Long Island areas there is no reason any homeowners should settle with foreclosing on their homes without seeking other alternatives first. And best of all many of these programs and services are provided to Long Island homeowners for free.