In most states mortgage modifications have been largely unregulated till recently. As of late you hear about more and more scams that are focused on taking advantage of the concerned homeowner. For this reason you need to use caution and common sense when hiring a negotiation expert.

First off, you should not make the assumption that just because someone is 'licensed' they are qualified to handle a mortgage modification. Most of the scams out there claim to be certified experts; in fact some will even use official sounding names to create a false sense that they are government affiliated.

If you were hiring an attorney for legal matters chances are you would use discretion and check references. Why shouldn't you do the same thing when hiring a negotiation expert?

When hiring an expert there are some criteria you should follow:

• Are they experts in the area of mortgage rescue? Can they prove it?

• Do they have a screening process in place to make sure you are a viable client? Or do they seem to help anybody that calls?

• Do they have a proven system for getting you results that you can deal with? Not just the first offer of adjustment the loan agency offer.

• Do they have documented cases where they were successful?

• Can they provide testimonial letters from happy customers?

• Do they offer affordable payment plans for their services?

• Do they offer money back guarantees?

• What is their success rate? Be cautious if this sounds too good!

• How quickly can they get you results? Again use caution if they sound too good to be true. If they tell you 30 days or less chances are they are not being honest.

• Do they offer in-depth reports or training materials to help you though the process?

You should be concerned if they require a deposit for their services. NEVER PAY IN ADVANCE FOR NEGOTIATION SERVICES.

It is ok to look for a service online but you common sense when doing this. Beware if they have a website that looks generic, chances are they are going to resell your information. Make sure they are indeed offering mortgage modification services and not attempting to get you involved in a sell-back program. This is where they will buy your home and lease it back to you. They will claim to help you buy it back at some later time.

This is not mortgage modification! This is an attempt to take your home away!

If they suggest you fill-out any type of quit claim deed then walk away.

When looking on line find someone real, someone who represents them that you can visualize. If they are afraid to put a face and name with their services chances are they are being dishonest.

If you use this common sense approach to finding a mortgage modification expert you should be able to avoid being a victim of fraud.