OK.

You missed a payment because of a job loss or other problems.

Once your grace period ends, your lender will attempt to contact you. If you do not communicate with the lender, you will have bigger problems in 45 days.

In 45 days, you will receive a written warning that foreclosure is approaching. If you do not respond, more problems will arise in 30 days.

Once 30 days have passed from your written warning, formal foreclosure documents will be filed and the "fun" will begin.

Foreclosure laws vary from state to state but there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. You can choose one of the two forms of bankruptcy or you can try to work with your lender.

In many states, there are foreclosure prevention organizations that will help you.

However, it is better to be proactive and to avoid the steps mentioned above whenever possible.