If you are one of the many thousands of Americans whose house is going up for a foreclosure home auction, you are in good company.  Many states have had foreclosures rise as much as 57% during the first half of 2008.  But don’t let all of this bad news make you feel as if your life is going to end when foreclosure proceedings start.  There are still things you can do to prevent a foreclosure home auction.

The Process Takes A While

One of the big misconceptions about bank foreclosure auctions is that they happen immediately after getting a foreclosure notice.  The process takes months.  By law, you are given at least a month to not only try to get your finances in order, but to find a buyer for your home rather than have it go up for a foreclosure home auction. 

You can get help to halt the foreclosure process from HUD (Housing and Urban Development).  HUD employs credit counselors that work for free ("pro bono"). HUD pays them so you don’t have to.  You can find where the closest HUD counselor is by checking on their website or calling 1-800-569-4287.

Some things a HUD-approved counselor can do is let you know your rights as a home owner in your state and in your particular financial situation.  They will also help you find legal ways to delay a foreclosure home auction.  Your creditor or bank would rather not have to deal with your home, because this is a money-losing hassle for them. 

Stay Away From Scam Artists

There are many scam artists who promise that they can stop foreclosure home auctions after you pay them a huge fee.  After the check cashes, they skip town and you are still left with the prospect of dealing with a foreclosure.  You can tell they are scam artists usually because they claim they can fix your credit record or ask you to falsify some records.

Don’t Take Revenge

If it appears inevitable that your house will go to a foreclosure home auction, don’t try to "get even" with the bank by either trashing your home, leaving dead animals or home made bombs on the property.  This is not only cruel, but will land you in jail.  If you have to give up your pets, please surrender them to your local animal shelter.

Besides, it is just a house.  It's not the house that makes a home.  If you are deeply in debt, selling your current house may be what you need to get back on your financial feet again.