One company, EMC Mortgage Corporation, says it's helping troubled borrowers sift through their bills to compute a workable monthly payment. Even homeowners who are not in trouble, like Evonne Craig, like the idea.

"Great; I think that's needed," she said.

But not all lenders are reaching out to homeowners having trouble paying their mortgage. Ken Demers, who's on a fixed income, bought a home in Ranlo three years ago. But with health problems and rising doctor bills, he's had problems paying his $795 a month mortgage.

Demers' home is now up for sale after his mortgage company refused to restructure his adjustable rate loan.

"We asked them, 'Let's rewrite it cause we only have a five-year arm,' and they turned around and 'Oh no, we're just put it into foreclosure,' and we tried to ask them could we pay interest only. We know there's plans; you should be able to help us and they totally refused," Demers said.

Despite what happened Demers, call your mortgage lender at the first sign of trouble. Tell them your situation and ask for help. The last thing most lenders want is a foreclosure. They lose at least 40 percent of the value of a loan. Also, there're taxes and other expenses to pay on the property.