Homeowners facing foreclosure can enlist in one of many programs, known as stop foreclosure programs, to effectively avoid foreclosure from causing problems. One such program is loan modification, which involves the restructuring of loans to be more affordable for at risk homeowners. These programs are made available when a homeowner demonstrates a potential for foreclosure based on their inability to pay their mortgage. At the government level, loan modification is offered primarily through The Office for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Make Home Affordable Program. When loan modification cannot successfully stop foreclosure, some mortgagors may resort to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy does not necessarily stop foreclosure either, but at the least, it postpones it as long as agreed payments are made. Another commonly used alternative to foreclosure is short sale, an action that involves selling the home at a lower price to avoid foreclosure. If agreed by the lender, a short sale can actually nullify the remainder of debt owed on a mortgage.