The "ways to stop foreclosure" are many, but actually understanding each method is an entirely different, yet very important matter. The first and most direct method of stopping foreclosure requires that the homeowner speak with their lender. The lender has the legal right to issue foreclosures, and their rights also extend to stopping or at least delaying them as well. Following successful negotiation, a lender may choose to provide a payment plan or may even modify the mortgage, a process known as loan modification. Programs such as Home Affordable and FHA offer federally funded loan modification, which can be of considerable help if the homeowner qualifies. Beyond this option, homeowners can also consider the helpful but much less desirable alternatives of a short sale or bankruptcy. Both of these alternatives will yield negative affects on the homeowners credit, but in some cases may be better than foreclosure nonetheless.