The first and most important thing to do is to talk to your lender. The bank or institution who lent you the money to buy the house wants that money back…which means that they don’t want the house. If they foreclose, then they have to sell it which can be a huge hassle.
Most lenders will be willing to work with you if you are honest and upfront with them, and if you contact them right away. Don’t ignore communication from your lender, and don’t be afraid to ask family members, friends, and helping institutions for assistance. You can sometimes get help paying your mortgage from unlikely places.
Also, make sure that you reduce your debt load as much as you can. Get rid of bills that you can live without. Cable and high-speed Internet, as well as expensive cell-phone plans, are usually the first things to go. If you show you’re making an effort, your lender will be much more likely to do the same.
