The sooner you call a nonprofit housing counseling agency, the better. Numerous articles in the media suggest these agencies can work out some pretty good deals for homeowners who are not too deeply in trouble on their mortgages. On the other hand, I’ve heard stories from my clients about the intransigence of lenders in situations that would seem to cry out for flexibility. But, time permitting, it certainly won’t hurt you to see what a counselor can do for you.