 TITLE: How Can I Stop Foreclosure? CONTENT: How Does a Foreclosure Impact Your Credit?\n------------------------------------------\nBesides bankruptcy, foreclosure is one of the worst things that can happen to your credit. That impact doesn't last forever, though. These are some of the ways a foreclosure plays a role in your credit:\n*   **Lower credit score**: The appearance of a foreclosure on your credit report can bring down your credit score. How much your score drops depends on several factors, such as what you score was before foreclosure and how many other negative marks show up on your credit report. The missed payments leading up to foreclosure also will have a negative effect on your credit.\n*   **Limited access to credit**: For several years after a foreclosure, your ability to qualify for a credit card, loan or other lending product may be restricted.\n*   **Long-term negative impact on credit report**: Missed mortgage payments and foreclosure will be reflected on your credit report for seven years. After the seven-year period ends, the foreclosure will be removed from your credit report and will no longer affect your scores.\n*   **Difficulty securing another mortgage loan**: Even if your credit score has recovered in the time since your foreclosure, its presence on your credit report could disqualify you from getting a mortgage loan in the future. Some lenders won't consider approving a borrower if there's a recent foreclosure in their credit history. If you are approved, expect to pay higher interest rates or extra fees. END