NBC News investigated, and discovered that just one year after the foreclosure fraud scandal taught us terms like "robo-signing", foreclosures are on the upswing again. 

NBC's Chris Clackum discovered that four million Americans are over two months late on their mortgage payments.

In order to combat the losses, Shaun Donovan, the United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has launched a homeowners' hotline for those facing foreclosure.  Struggling homeowners can call 888-995-HOPE, to get free advice from HUD experts on how to avoid foreclosure.

Donovan tells NBC News, "being able to go through and understand what are your legal options is critically, critically important.” 

During the NBC25 Today Show Tuesday, we spoke with a Mid-Michigan realtor who offered more suggestions for those facing foreclosures, and for those looking to purchase a foreclosed home. You can find more details on the video above.