If you are facing foreclosure, there are steps that can be taken to at least slow the process down if not stop it completely. This begins with the writing of a short sale hardship letter. This letter explains the circumstances of why you have not made your payment. It is not a sob story but a factual letter about your unique situation. The hardship needs to be explained and will more likely be considered if it is due to an illness, loss of a job, the death of a spouse or other legitimate reason why one can not financially afford to pay the mortgage.