By Sabina Rosu-Urdes

SALEM, Ore. -- Starting today, Oregon homeowners facing foreclosure will have the right to meet with their lenders and evaluate whether they qualify for a loan modification.

This is according to Senate Bill 628, passed by the 2009 Oregon State Legislature. The law requires lenders to include in the notices sent to homeowners who are late on their mortgage payments information such as how to meet with their lender and how to request a loan modification.

According to Governor Ted Kulongoski, the new law provides Oregonians another way of avoiding foreclosure and staying in their homes.

Oregon homeowners have 30 days to request a loan modification from the date of the foreclosure notice. More information is available at http://foreclosurehelp.oregon.gov/