I am considering filing for Chapter 7. I have noticed a lot of people
on boards such as this are refinancing their homes while in the midst
of filing Chapter 7 or 13. How do you find a lender who will do that
when your credit is bad enough to qualify for bankruptcy?

We have not paid most of our unsecured debt since October due to
long-term unemployment. It is all in the process of being turned over
to very aggressive collection agencies. Now have employment but it is
$35,000 less per year than before, but I am lucky to have it. It is
enough to pay for the necessities only. Not permanent, however -- it
is an 18-month contract. No job security.

How do I find a lender who will wrap my two mortgages into one at a
lower rate? I have a first mortgage at 8 3/4 percent and a second at
11 1/2 percent. We've been late on each mortgage once or twice since
this nightmare began but we're current now. I'm already with subprime
lenders due to a dry employment spell from a ten years ago. I
probably have enough equity in the house by now due to improvements
and appreciation to count as a 20 percent down payment.

Thank you for any advice or insight anyone might be able to provide.