We're hearing - if not great, at least improving - news in the housing industry. Even so, there are still many people struggling to keep their houses and hoping for programs to help them do just that. Last week, the House Financial Services Committee voted down two programs that could have provided assistance.

The Federal Housing Administration's Short Refi Program: designed to help those who are upside down (sometimes called under water) which helps homeowners obtain a new FHA-insured loan.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Homeowner Loan Program: designed to provide mortgage assistance to unemployed borrowers through loans up to $50,000 with 0% interest.

Both of these bills propose ending the programs and it is anticipated that they will reach the House floor soon.

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), who co-sponsored both bills, explains why she feels they should be eliminated. "A government program that spends more to save a single borrower than it costs to buy a home is no help at all – it’s just a waste of taxpayer money. We need to stop funding programs that don’t work with money we don’t have."

On the other hand, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), who worked with HUD to develop both programs, counters Rep. Biggert with this response. "I am very disappointed in my colleagues on the opposite side of the aisle, who in their mania to achieve fiscal austerity at all costs, moved to cut two nascent programs designed to really help struggling homeowners," Waters said.

It will be interesting to see what happens with these two programs. Whether they are closed down or remain as assistance programs, these are not the only two options. If you're struggling with your current mortgage, contact your trusted mortgage broker.

Grandview Lending has a staff of professionals ready to assist and help guide you to make the best decision that is right for your particular financial situation.