HOUSTON -- Nationwide, the mortgage mess is driving people from their homes.

But foreclosures in the Houston area are actually down by 16 percent since this time last year.

National foreclosure numbers just released are staggering: more than 234,000 across the country.

“In two years they told me, ‘oh don’t worry about it. In two years we’ll just refinance you and give you better terms,’” Tasha Bowen said.

A promise broken by her mortgage lender.

Now, a real estate agent herself, Bowen almost lost her home with an adjustable rate mortgage.

“It went from $869, to $1,200, in the next six months it went from $1,400 to $1,600 -- and now it’s at $2,400.”

It’s a payment Bowen has learned to balance by taking classes. A financial expert provides free advice as part of the Houston Real Estate Association’s housing fair.

“I started over from the trenches; some people need to start over,” one expert said.

Experts say straight talk is why foreclosures are actually down in Houston.

ACORN provides similar free classes on preventing foreclosures. Today, it also warns of a new scam.

ACORN said so-called experts are charging fees promising to help you prevent foreclosure, but in the end, all they’re really doing is helping themselves to your money.

ACORN said the best advice may be free at local fairs and housing organizations.