Read our steps for avoiding mortgage arrears if you feel you are about to fall into the red Homeowners struggling with their mortgages will be looking fearfully at reports that Britain's inflation problem may mean interest rates have to rise. The temptation may often be to ignore the problem, but those who feel that they could fall behind with their mortgage, into what is known as arrears, can save themselves pain by acting as soon as possible. Long-term arrears can lead to home repossession and so borrowers are urged to act fast if they think they are going to struggle with payments. Act now: If you feel yourself slipping into the red, do something before you have to sell your home Here are four tips on how to avoid mortgage arrears: 1. SWITCH MORTGAGES Finding a mortgage on a better rate is the simplest and the most effective way to cut outgoings - but you need to move quickly to get the best deals and weigh up whether it will help you. The crucial question is how mu