America's Money: In their own words

Toy designer, 42, Alhambra, Calif.

I got an adjustable-rate mortgage for a home I purchased when I moved to the Los Angeles area. I've been struggling to refinance since April of last year, before the rate adjusted, and the lenders have been nothing short of apathetic -- giving multiple reasons why I couldn't refinance.

I have a steady, good salary and my credit was very good. But excuses ranged from not good enough credit to too much debt. Then, the payments jumped up $1,000 in a month and everything headed south.

The loan officer I was working with got a refinance for my second mortgage with cash out for home equity so I would have enough to pay the mortgage while a late payment came off my credit history. This was back in October and I've still been struggling to get a lender.

It's now nearly a year later. The equity loan is nearly gone, eaten up by the ridiculously high mortgage, and lenders are STILL dragging their feet.

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