LAS VEGAS -- Thousands of Nevadans are losing their homes because of mortgage legal issues hidden in the fine print of the closing process.

More than 21,000 homeowners saw their property slide into foreclosure last year in Las Vegas. Some feel they are wronged and have decided to get help and fight back. Residents told FOX5 News they borrowed the money for their homes at one price and are now paying twice as much due to their adjustable-rate mortgages.

"(We were given) a payment we thought was going give us relief for the next few years," said Ursula Gruenewald.

Gruenewald said her initial mortgage payment was $1,500 but she was advised to refinance with an adjustable-rate mortgage. She said her payment has since doubled to $3,000.

"That's not what we signed on for," said Gruenewald. "That's why I'm here. I don't want this to happen to other people."

"We're in a foreclosure situation," said Jeanna Marshal, a mother of seven who also refinanced with an ARM. Marshal said her payment has increased $700 and could still increase every six months. She said the situation is affecting her family.

"They see the stress we're under and everyday they're like 'Are we going to be able to go to the same school with our friends?'" said Marshal.

Nevada Mortgage owner Bill Ochs said people need to read the fine print and make sure they know what they are signing.

"For a good long while, people weren't worrying about taking out a loan because the house values were going up so much that it offset any kind of a higher loan program or any kind of an adjustable program," said Ochs.

Ochs said potential home buyers need to realize the housing market in Las Vegas differs from years past. Analysts said that housing slump is not going to end anytime soon. Right now, home sales are off by 40 percent and many homebuilders are cutting down on construction.

Officials with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, may be able to help you avoid foreclosure. You can contact them with your information, and they'll help you try to re-negotiate with your lender.

For more information on ACORN's services, visit the ACORN Web site.