Foreclosures Still on the Rise in Mid-Michigan

As a result of the poor economy the foreclosure rate in Mid-Michigan is at an all time high.

Local officials say the housing crisis still hasn't hit bottom.

According to Lansing City Assessor Maria Irish foreclosure rates continue to rise in mid-Michigan, but she says the numbers can be a little deceptive.

"That doesn't mean that the people are out of their homes, said Irish. "Typically mortgages have six months to a year where people have a redemption period where they can either renegotiate or find alternative ways to pay the mortgage."

In 2007 more than 1,200 people were foreclosed on in Lansing.

So far this year paperwork has been started on 890 homes.

Irish says that's way up from just a few years ago and she expects significant increases again next year.

One local housing services expert says more and more people are finding ways to renegotiate with lenders and stay in their homes.

Some banks are even letting people sell for less than is owed on the property.

Jason Weller counsels borrowers from his office at the Allen Neighborhood Center.

He says that while adjustable rate mortgages are still giving some people trouble, those with fixed rate loans should still be OK.

He says not even the Wall Street meltdown should have any effect on those borrowers.

Housing Services Director Jason Weller said, "What's happening with Wall Street shouldn't be filtering down and impacting the consumer in any kid of direct concrete way."

There are many different programs available to folks who many be feeling the foreclosure crunch.

For more information call 211 or visit www.holdontoyourhome.org.