Many homeowners struggle with payments

A year ago, one out of every 10 homeowners was 30 days or more behind in house payments or in foreclosure.

Today, the number is one in seven, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Although the economy has been officially declared on the rebound, some sectors are not. Unemployment, which reached 10.2 percent in October, may still be rising. That is affecting homeownership.

If unemployment starts to decline by mid-2010, as some economists expect, the number of loans that are delinquent could drop as well, MBA economist Jay Brinkmann told the Wall Street Journal.

Perhaps by lowering payments in some cases, banks can help people stay in their homes. The institutions should work with people in these uncertain times.