According to national reports last week, the number of U.S. households facing the foreclosure process more than doubled in the second quarter compared to a year ago, according to RealtyTrac Inc.

In Carver County, the number of Sheriff foreclosure sales are on pace to set a record in 2008. For 2007, there were 286 foreclosure sales in the county, according to the Carver County Community Development Agency (CCCDA). Through the first six months of 2008, there were 154.

But Carver County’s foreclosure sale numbers aren’t as severe as neighboring Scott County, according to the CCCDA. Scott County had 606 foreclosure sales in 2007. Through the first six months of this year there have been 501 in Scott County.

Brenda Lano, housing counselor and certified foreclosure prevention specialist with the CCCDA, said the recent federal stimulus payments have helped some homeowners avert foreclosures.

Lano said she doesn’t expect housing problems to subside, and encouraged homeowners facing financial stress to contact the CCCDA to access free support.

With the current economy, high fuel costs and higher cost of living, Lano said “more people are in a position they are going to face losing their homes.”

The CCCDA can help educate homeowners with the foreclosure process and help people understand their rights, Lano said. “We look at their financial picture, debt load, and when we can we’ll step in and negotiate with the mortgage company.”

A new law that takes effect Aug. 1 will also direct financially stressed homeowners to housing agencies such as CCDA for support.

Sheriff foreclosure sales

Carver County

2007: 286

2008 (first 6 months): 154

Scott County

2007: 606

2008 (first 6 months): 501

Source: Carver County Community Development Agency  

For free housing help, call the Carver County Community Development Agency at (952) 448-7715.