Yahoo!News is today passing along information contained in a recent report from the Mortgage Bankers Association that indicates foreclosure rates collectively throughout the nation are higher than ever before in recent memory.

In fact, the study claims that an alarming one in 10 homeowners in the United States was “either at least a month behind on their payments or in foreclosure at the end of September.”

Perhaps more troubling is the group of people who are now having housing headaches — it’s those with 30-year fixed mortgages … not the adjustable rate “balloon” variety (even though those folks are clearly not out of the woods yet, either.)

And the contributing factor to the “latest wave” of hardship? Unemployment.

Here’s more on that situation:

“Employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years, catapulting the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent…. The U.S. tipped into recession last December, a panel of experts declared earlier this week. Since the start of the recession, the economy has lost 1.9 million jobs.”

Of course, if homeowners don’t have jobs or can’t find them then it is difficult to meet their monthly mortgage responsibilities. If you are a homeowner and feel that you will be unable to pay your mortgage remember to contact your lender early and often — there are options available.

For assistance right now or to speak with a knowledgeable expert on the situation click here.