(05/20/2011) The number of foreclosure petitions filed in the state of Massachusetts in April rose once again, indicating that the problem may not stop for several more months.

The latest study from the real estate tracking company the Warren Group showed that April saw 1,192 foreclosure petitions filed in the Bay State, an increase of 14% from March, and the highest total in a single month since September, according to a report from the Boston Globe. These petitions typically come after a homeowner falls three months or more behind on their mortgage payments.

Foreclosure can be troubling for homeowners, but can also be avoided through refinancing an existing home loan. By seeking the latest online rate tables to obtain the best local mortgage rates, consumers can save hundreds of dollars a month on their home loan payments.

"Banks are picking up their foreclosure activity," said Nadine Cohen, a managing attorney for a nonprofit that works with low-income clients, told the newspaper. "The economy is never going to improve until we deal with the foreclosure crisis."

Despite the in foreclosure, the number of petitions filed in Massachusetts so far this year is still 58.6% lower than last year, the report said.

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