Gov't to ease foreclosure rules for unemployed (AP)

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is making it easier for out-of-work homeowners to stay in their homes, as it tries to revamp its signature but troubled foreclosure-prevention programs.

Starting Aug. 1, the Federal Housing Administration will extend the forbearance period for unemployed homeowners in its programs from three or four months to a full year. That will allow qualified homeowners to miss payments for 12 months before the foreclosure process begins.

The government launched a foreclosure program in 2009 to help those at risk of foreclosure by lowering their monthly payments. Borrowers start with lower payments on a trial basis. But the program has struggled to convert them into permanent loan modifications.

In recent weeks, administration officials have acknowledged that housing has become a significant drag on the economy.