Even if you are not in danger of loosing your home to the foreclosure crisis, you stand to lose a lot more than you bargained for.

The numbers are staggering. Nevada has the highest foreclosure rate, according to RealtyTrac. 1 in 54 homes received a notice in the first quarter which is 3.6 times the national average. California ranks second, followed by Arizona.

The numbers pretty much speak for themselves, with 243,353 receiving notices in April. This is a vast increase from April 2007, when "only" 147,708 homes received the same notice. This was also a 4% increase from March. These numbers come from RealtyTrac Inc.

Foreclosures are on the rise due to an increased number of speculators who bought homes assuming that housing prices would increase indefinitely and due to shady sub prime lending practices. Without swift and decisive action, foreclosures they will continue to rise.

Why should you be concerned with the rise in foreclosure rates?

The trickle down effect of foreclosure can also have a serious impact on your community. One foreclosure can ring up as much as $34,000 in local government agency bills. Trash removal, unpaid utilities, sheriff and police costs, inspections and potentially even demolition of the property all contribute to that cost. Property values also decrease near foreclosed properties. In some housing markets, up to $220,000 in reduced property value can be expected

Crime is common effect of rising foreclosures. Foreclosed homes are usually looted hours of being vacant. Aluminum siding, gutters, doors, windows, molding, appliances and basically anything else of value is stripped from the home and sold for profit. These home are typically vandalized, with looters using sledgehammers to break apart walls, remove cabinets, appliances, and valuable copper wiring. The house is literally vulnerable to looting. Many abandoned houses become dumping grounds for people that don't want to pay for trash removal.

We all have a responsibility to act aggressively to help families stay in their homes and to stem the tide of foreclosures that continues to serve as a serious drag on our overall economy.

If you have a neighbor facing foreclosure, let them know that there is help available. Their problem could soon become your nightmare. There is help available for anybody facing foreclosure. Until Congress acts, there are many options available to those facing foreclosure. For those who need it, there is legal help and many lenders are willing to extend the grace period for late payments.