Despite government and industry efforts, the number of homeowners falling behind on their mortgages or already in foreclosure climbed during the third quarter and is poised to accelerate as the country's recession deepens, according to industry data released yesterday.

About 6.99% of mortgage loans were delinquent during the quarter, according to the survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association, an industry group. Another 2.97% were in the foreclosure process -- the highest level since the survey was established in 1979. Taken together, about 10%, or one in 10, home mortgages are now in some form of distress.

Washington Post