COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Consumer bankruptcy filings jumped more than 30 percent in 2008, according to the National Bankruptcy Research Center.
State attorneys general are banding together, trying to find a balance that will get lenders what they want and keep homeowners where they want to stay, NBC 4's Marcus Thorpe reported.
Steve Scott is in a unique position at Affinity Mortgages in Worthington. He deals with lenders and borrowers.
"I don't think the banks want to take back the homes," Scott said. "But there is not enough help out there."
Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers is joining more than a dozen others in the same position to amend the bankruptcy code, giving homeowners in trouble a chance to hold on for just a little longer.
"A lot of times they are that close -- inches away -- from affording their home," Scott said.
The new push could mean losses and benefits would be shared between homeowners and investors. In essence, the homeowner could still pay on the loan under a loan modification. The lender still gets that stream of income while avoiding full losses and expenses to a foreclosure sale.
The recommendations will be in the hands of the federal legislators for consideration.
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