Foreclosure filings rise in Triangle

Foreclosure filings in the Triangle continue to outpace last year's levels through the first eight months of this year.

Filings in Durham, Johnston and Wake counties totaled 5,901 through August, up 14percent from the same period a year ago, according to the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts' monthly report.

In Wake, there were 560 filings in August, up 20 percent from a year earlier. Filings in Wake through the first eight months of the year are 17 percent higher than the same period last year. Durham filings are 16 percent higher through August. Johnston filings are down 3 percent.

Filings mark the start of the foreclosure process. Some homeowners will work out repayment plans. Others will lose their homes. As the downturn has dragged on and the jobless rate has remained high, the foreclosure crisis has spread from subprime borrowers to those with traditional mortgages.