While the number of foreclosures is down in some parts of the state, it's still on the increase in Johnston County.

In just the first five months of the year, about 500 homes were foreclosed in Johnston County.

That's about a ten percent increase from the same period last year.

Cherry Hill, a Johnston County counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Services, attributes the increase to people losing their jobs or working fewer hours.

But she says if you lose your job, you do not have to lose your home. Most mortgage companies are willing to negotiate up until the last minute before foreclosure, she said.

"They want to help. They don't want the property. They want these people to get back on their feet and continue making their house payments," she said.

You can get free help from the Consumer Credit Counseling Services by calling 1-888-381-3720.