The banks foreclosure holdings increased 12.5% in the first quarter of 2010 in a recent analysis by SNL Financial. In addition, properties in the foreclosure process but not yet taken back by the bank climbed 9.1 percent.

Properties, which are called assets by the bank, are increasing in numbers on the banks books. This shows that we are still a ways from climbing out of this type of housing market and all the government programs to curb foreclosures are failing.

Unfortunately, all government sponsored programs have very strict criteria to be eligible and are all voluntary by the banks to participate. This does not make for a winning combination to help main street America.