We already reported on the record rise in bankruptcy filings in 2009, and as you might have expected, the news on foreclosures was just as bad.

The foreclosure marketing and real estate website RealtyTrac reports that nearly three million properties received a foreclosure filing in 2009, a new record. That’s an increase of 21% over 2008′s total and more than twice the number of foreclosures in 2007.

The deep, lasting recession and persistent unemployment has trumped all efforts to shore up the housing market and stave off the rapid rise in foreclosures.

However, loan failures would easily have been even worse without these foreclosure prevention programs.

Nevada was number one, recording the highest rate of foreclosures at ten percent. It was followed by Arizona at 6.1%, Florida at 5.9% and California, 4.75%. This mirrors the boom-and-bust states that had the biggest run-ups during the housing bubble and where so many homeowners are now underwater, owing more on their homes than their homes are worth.

As a result of the huge rise in negative equity loans, more borrowers are choosing to simply walk away, taking the hit to their credit but potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The rise in these “strategic defaults” is a growing concern  because they are not limited to people who are struggling to make payments. Although it’s not known how many foreclosures are a result of otherwise viable borrowers washing their hands of their homes, it has become an acceptable financial tactic and the problem has gotten the attention of lenders in a major way.

You do not want to become part of the new statistics in 2010. If you are falling behind in your home loan payments remember that your first course of action is to contact your lender (and as often as need be until you get through to someone who can help.) They have an incentive to keep you out of foreclosure and can offer work-outs to help. Also check out Making Home Affordable, the Federal government’s website devoted to assisting homeowners refinance or get loan modifications.