The U.S. housing crisis has been going on for years, and according to a Housing Scorecard Report by the Obama Administration, foreclosure completions are on the rise. In general, foreclosures have declined, but Illinois has one of the highest foreclosure inventories.

The problem is not nearing an end anytime soon. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's assistant secretary says conditions are still in need of improvement.

Foreclosure inventory loans decreased by more than 8 percent in 2011, according to CBS News. In addition, the number of loans in foreclosure dropped by 2,000 from November to December.

According to a chief economist of CoreLogic, the numbers are dropping because REO sales are being completed faster than foreclosures. This is apparently because lenders are finding it harder to begin foreclosure proceedings. He said this is the first time in about a year that this has occurred.

CoreLogic studied 100 markets, and the numbers proved to be better than when foreclosure inventories had increased in 46 of the markets back in November 2011. Thirty-four increased in inventory in December of 2011 compared to 2010.

In addition, the number of homeowners who are more than 90 days past due on their payments decreased from 7.8 to 7.3 percent.

In Washington, North Dakota, Alaska, Wyoming, and Nebraska, numbers are the lowest in the nation. However, in states including New York, Florida, Nevada, Illinois and New Jersey, foreclosure inventories still remain high.

Those facing foreclosure and received a notice between 2009 and the end of 2010 may have a way to receive help via the Independent Foreclosure Review, which regulates chartered banks of the U.S. and is overseen by the Federal Reserve.

Source: CBS News, "Home foreclosures decline, but completions rise," Ilyce Glink, Feb. 8, 2012