Labor market issues continue to plague the economy, slowing recovery and prompting a host of issues. One of the concerns is that the continued high unemployment rate could lead to an increase in foreclosures down the road. This is because as people continue to lose their jobs (or fail to find jobs), they are less able to make their housing payments. And this could result in foreclosure.

Real Estate Pro Articles makes a very interesting point about the rather vicious cycle we’re seeing with regard to unemployment and the economy:

A greater amount of consumer and business confidence is an essential factor in any economic recovery; financial recovery hinges on it. We need more than just incentive programs to prop up businesses and consumer spending; we need an increase in confidence in the economy across the board. Only when the public’s confidence is raised will consumers feel comfortable in investing their money in real estate as well as the rest of the economy; unfortunately, the economy will need to look like it is faring better before more consumers show a higher level of confidence in it.

Until the economy improves, employers will be reluctant to hire. However, the economy can’t improve until employers hire more people, boosting their ability to spend and make mortgage payments. It’s rather circular. But it’s the way things are right now. So it will be interesting to see how things proceed from here.