Ah yes. There’s no place like home for the holidays. Many of us are cautiously optimistic that more struggling homeowners will be able to stay in their homes in 2013.

Why the glass-half-full thoughts? Foreclosure prevention efforts are making their mark. Reports hint that more jobs are out there. Foreclosure starts are at a 71-month low.

What keeps the glass only half full are some stats that give us pause…including some of our own. MortgageKeeper referrals are up–way up–at the end of this year. This is due to several factors, but also shows us that help is still needed. Stats from RealtyTrac show that bank repossessions are on the rise. So perhaps we’ve just been enjoying a foreclosure “holiday” while changes in servicing and foreclosure policies are implemented. As with all statistical information, time will tell if we are all-knowing or all wet.

From all of us at MortgageKeeper, we wish you the very best of holidays, and hope that 2013 brings more relief and assistance for those struggling to keep their homes.