The latest numbers show foreclosure rates on Long Island are continuing to increase as bank-imposed foreclosure moratoriums end.

Last month, foreclosures in Nassau County rose 42 percent and 19 percent in Suffolk from the month before. Rates increased 29 percent in Nassau and 10 percent in Suffolk from 2008.

?The increase is phenomenal,? says Nassau?s director of housing services Connie Lassandro. She says banks ?were trying to see what would come down the pike from the new administration so they had things on hold, but now they are back into their active mode.?

Experts say homeowners should seek help at the first sign of financial trouble.

Vincent Guiliano says he was able to stave off foreclosure with help from his bank. He says the bank offered to forgive part of the loan if he could sell his Carle Place home for $325,000, about $160,000 less than his mortgage. He found a buyer and his credit will remain intact.

?So hopefully I can get out and start my own life again,? Guiliano says. ?A fresh start.?

Nassau County Office of Housing an Intergovernmental AffairsLong Island Housing PartnershipCommunity Development Corporation of Long Island ACORNUSA.gov mortgage informationFannie MaeFederal Trade CommissionHUDFinancialStability.gov