This is what you call the end of the line. Properties lost to tax foreclosure, being auctioned off at pennies on the dollar.

"As tax foreclosures have increased, we're trying to come up with new creative ways to move properties through the system," Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing said.

Schertzing said tax foreclosures have doubled this year, while mortgage foreclosures have plateaued at a pretty high rate for three years running.

The county, he said, had to get creative, hence, this auction held at the court house.

"This story is getting pretty long in the tooth, we have been talking about it for years now," Schertzing said.

"It's definitely still a problem, I'm working on 280 cases right now," Maria Lenz, a housing counselor with the Center for Financial Health said.

Lenz said she tries to help homeowners before it gets to the point of auction, and she said, more and more people are walking through her door.

"I think it's increased thanks to unemployment," Lenz said.

Both experts say there is more help out there for struggling homeowners, but the question is, are people able to find it?

The federal government has offered "Help for the hardest hit" program.

" That's $154.5 million worth," Lenz said. "The program started last Monday, and MSHDA got 30,000 phone calls before 10 a.m."

Your lender must participate for you to be eligible. Lenz said there's state, county, and city aid out there too, but unfortunately supply doesn't meet demand. Also, it doesn't hurt to ask.

"If you lose your job, and can't make a payment, contact a HUD counselor and they can get you started," Lenz said.

"Reach out early," Schertzing said.

It's about getting in front of the problem, before you get too behind.

Lenz said there are three categories for those to qualify for the 'Help for the hardest hit' program.

1. Unemployment - if you are unemployed, you may apply for a mortgage subsidy for 1/2 of the monthly payment, up to $750/month and $9,000/year.

2. Loan Rescue - You may apply for a one-time hardship payment of up to $5,000.

3. Principle Curtailment - You may apply to reduce your principle, but the lender would have to match it.

** You may only apply for this federal assistance if your lender participates. Currently there are 41 lenders, and 89 credit unions. **