SONS and DAUGHTERS of BBCMF THE RUSH TO INVEST in LAND and REAL ESTATE.

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Many of the efforts to keep homeowners in their homes -- and out of foreclosure -- are coming from the state level, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices said in an issue brief released this week.

Several states have passed legislation to strengthen consumer protection, impose harsher penalties on predatory lenders and provide access to education and counseling for homeowners, the group said. Other strategies include the creation of foreclosure-prevention funds and the adoption of regulatory guidelines for subprime and nontraditional mortgages.