By Susan Gager

EUGENE, Ore. -- Foreclosure rates are on the rise in Eugene and Springfield, and while many people have gone under water through no fault of their own, there is a new trend that's worrying lenders.

One in about 500 to 600 homes in the Eugene/Springfield area have had to foreclose. While people have foreclosed on their homes because of delinquent mortgage payments, now there are many more people who are choosing a new option called strategic default.

A strategic default belongs to someone who is underwater but is still able to make payments on a home, yet chooses to walk away anyway.

More and more people choose this path for a number of reasons such as to help with their retirement plans, better prepare children financially for college, or escape their mortgage payments for a few years to clean up their credit scores.

However, many people are still falling behind on payments, and real estate professionals say it's a reality they say is unlikely to change for a couple of years.

"Until unemployment, consumer confidence, and wages improve, foreclosures will be part of a reality for the foreseeable future," said Bryan Ranstad of Hybrid Real Estate.

Strategic default is a growing trend right now, but it can be a risky choice. People who choose that route need to receive legal and tax counseling before they take any steps towards strategic default.

There are many financial groups like Fannie Mae taking steps against the action.