A recent study has concluded that about 27 percent of the nation’s homeowners owe more to their lenders than their home is worth, known in industry jargon as being ""upside down" or "under water" on their mortgages. This has caused widespread distress to millions of homeowners. As the country’s economy continues to trend towards an uncertain future, more and more people are experiencing the onslaught of what is the most virulent mortgage crisis in US history. Foreclosures are at an all-time high, while home prices have plunged by up to 50 percent in some high-growth areas of California, Nevada and Florida.

The federal and state governments both realize that something must be done to avert a more serious crisis from threatening the stability of the broader economy. Banks and other financial institutions have been thown a lifeline by the recent $840 billion bailout package passed by Congress, but until now, the average homeowner who is "upside down" or "under water" has not been offered any solutions to help them remain in their homes. Many believe that the only solution is to mail in their keys to the lenders and walk away from their homes. This has created a whole new group of homeowners, known in the mortgage industry as "walk aways."