RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina public officials are pushing the message that there are services available to prevent borrowers from losing their home in foreclosure.

Attorney General Roy Cooper and deputy state banking commissioner Mark Pearce hold a news conference on Tuesday as consumers discuss their experiences finding the help they needed.

Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office said nearly 40,000 North Carolina homes have gone into foreclosure so far this year.

The Center for Responsible Lending said more than 2 million North Carolina homeowners will see their property values decline over the next three years because of foreclosures in their neighborhood.

Foreclosures also hurt bankers, who lose about 40 percent of the loan value.

RALEIGH, N.C.  – North Carolina consumers soon will have new protections from foreclosures and intimidating debt collection practices.

Gov. Beverly Perdue planned Wednesday to sign into law a bill approved by the Legislature last month and backed by Attorney General Roy Cooper.

The Consumer Economic Protection Act allows a clerk of court to continue a foreclosure hearing for up to 60 days. The delay would give a homeowner more time to work out a payment plan with the mortgage holder or service so the debtor can remain in the home.

The bill also sets out new rules for companies that attempt to collect from consumers on old unpaid debts from credit cards or other unpaid bills. Cooper has said some debt buyers have gone too far in browbeating people to collect money.