The number of US home foreclosures rose for the 12th consecutive month, affecting nearly 40,000 homes and raising concerns about the housing affordability crisis. In February, 38,840 properties faced foreclosure filings, a 20% increase from the previous year, according to a report by data provider ATTOM. The cost of homeownership has increased, with the average family needing to earn $110,00 a year to own a typical home, a 29% increase over the median. The report also highlighted the state's highest foreclosure rates, with Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Delaware and Illinois among the states with the highest. The financial strain on the housing industry could increase further due to the ongoing war on Iran, which has led to high oil prices.