The foreclosure rate increased to 2.4 homes for every 100 homes in August, that’s almost double the rate a year ago. But it’s a much-brighter picture than the national rate, which increased to 4.4 percent in August. Foreclosures greatly affect the economy, dropping the price for existing and new homes — and lowering home values, which affects consumer spending and the ability of homeowners to tap into home-equity loans for large purchases. Now, we’re far from out of trouble in the Sacramento region, with 7 percent of mortgage payments at least 90 days late, the final steps before foreclosure.