LAS VEGAS -- According to state statistics, the rate of foreclosure in the state has tripled since this time last year. In an effort to help you navigate the real estate market, FOX5 profiles those neighborhoods that have the highest foreclosure rates and how these areas can affect the homeowners, even if you are in no danger of losing a house.

There are four neighborhoods where the foreclosure rates were the highest during the summer: Southern Highlands, Winchester, Centennial Hills and Lynbrook.

"They were marginal buyers -- they got shoe-horned in," real estate analyst Steve Bottfeld said. "You're going to find there is not integration of retail and residential in those areas, and people found it more and more difficult to live there."

Bottfeld said that homeowners who live in half-empty neighborhoods should be patient.

"This market will turn positive probably within six months, less in my estimation," he said. "But I don't think people will recognize it until the end of the first quarter, beginning of the second quarter. So wait and this too shall pass."

While Bottfeld's prediction is far rosier than other analysts, his advice to stay put seems to be the only choice for homeowners who now owe more than their house is worth. These residents have lost thousands in the value of their home because of the foreclosures in the neighborhoods. Analysts said that each foreclosure in a neighborhood can knock another one percent off the value of an inhabited home.

If a homeowner is at the point that he or she cannot keep up with the mortgage payments, analysts said foreclosure can be avoided by contacting the lender to work out some sort of arrangement. There are also several nonprofit organizations that can help people negotiate with lenders to stop foreclosure as well.