We haven't seen the end of the foreclosure crisis yet. Another wave of distressed properties is expected to hit the market in 2010.

Home values may be stabilizing in some markets, but challenges still lie ahead. Between rising unemployment rates, a backlog of homes already in the foreclosure process and many adjustable rate mortgages scheduled to reset next year, more foreclosures are expected to hit the market in 2010. For a housing market that's finally starting to show some signs of improvement, a new wave of foreclosures would be a huge setback.

In an attempt to mitigate the effect of these new foreclosures, Fannie Mae has come up with a potential solution: The mortgage giant will allow some people losing their homes to foreclosure to lease those properties back for up to a year at market rental rates. The agency hopes this program will help stabilize neighborhoods by keeping more people in their homes.

• Find out seven steps you can take to avoid foreclosure

• Learn how to sell your home fast when foreclosure looms

• Get a great deal on a foreclosed home with tips from FrontDoor's Foreclosure Guide

• Buying or selling a home in 2010? Make it through in one piece with the help of our Real Estate Survival Guide.

NEXT: #2: More buyers entering the market, thanks to the extended and expanded tax credit >>