Foreclosures in 2010 Slightly Higher Than 2009

Irvine, CA, Jan. 13, 2011 -- More than 1 million people lost their homes last year in foreclosure, according to foreclosure tracking firm RealtyTrac.

In total, there were nearly 2.9 million foreclosure notices filed during the year. That was a record high, but just 1.7% above 2009.

"Total properties receiving foreclosure filings would have easily exceeded 3 million in 2010 had it not been for the fourth quarter drop in foreclosure activity," said RealtyTrac CEO James Saccacio.

"Many of the foreclosure proceedings that were stopped in late 2010 -- which we estimate may be as high as a quarter million -- will likely be re-started and add to [foreclosure] numbers in early 2011."