Number of VA Foreclosed Homes and Distressed Houses Fell in Nevada

  Foreclosure numbers, including VA foreclosed homes, declined in Nevada last year compared with 2009 levels. The 2010 decline was the first one recorded in the state in four years. According to realtors, a big part of the reason was increased modifications and a rise in short sale transactions.

Foreclosure listings in Las Vegas remained some of the highest in the whole U.S. last year. However, the number of properties entering the foreclosure process for the first time in the whole state recorded a year-over-year decline, with 2010 foreclosure starts reaching a total of a little over 86,000 which represents a 19% drop from the 2009 total of 106,425. Last year's figure was still higher than the 2008 foreclosure starts total of over 75,800.

According to housing industry analysts, the decline in foreclosure starts and foreclosures for sale in Nevada was largely aided by federal loan modification programs and Nevada's own mediation initiative. In addition, more troubled homeowners were able to secure short sale transactions last year, realtors have reported.

Sales of foreclosed properties, including VA foreclosed homes, recorded a 6% decline in 2010, reaching a total of 42,828 compared with the 2009 total of 45,420. Although 2010 was a relatively better period for Nevada, most realtors are expecting foreclosure sales and filings to increase again this year. However, they did say that the rise will not be as problematic as the previous years.

State officials are also more prepared, analysts have claimed. With the success of its mediation and modification programs last year, Nevada officials are stepping up efforts to help lower the number of foreclosed homes for sale by addressing the problem before they get worse. The state's mediation initiative has recently earmarked around $300,000 that will be used to finance grants meant to educate homeowners and homebuyers in the state. Part of the money will also be used to pay for legal services needed by borrowers facing possible foreclosure.

Although the number of foreclosures, including VA foreclosed homes, will continue to be high in the state in the next two or three years, majority of housing industry analysts believe that the state is already on its way towards a gradual and slow recovery.