It was recently reported that the number of foreclosures in the month of November decreased 8 percent from November 2008.  This is the fourth consecutive month that the foreclosure rates have decreased. Default notices on properties have also been on the decline.

States with the highest foreclosure rates are:

• Nevada
• Florida
• California
• Arizona
• Idaho
• Michigan
• Illinois
• Utah
• Maryland
• New Jersey

Four states account for more than 50 percent of actual foreclosures: California, Florida, Illinois, and Michigan.