Foreclosure rates high in counties surrounding Atlanta

According to the most recent data from RealtyTrac, Douglas County had the highest number of foreclosure filings in Georgia in January and February 2013. During February 2013, one out of every 275 homes in Douglas County was involved in the foreclosure process.

In addition, a number of other counties in the area surrounding Atlanta had a large number of foreclosure filings in February. Henry County had the second-most filings in the state – with one out of every 294 residences being involved in a foreclosure. Carroll County came in at 10th for foreclosure filings in the state, and Paulding County was 15th across the state.

Although the statistics for these counties neighboring Atlanta are disheartening, the number of foreclosures taking place in the counties is actually decreasing. The number of foreclosures in Douglas County alone dropped 48.9 percent year-over-year from February 2012 to February 2013. The rates appear to be improving month-to-month, as well – the number of filings dropped 27.3 percent from January to February 2013 in Douglas.

The foreclosure rate across the state is also improving. In January 2013, Georgia ranked fifth across the country in terms of the number of foreclosures – by February 2013, the state had dropped to seventh in the U.S.

In February 2013, one out of every 705 houses was involved in the foreclosure process in Georgia. From January to February, the foreclosure rate fell by approximately 27 percent across the state.

When someone is facing financial difficulties and may lose his or her home, seeking the advice of a qualified legal professional is one way to ensure his or her rights are protected.

Source: Douglas County Sentinel, “Douglas remains No. 1 in foreclosures,” Ron Daniel, March 15, 2013.