Foreclosure rates seem to have declined somewhat around the country. This does not mean that we are out of danger, however, in our real estate markets.

In Florida, short sales are increasing, especially among luxury homes priced over $1,000,000. The reason is that a structured short sale allows negotiations by experts to take place privately. One team of short sale gurus based in Tampa Bay specializes in short sales of waterfront properties throughout the state. Their clients often avoid public embarrassment, remain in their homes during the negotiation process, and schedule their move outs and transition well in advance.

The number of foreclosures decreased in 80% of large metropolitan areas on the U.S. since the first of the year. Seattle reported an increase, primarily due to many business failures and job losses there. Their foreclosure rate increased by 10 per cent.

In the larger U.S. cities, foreclosures declined. Partly because several banks were discovered to be falsifying their mortgage documents, so that property transfers were illegal. Attorneys have seized upon this possibility to stall foreclosure proceedings in many instances.

Daren Blomquist, director of marketing communications for RealtyTrac said, “For the most part, we think the decreases are a result of artificial delays in the foreclosure process that are bringing those numbers down.” Chief executive James J. Saccacio confirmed that idea, noting that foreclosures declined most in states where foreclosures are reviewed by law. “The 20 metro areas with the biggest year-over-year decreases in foreclosure activity were in states with judicial foreclosure processes – New York, Maryland, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Illinois,” he said.

The decreased actually represent a piling up of properties that are in the foreclosure process. New filings are not taking place because lenders and law firms have enormous backlogs of distressed properties.

With so many homes in foreclosure or worth less than current mortgages, there is little hope for anything other than greater reductions in home values throughout the county. A rising economy and job offerings could change this situation; however, this possibility does not appear likely anytime soon.

This suggests that well-organized short sales may become an even larger segment of the market. Recognized Florida short-sale experts should continue to play a major role in helping distressed homeowners find relief from their difficult situations. In most instances, simply completing a short and confidential questionnaire can help homeowners discover their options. This can be done in the strictest confidence, without anyone knowing what they are considering.

Visit private SALE COMMANDO to discover all your choices . Specializing in private transfers of waterfront properties in Florida. Confidential and Responsible.. This article, Florida Short Sales and Foreclosures is released under a creative commons attribution license.