Foreclosures in region down but crisis prolongued

The number of foreclosures filed in the region is dropping — however unsteadily — but economists say new state regulations on the filing process and an upcoming nationwide investigation could prolong the foreclosure crisis.

During the third quarter that ended Sept. 30, foreclosure filings fell by 41 percent in the District, by 4.8 percent in Maryland and by 8.5 percent in Virginia when compared with the corresponding three-month period in 2009, according to RealtyTrac.