Virginia foreclosures in January fell 30 percent from December, but were 82 percent higher a year earlier, according to monthly data released this morning by RealtyTrac.

While good news, the month-to-month decline is likely attributable to a foreclosure moratorium by some lenders.

One in every 610 households in Virginia, or a total 5,366, received a foreclosure filing in January. Filings include notices of default, auction and foreclosure sales.

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Virginia had the 15th highest rate.

According to a Richmond Times-Dispatch analysis of court records, there were 2,452 foreclosures in central Virginia in 2008, up 100.8 percent from 2007.

via Va. foreclosure rate reveals uncertainty | Richmond Times-Dispatch.