Foreclosure, delinquency rates decline in Tampa Bay

TAMPA — In another sign of a slightly improving regional economy, foreclosure rates in Tampa Bay are dropping, according to a new report from the research and data firm CoreLogic.

The rate of foreclosures in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater from outstanding mortgage loans was 10.76% for December 2012, compared with 12.2% in December 2011, CoreLogic reports.

However, the foreclosure rate for Tampa Bay remains higher than the rate for Florida, and higher than the national rate. In December, Florida's foreclosure rate was 10.31%, compared with 11.94% in December 2011.