New foreclosure actions in the Golden State declined during the last three months of the year after popping up significantly over the summer, according to new data.

The number of California homes entering foreclosure in the fourth quarter fell 11.9% from the same period a year earlier to hit its second-lowest level over the last four years, according to real estate information firm DataQuick of San Diego.

A total of 61,517 notices of default, the first formal step in the foreclosure process, were recorded on California properties during the fourth quarter.

The number of homes taken back through the foreclosure process also declined. The number of trustees deeds filed against properties in the Golden State fell 11.8% from the same quarter a year prior, totaling 31,260.

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