By Mark Zdechlik

Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL — In the first half of this year, foreclosures in Minnesota were down nearly 50 percent from the same period three years ago.

More than 1,100 homes each month were lost to foreclosure during that span, a big drop from the number during the height of the housing collapse.

In the first half of 2010, lenders were auctioning off more than 2,100 homes each month, according to a Minnesota Homeownership Center report.

Statewide, there were 6,795 foreclosures in the first two quarters of 2013, a drop of 29 percent from the same period in 2012. The Twin Cities metro area saw a decline of 33 percent. Fewer Minnesota homeowners are struggling with mortgage payments than at any time since 2006.

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