BOSTON – Foreclosure activity in Massachusetts, including in Bristol County, rose in April compared with a year ago, according to The Warren Group.

The real estate tracking company said Tuesday that foreclosure petitions – the first step in the foreclosure process – rose to 2,431 from 2,013, an increase of 20.8 percent. Auction notices increased to 2,772 from 1,088, a 154.8 percent jump. Foreclosure deeds – the last step in the process – rose 79.6 percent to 1,372, up from 764.

In Bristol County, petitions rose 31.4 percent to 222 from 169, auction notices increased 140.5 percent to 356 from 148 and deeds swelled 104.4 percent to 139 from 68.

Banker and Tradesman, a publication owned by The Warren Group, simultaneously reported that lenders were plowing through the foreclosure processes faster than in 2008. Banker and Tradesman said lenders starting the foreclosure process in the early part of 2008 were taking an average of almost eight months – or 234 days – to go to auction. By comparison, properties that started the foreclosure process in November 2009 were taking about 4.6 months – or 138 days – to reach the auction block.

“We believe that the faster track to auction stage in foreclosures is due to processing improvements that lenders have made as they become more familiar with compliance on government programs and regulations regarding foreclosures,” said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group.

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