RealtyTrac released foreclosure numbers for the first quarter of 2006 yesterday, and they show the nation's foreclosures moving higher for the fourth consecutive quarter, despite a decrease in March.

The report documents 323,102 properties nationwide entering some stage of foreclosure in the first quarter, a 38 percent increase from the previous quarter and a 72 percent year-over-year increase from the first quarter of 2005. The nation’s quarterly foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure for every 358 U.S. households was higher than in any quarter of last year.

Georgia, Colorado and Indiana reported the most foreclosure activity in the first quarter. See the foreclosure stats in all 50 states.

Does this reflect what's happening on the ground in your area? Let us know with a comment or e-mail.