Foreclosure deed recordings in New Hampshire from January through August are 3 percent below the same period in 2011, and 12 percent below the same period in 2010, according to the latest numbers from the N.H. Housing Finance Authority. And, with national economic conditions improving, new foreclosure deeds should continue to decline.

However, the recovery is likely to be slow, as the negative influence of foreclosed and distressed properties on the housing market will continue for months to come.

There were 282 foreclosure deeds recorded in the state in August, an increase of nearly 5 percent over the prior month, but a decrease of 12 percent compared to August 2011. There have been 2,580 foreclosure deeds recorded this year through August, which puts the state on pace to fall below the 3,863 total foreclosure deeds recorded last year.