Foreclosure filings — including notices of default, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions — during the first quarter fell 23% from a year earlier, the lowest level since the second quarter of 2007.

Last month, banks repossessed just under 44,000 homes. In September 2010, repossessions topped 100,000 a month.

“We’re getting back to normal and will be there by next year,” said Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac.

via Foreclosures returning to pre-housing bust levels – Apr. 11, 2013.