The rate of homes in foreclosure may have finally peaked, according to CNN.com reporting on figures released by RealtyTrac.com which tracks foreclosures across the nation.  The drop in foreclosure filings fell by 9 percent from March to April, however experts believe it could possibly take years before foreclosure rates are back to normal.

Currently approximately one in four homeowners owe more on the home than the real estate is worth, which has caused to default,

These “strategic defaults” now account for nearly one in three foreclosures, according to a recent report from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. That’s up from 22% 12 months earlier.

The strategic defaults have been polarizing among readers who study financial planning.  Some say that if you obligated yourself to pay X amount for a home, then you should stand by that obligation.  Others believe the homes only weigh down owners when this happens.. if they walk away they can recover financially in seven years.

Still, it’s a good thing that the foreclosures seem to have plateaued.