Oregon ends 2010 as number 12 in the nation in foreclosures and Deschutes County is leading the state, followed by Crook and Jefferson Counties in that order. On the surface, that appears to be very disappointing news. But realtor Tom Green says the situation seems to be improving: “In the first quarter of 2010, Oregon was number three in the nation in the number of foreclosures behind Nevada and Florida. So I take that, ending the year at number 12 as an improving trend.” Green says he is also hearing more talk of optimism for Central Oregon's economy. He also says that banks slowly releasing their foreclosures on the market is keeping the average price of a home under $200,000, and that's about the same price of paying rent. That means that young families who want to stay in Central Oregon can invest in a home and stay here.