Remember the housing nightmare that busted the economy? The crooks are back and here's what they're secretly up to According to housing analyst RealtyTrac, foreclosure filings shot up 15 percent last month, the largest increase in over four years. Almost 60,000 homes were newly scheduled for auction in October, a spike far beyond the usual seasonal rush to complete repossessions before the holidays. Auctions rose 53 percent in Nevada, 118 percent in New Jersey and an amazing 399 percent in Oregon. Continued demand for foreclosed properties by institutional investors and increased sale prices finally make it cost-effective to sell these homes, after persistent delays. "Distressed properties that have been in a holding pattern for years are finally being cleared for landing at the foreclosure auction," said Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac.