The number of U.S. properties with foreclosure filings dropped 19% in October from a year earlier, but rose from September, according to market researcher RealtyTrac.

There were 186,455 U.S. properties with default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions in October, a 3% increase from the prior month, RealtyTrac reported.

Properties starting the foreclosure process fell on an annual basis for the third straight month in October, down 19% from the year before, but up 2% from September. October foreclosure starts increased on a year-over-year basis in 15 states.