Things are not as bad as they seem. North Carolina has been one of the top real estate markets in this economic downturn. The greater-Charlotte region has faired decently due to the lack of overpriced and soaring property values during the “Housing Bubble”. The number of foreclosures in North Carolina fell nearly 42 percent in the first quarter from the same period last year, compared to a 24 percent increase on the national level, according to RealtyTrac Inc. To see information from the Triangle Business Journal, click here.