GRAND RAPIDS — Foreclosure filings nationwide were down in November, but officials with the California-based tracking firm RealtyTrac say signs point to increases next year.

The total number of filings dropped 3 percent last month compared to October, and it was down 14 percent from a year ago.

But RealtyTrac co-founder James Saccacio said some bellwether states, such as California, Arizona and Massachusetts, posted year-over-year increases.

“Despite a seasonal slowdown similar to what we’ve seen in each of the past four years, November’s numbers suggest a new set of incoming foreclosure waves, many of which may roll into the market as REOs or short sales sometime early next year,” Saccacio said in a written statement.

Michigan continues to be among the 10 states with the highest foreclosure rates and total number of filings. The state’s 13,777 filings in November represent a 14 percent drop from October.

They also rank as the third highest total in the country.

Kent County dropped 15 percent from October and 18 percent from a year ago.

Kalamazoo County also recorded drops: down 48 percent from October and down 42 percent from a year ago.

Ottawa County totals dropped 26 percent from October but saw no change from 2010.

E-mail Cami Reister: creister@grpress.com