After home sales in Tampa Bay hit a record in March, they fell drastically in April, which marks the spring buying season when sales are typically at their best.

The drop in the sales of foreclosed homes was also felt in the four surrounding counties of Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco, in a monthly comparison. Hernando County was at the top of the list with a 39.6% drop in foreclosure sales, Pinellas County came in second with a 33.1% drop, followed by Pasco County at 23.6% and Hillsborough with an 18.7% drop.

Real estate experts believe that how the banks continue to handle their foreclosure inventory will determine the outcome of the market. According to Thomas McGrady, Chief Judge of the Pinellas-Pasco Circuit, "I'm still optimistic that the end is near."