Foreclosure proceedings commenced by lenders between July and September in California jumped on a quarterly basis for the first time since early 2009, but the number of homeowners who moved all the way to foreclosure fell from the prior quarter and a year ago. According to MDA DataQuick, some 83,261 notices of default were posted at county recorder offices in Q3, as the movement of mortgage defaults from lower-cost submarkets into pricier enclaves retreated somewhat. The number of homes foreclosed on totaled 45,377.

Mark Critchfield and Tony Laurito have joined property valuation firm Solidifi U.S. in the newly created positions of VP, business development. Critchfield joins Solidifi from Fidelity National Financial, where he was VP and regional sales director for the company's entire line of services. Laurito brings 20-plus years of mortgage production and executive experience to his new position, most recently from an 11-year career with United Guaranty.

Zillow, Inc., which operates one of the largest portfolios of online and mobile real estate services, has picked Spencer Rascoff as its CEO. Co-founder Rich Barton, who has been the company's CEO since it was founded in 2005, will continue to be actively involved in Zillow as executive chairman of the board. Fellow co-founder Lloyd Frink will transition from president to the new full-time role of chief strategy officer.