GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Foreclosure Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Foreclosure Statistics

  • In 2019, there were about 493,066 properties with foreclosure filings in the United States.
  • In the first quarter of 2020, the foreclosure rate in the U.S. was 0.36%.
  • In 2019, Florida had the highest foreclosure rate in the U.S. at 0.46%.
  • Pre-foreclosure properties in the US in July 2021 reduced by 26% compared with the previous month.
  • As of November 2021, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in the U.S. was up 94% from the previous month.
  • New Jersey had the highest foreclosure rate in 2018 at 1.42%.
  • As of Q2 2021, 0.27% of homes in the U.S. are in some stage of foreclosure.
  • Among major metro areas, Cleveland, OH, had the highest number of foreclosure starts in 2021 at 15.8 per 10,000 households.
  • As of Q3 2021, there were 44,255 housing units starting the foreclosure process in the U.S.
  • In 2020, the foreclosure rate for conventional loans was around 0.72% in the U.S.
  • In January 2021, Florida had the most completed foreclosures over the past 12 months at 6,767.
  • As of March 2021, the U.S. foreclosure inventory rate was 0.3%.
  • In 2016, 1 in every 122 American housing units had at least one foreclosure filing.
  • In 2021, the US residential foreclosure activity increased by 32% from the previous 6 months.
  • In 2020, the area with the highest number of foreclosures per housing unit was Delaware with 1 in every 2,089 homes.
  • Texas had the highest number of completed foreclosures from 2006 to 2018, at about 51,500.
  • In the 4th quarter of 2019, the foreclosure start rate in the U.S. dropped to 0.22%.
  • In 2021, Los Angeles County reported the highest number of foreclosures of any county in the U.S., with a total of 2,006 homes in the foreclosure process.
  • In 2020, the racial group with the highest foreclosure rate was African Americans, with a rate of 10%.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

Gaining an understanding of foreclosure statistics allows us to comprehend the health and trends in the real estate market, as well as the overall economy. In this blog post, we delve into various foreclosure statistics that reflect on housing patterns, lender behavior, economic factors, and legislation impacts. We will look into trends and patterns, the counties and states most affected, and how the rate of foreclosures correlates with factors such as employment rates and economic downturns. Stay with us as we unravel the telling numbers behind foreclosure’s impact on homeowners and communities.

The Latest Foreclosure Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, there were about 493,066 properties with foreclosure filings in the United States.

The 2019 revelation of approximately 493,066 US properties grappling with foreclosure filings serves as a stark indicator of the nation’s housing market turbulence, and a significant pivot point for discussions around foreclosure statistics. This figure not only underpins the widespread financial distress homeowners experienced, but it also encapsulates the broader economic implications – affecting local communities, city budgets, and national real estate trends. Central to a dialogue on foreclosure statistics, it bends our understanding of the forces shaping housing stability and critically informs potential mitigation strategies.

In the first quarter of 2020, the foreclosure rate in the U.S. was 0.36%.

Highlighting the U.S. foreclosure rate of 0.36% in the first quarter of 2020 paints a vivid image of the housing landscape during that period. This figure serves as a key barometer for understanding the state of homeowners’ financial struggles and, by extension, the overall health of the economy. Detailed scrutiny of this number allows for both an assessment of the housing market’s resilience during an economically challenging period, and a comparative analysis to past or future foreclosure rates. This measurement hence, contributes to a broader conversation of economic challenges and financial resilience, offering readers in-depth insights into the patterns and trends governing the foreclosure landscape.

In 2019, Florida had the highest foreclosure rate in the U.S. at 0.46%.

Bearing witness to Florida’s striking rate of 0.46% foreclosures in 2019, casts a piercing light on the state’s deep-seated property turbulence, catapulting it to the top of U.S foreclosure statistics. This revelation is particularly indispensable in this discourse, serving as a potent exemplar of the real-world impact of foreclosure, painting a stark picture of the insecurity faced by homeowners, and boldly laying bare the challenging economic climate within the state. It further provides a tangible benchmark against which other states’ foreclosure situations can be critically evaluated, adding depth and context to our discussion platter on foreclosure statistics.

Pre-foreclosure properties in the US in July 2021 reduced by 26% compared with the previous month.

In the orchestra of foreclosure statistics, the tune of a 26% reduction in US pre-foreclosure properties in July 2021 emits a hopeful note. This downturn creates a litmus test, illuminating an improved real estate landscape where fewer homeowners face the threat of losing their homes. Moreover, it hints at potential economic recovery as this reduction might suggest property owners are gradually re-gaining their financial footing after possibly having been upheaved by the COVID-19 economic havoc. Such an optimistic shift adds texture to the narrative, inviting readers to engage with temporal patterns that may hint at broader social and economic trends.

As of November 2021, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in the U.S. was up 94% from the previous month.

Highlighting a dramatic surge of 94% in foreclosure filings within a single month, as observed in November 2021, orchestrates an alarming melody in the symphony of Foreclosure Statistics. This striking note not only illustrates the volatile nature of the real estate market, it also underscores the escalating financial hardship endured by homeowners, enforcing a somber beat that perhaps resonates with the economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic. In the grand orchestra of numbers and trends, this surge crescendos, bringing the broader implications of foreclosure to the forefront, while cultivating curiosity and concern that lends urgency to discussing strategies for foreclosure prevention and financial resilience.

New Jersey had the highest foreclosure rate in 2018 at 1.42%.

In the field of foreclosure statistics, particular highlights emerge, such as New Jersey demonstrating a leading foreclosure rate of 1.42% in 2018. When we spotlight New Jersey in this study, it presents an intriguing focal point for in-depth scrutiny and potential learning, acting as a beacon for the detection of underpinning factors leading to this significantly escalated foreclosure rate. Consequently, this can shape policy plans, impose preventative measures and ultimately have a widespread impact on the real estate market, economic dynamics and wellbeing of homeowners across the United States.

As of Q2 2021, 0.27% of homes in the U.S. are in some stage of foreclosure.

Delving into the narrative of U.S. foreclosure statistics, pockets of critical insight can be unearthed from the fact revealed in Q2 of 2021, where only 0.27% of U.S. homes stood in some phase of foreclosure. This measly figure, however, holds profound implications as it discloses a small yet consequential fraction of homeowners grappling with real estate doom. A muse for economists, it sketches a picture of the prevalent housing market dynamics, lending practices, financial distress, as well as the direct impact of governmental interventions and economic stimuli. In essence, it is a poignant indicator of the economy’s health, demonstrating the underlying stories of triumph or despair in the monumental struggle of homeownership. The prominence of this trivial fraction indeed magnifies, serving as a vital pulse check in the vein of foreclosure stories.

Among major metro areas, Cleveland, OH, had the highest number of foreclosure starts in 2021 at 15.8 per 10,000 households.

In the arena of foreclosure statistics, surveying major metro hotspots can reveal intriguing patterns and trends, and Cleveland, OH notably tops this list. Garnering the unwelcome distinction of having the highest number of foreclosure starts in 2021, with a significant figure of 15.8 for every 10,000 households, Cleveland’s statistical tale paints a vivid picture of ongoing economic struggles and household distress. As readers digest these figures, they’re offered a more tangible grasp on the scale of foreclosure challenges sweeping urban communities, and, in particular, the impact on this Midwest metro area. More importantly, these numbers serve as a compelling prologue, sparking discussions on underlying causes, enabling comparison with other cities, and catalyzing potential strategies for foreclosure prevention.

As of Q3 2021, there were 44,255 housing units starting the foreclosure process in the U.S.

The revelation of 44,255 housing units kicking off the foreclosure process in the U.S. during Q3 2021 provides a stark testament to the challenging economic climate and enlightens us about the gravity of housing insecurity many Americans are currently facing. It forms the bedrock for a compelling narrative about homeownership vulnerabilities and enhances the content’s relevance in a blog post dedicated to Foreclosure Statistics. This figure could potentially reveal prevailing trends, inform policy decisions, illustrate the impacts of recent legislative changes, or caution prospective homeowners. Ultimately, it underscores the human side of foreclosure statistics, as each of these properties represents a family or individual grappling with the loss of their home.

In 2020, the foreclosure rate for conventional loans was around 0.72% in the U.S.

Unveiling a dramatic portrait of the national property scene, the 2020 foreclosure rate for conventional loans stands at roughly 0.72% in the U.S. In the sphere of foreclosure statistics, this number carries significant weight. It not only reflects the financial stability of homeowners, but more broadly, it casts a spotlight on the efficacy of lending institutions, the health of the overall economy, and the impact of government policies aimed at preventing foreclosures. Thus, it becomes an integral part of an analytical library, offering deep insights to policymakers, financial analysts, and prospective homeowners about the realities of property ownership in the country.

In January 2021, Florida had the most completed foreclosures over the past 12 months at 6,767.

Highlighting Florida’s leading position in the realm of completed foreclosures during 2021, with a striking figure of 6,767 foreclosures, provides crucial nuances to our understanding of national foreclosure trends. This significant number not only underscores the pervasiveness of foreclosure issues in Florida, but also invites a comparison with other states, enriching our understanding of geographical variations in foreclosure rates. Furthermore, this statistic unveils a layer of the economic strain experienced among homeowners in the state, encouraging a deeper discourse on contributing factors and potential measures to address this ongoing issue.

As of March 2021, the U.S. foreclosure inventory rate was 0.3%.

Anchoring the narrative of March 2021, the data point that the U.S. foreclosure inventory rate stooped to 0.3% serves as a significant indicator. It vividly paints a picture of the dynamics, giving fresh insights and valuable perspectives on the prevailing health of the U.S. housing market. This statistic, when contemplated deeply, reveals a marked downward trend in foreclosures- a sign of a possible economic recovery or a demonstration of the success of various homeowner aid policies. Therefore, it is more than just a number, it is a lens through which we can view the resilience or fragility of the housing industry amidst various economic impacts.

In 2016, 1 in every 122 American housing units had at least one foreclosure filing.

Peeling back the layers of foreclosure statistics, let’s dive into the 2016 revelation that noted an astonishing breadth to the phenomenon: one in every 122 American housing units having a foreclosure filing. This data point is striking, serving to underscore both the prevalence and the magnitude of the foreclosure issue within American society. Encapsulating the widespread nature of a seemingly hidden crisis, this statistic sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of foreclosure realities. It nudges our compassionate understanding towards the countless families grappling with home loss and also acts as a rallying cry for change, urging us to rethink housing policies and practices. Enlightening our perceptions and conversations about foreclosure, this statistic is a significant cornerstone for our discussion.

In 2021, the US residential foreclosure activity increased by 32% from the previous 6 months.

Witnessing a 32% surge in US residential foreclosure activity in 2021 from the previous 6 months punctuates a vital trend in the overarching narrative of Foreclosure Statistics. It implies that an increasing number of homeowners are experiencing financial instability, likely influenced by underlying economic events such as the ongoing effects of the pandemic or changes in the job market. This statistic serves as a barometer of economic health, portraying an essential aspect of the housing market, lending insights into the financial wellbeing of the average American household. Understanding such shifts can help policymakers, lenders, and investors make more informed decisions about housing policies, risk management, and investment strategies.

In 2020, the area with the highest number of foreclosures per housing unit was Delaware with 1 in every 2,089 homes.

Unveiling the significance of Delaware topping the 2020 foreclosure charts, it is key to grasp the critical milestones this ratio of 1 in every 2,089 homes marks in a broader blog discussion on Foreclosure Statistics. Positioned as the area with the greatest ratio of foreclosures per housing unit, Delaware emblematically serves as a mirror into the consequences of financial instability, market fluctuations, and policy impacts on property ownership. This measurement is an insightful tool, illuminating the underlying risk factors, and offering prospective buyers, investors, policymakers, and stake-holders valuable insights about the landscape of real estate market, affordability, and financial pitfalls to avoid. In a nutshell, it aids in shaping informed strategies, promoting better understanding and awareness about foreclosure risks and potential safeguards.

Texas had the highest number of completed foreclosures from 2006 to 2018, at about 51,500.

Undeniably, the spotlight on Texas as the state with the highest number of completed foreclosures from 2006 to 2018, boasting a figure around 51,500, packs a powerful punch within the terrain of foreclosure statistics. This figure not only provides insightful quantitative commentary on Texas’ real estate market during this turbulent period, but it also sets the stage to investigate potential contributing factors such as state policies, economic dynamics, and local housing market conditions. Additionally, it renders a comparative base for assessing foreclosure trends across other US states, thereby offering viewers a broad yet detailed perspective of the national foreclosure landscape.

In the 4th quarter of 2019, the foreclosure start rate in the U.S. dropped to 0.22%.

Painting a picture of the ever-evolving housing market landscape, the downward spiral of the foreclosure start rate to 0.22% in the U.S.’s fourth quarter of 2019 serves as an optimistic pulse in our investigation into Foreclosure Statistics. This vital statistic illustrates a potential shift towards enhanced financial stability among homeowners, possibly influenced by a host of factors, ranging from positive economic trends to successful foreclosure prevention initiatives. Furthermore, it hints at a landscape less populated by distressed sales, thereby providing a healthier environment for prospective buyers pursing their dream of homeownership.

In 2021, Los Angeles County reported the highest number of foreclosures of any county in the U.S., with a total of 2,006 homes in the foreclosure process.

Highlighting the striking figure of 2,006 homes in the foreclosure process in Los Angeles County in 2021 offers vivid illustration of the foreclosure issues facing the nation’s most populous county. This statistic serves as a barometer for the severity of the housing crisis, particularly in high-cost markets. Given that Los Angeles is often seen as a trendsetter, this could indicate a worsening trend in foreclosure rates across the U.S. Overall, this remarkable statistic underscores the urgency of discussing and finding solutions for the foreclosure crisis.

In 2020, the racial group with the highest foreclosure rate was African Americans, with a rate of 10%.

Unveiling a distinct viewpoint, the finding that African Americans held the highest foreclosure rate at 10% in 2020 throws a revealing spotlight on the issue of racial discrepancies in foreclosure trends. This data point underscores the presence of economic struggles faced disproportionately by this racial group, potentially due to systemic issues like racial discrimination in lending or wage disparities. As such, this substantial piece of information warrants deeper exploration and dialogue, enriching a blog post about Foreclosure Statistics by adding layers of depth, complexity, and sociopolitical import to the discussion.

Conclusion

Foreclosure statistics provide a valuable gauge of the housing market and economic health. While they have been showing a downward trend recently, reflecting an improving economy and stringent lending practices, there are still significant regional differences. In order to maintain this positive trend and minimize foreclosures, ongoing focus on responsible lending, financial education for borrowers, and careful monitoring of economic indicators is essential. Understanding foreclosure statistics also helps investors and potential homeowners make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more stable and resilient housing market.

References

0. – https://www.www.realtytrac.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.fhfa.gov

3. – https://www.www.corelogic.com

4. – https://www.www.investopedia.com

5. – https://www.www.mortgagenewsdaily.com

6. – https://www.www.attomdata.com

7. – https://www.www.urban.org

8. – https://www.www.creditdonkey.com

9. – https://www.www.bankrate.com

10. – https://www.fred.stlouisfed.org

FAQs

What is foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a legal process that a lender or a bank initiates when a borrower fails to meet their mortgage loan obligations. It allows the lender to seize the property, evict the homeowner, and sell the home as stipulated in the mortgage contract.

How does foreclosure affect your credit?

A foreclosure can significantly impact your credit score, often reducing it by 200 to 300 points. It remains on your credit report for up to seven years, which may hinder your chances of qualifying for new credit or loans.

What are the stages of foreclosure?

Foreclosure generally includes several stages missed payments, public notice, pre-foreclosure, auction, and post-foreclosure. The entire process may take from a few months to over a year, depending on your state's laws and the lender's patience.

How can foreclosures be avoided?

There are several ways to avoid foreclosure such as negotiating with your lender, loan modification, asking for forbearance, filing for bankruptcy, or selling the house before foreclosure completes. Remember to seek expert advice early before making a decision.

How can you buy a foreclosed property?

Purchasing a foreclosed property can be done directly from the bank or lender (bank-owned property), through a real estate agent, or through a public auction. However, keep in mind that purchasing a foreclosed property might come with additional legal and financial risks. Always do thorough due diligence before making a purchase.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!