#USA #Irvine #Real Estate #ATTOM #Foreclosure Data

Current State of Foreclosures

According to ATTOM's report released in January 2026, foreclosure activity has shown a marked increase for the eleventh consecutive month. In January alone, 40,534 U.S. properties were subjected to foreclosure filings. This figure represents a 10 percent decline from December 2025 but a notable 32 percent rise compared to January 2025. This escalation brings to light critical issues within the housing market that both lenders and homeowners alike must address.

Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM, explains the situation: "The rise in foreclosure activity indicates that while many homeowners remain stable, economic pressures and rising housing costs are causing stress in certain market segments." Despite the ongoing increase, current foreclosure levels remain well below the historic highs experienced during previous economic downturns.

Regional Insights into Foreclosure Rates

When examined by state, Delaware, Nevada, and Florida topped the list for the worst foreclosure rates in January 2026. The statistics reveal that one in every 3,547 housing units across the nation had a foreclosure filing. However, in Delaware, this rate was significantly harsher, with one in every 1,612 housing units affected. Massachusetts had a foreclosure filing rate of one in every 2,430 housing units, reflecting disparities across different regions.

Among urban areas with populations exceeding 200,000, Trenton, NJ, experienced the highest rate, with one foreclosure filing for every 1,087 housing units. This was closely followed by Punta Gorda, FL, and Fayetteville, NC.

Start and Completion of Foreclosures

In terms of foreclosure starts — essentially the initiation of the foreclosure process — there were 26,369 properties affected in January. Though this represented a 7 percent decrease from December, it also reflected a 26 percent increase year-over-year. Again, Florida was the front-runner with 3,523 starts recorded, trailed by Texas with 3,116 starts. Major cities like New York and Chicago also saw significant numbers, indicating a larger trend in metropolitan areas.

Foreclosure completions, which account for properties that have been taken back by lenders through a completed foreclosure process, saw a significant year-over-year increase of 59 percent in January. This surge underscores a shifting dynamic where more homeowners are losing their properties. Texas, California, and Florida led the numbers in completed foreclosures, with Texas accounting for 573 repossessions.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, the continued rise in foreclosure activity will likely prompt further scrutiny from both policymakers and economic analysts. With the real estate market still stabilizing following earlier shocks, industry experts stress the importance of closely monitoring these trends to mitigate future crises and to support distressed homeowners. ATTOM hopes to provide insights that will help stakeholders make informed decisions during this challenging period in the U.S. housing market.

This report highlights key findings on foreclosure statistics, drawing attention to geographical disparities in foreclosure activity and the pressing need for strategic responses to address the ongoing concerns of distressed homeowners.

Conclusion

The developments in foreclosure activity reflect an evolving landscape in the U.S. housing market. Although the increases are concerning, they offer an opportunity for lenders, policymakers, and consumers to engage with the market in a proactive and informed manner. As ATTOM continues to collect and analyze property data, the insights gained will be pivotal in shaping the response to these trends, striving to foster an environment that supports sustained home ownership and economic stability.