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The Lingering Impact of Natural Disasters on Delinquency Rates

The total number of mortgages delinquent more than 30 days fell to 3.6% in April 2019, according to CoreLogic’s latest Loan Performance Insights Report. 

CoreLogic’s report reveals delinquency rates have fallen year-over-year from 4.3% in April 2018. The report also reflects a slight month-to-month decline, as 4% of mortgage were delinquent more than 30 days in March 2019.

"Thanks to a 50-year low in unemployment, rising home prices and responsible underwriting, the U.S. overall delinquency rate is the lowest in more than 20 years,” Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic. “However, a number of metros that suffered a natural disaster or economic decline contradict this national trend. For example, in the wake of the 2018 California Camp Fire, the serious delinquency rate in the Chico, California, metro area this April was 21% higher than one year ago."

According to March’s report, the largest annual gains in serious delinquency rates came in areas impacted by Hurricanes. Panama City, Florida, had the largest increase at 1.9%. 

Panama City once again posted the largest annual rise in serious delinquency rates with a 1.4% increase. Albany, Georgia, recorded a 0.7% increase and Jacksonville, North Carolina, reported a 0.6% increase. 

"The U.S. has experienced 16 consecutive months of falling overall delinquency rates, but it has not been a steady decline across all areas of the country. Recent flooding in the Midwest could elevate delinquency rates in hard-hit areas, similar to what we see after a hurricane, said Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic. 

The total number of homes in foreclosure in April 2019 fell slightly to 0.4% from 0.5% the month prior. 

Nationally, every state posted a decline in serious delinquency rates, but some of the larger CBSAs struggled over the past month. 

The CBSA of New York-Newark-Jersey City-NY-NJ-PA, had the highest serious delinquency rate among the 10-largest CBSAs at 2.5%. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida, was close behind at 2%. 

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California, had the lowest serious delinquency rate of the 10 largest CBSAs at 0.3%. 

About Author: Mike Albanese

Mike Albanese is a reporter for DS News and MReport. He is a University of Alabama graduate with a degree in journalism and a minor in communications. He has worked for publications—both print and online—covering numerous beats. A Connecticut native, Albanese currently resides in Lewisville.
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