The Week Ahead: Watching for Delinquency Rate Declines

On Tuesday, CoreLogic will release its latest Loan Performance Insights Report. Previous reports have indicated that a decline in mortgage deliqnuencies. In April 2019, the total number of mortgages delinquent more than 30 days fell to 3.6%, and 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.

Here's what else is happening in the Week Ahead:

• NAHB housing market index (Aug. 15)
• Census Bureau residential construction survey (Aug. 16)