Filings for foreclosure are up 32% from a year ago across the country. This includes default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions.
A total of 40,534 U.S. Properties had foreclosure filings, with Delaware, Florida, and Nevada topping the list. Foreclosure activity in January rose year over year for the 11th straight month, continuing a trend that has now carried into early 2026.
Completed foreclosures increased by 59%. Nationwide, 1 in every 3,547 housing units had a foreclosure filing in January 2026.
Although foreclosure activity has been rising steadily, overall levels remain well below historic peaks. This suggests that most homeowners are still on stable footing even as higher housing costs and broader economic pressures create stress in certain market pockets.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
Home sales fell 8.4% in January which was the biggest monthly decline since February 2022. Sales of existing homes fell from the prior month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.
The decline came after sales rose in three of the previous four months. Expensive home prices and decreased inventory played a role in the sharp deceleration of sales.
The coming months will be key to determining whether the market regains momentum. The spring season is typically the most active time of year for home sales.
Mortgage rates stand around 6.1%, down from about 6.9% a year ago which is helping make purchases more affordable. We’ll see where all of this is leading in the next couple of months.
Let me leave you with this…
Many are saying that our economy has achieved a soft landing and that the impossible has become reality. Many are saying don’t jinx it.
And then you look at the housing market.
This is my way of saying that we all need to be cautious about extending credit in this economy. Foreclosure activity jumping as it has and the housing market dropping should tell everyone to be cautious.
It shouldn’t matter whether you’re dealing with homeowners or entrepreneurs. What happens to one will certainly happen to the other.
Please don’t misunderstand my message. I’m not playing Chicken Little saying that the sky is falling.
But the marketplace has an inordinate amount of uncertainty, which means that your monthly financial statements are increasingly important. Watch them like a hawk.
Maintaining your margins will be difficult, especially with recent tariff changes.
Periods like this are when we earn their pay. If being an entrepreneur was easy, everyone would do it.
Now isn’t the time to rest on your laurels. Those who make that mistake, might end up in foreclosure court.
As always, if you’re having difficulties with your accounting and tax work, I’m waiting for your call.
We’re all going to get through this. Let’s get through it together.
Accounting Solutions Ltd. stands ready to complete our mission and purpose of protecting you, your family, and your business. Whether you need Payroll Services, or Accounting and Tax Work, you have but to ask. I’m here and I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Chris Amundson
President
Accounting Solutions Ltd.
773-267-7500
888-310-0300
www.AccountingSolutionsLtd.com
Disclaimer: The content on our website or newsletter is provided solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as tax, accounting, legal, investment, or professional advice of any kind. Accessing this information does not create, and is not intended to create, an accountant-client relationship. This information may not reflect the most current tax laws, accounting standards, or regulatory developments and may not apply to your specific jurisdiction or circumstances. It is not a substitute for consulting qualified professionals. Before making any decisions or taking any actions, you should seek advice from a professional who is fully informed of all relevant facts pertaining to your situation.
Tax-related content on this site is not intended, nor may it be used by any taxpayer, to avoid penalties that may be imposed under applicable tax laws. To comply with IRS requirements, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties or promoting, marketing, or recommending any transaction or matter addressed herein.
All information is provided “as is,” without any guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness, and without any warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We disclaim all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only; we do not endorse or assume responsibility for their content. All materials are the property of our firm and may not be reproduced without prior written consent.