Search

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. I will be in touch with you shortly.

Browse Homes

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

Beth Helvey April 30, 2025

When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you.

If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.

This Isn’t Like 2008

While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked up in the latest quarterly report from ATTOM, they’re still lower than the norm – and way below levels seen during the crash. And it’s a lot easier to see if you graph that out.

If you compare Q1 2025 (on the right side of the graph) to what happened in the years surrounding the 2008 crash (shown in red), it’s clear the market is in a completely different place (see graph below):

a graph of a graph of a number of falling downBack then, risky lending practices left homeowners with mortgages they couldn’t afford. That led to a wave of foreclosures, which flooded the market with distressed properties, a surplus of inventory, and caused home prices to drop dramatically.

Today, lending standards are much stronger, and most homeowners are in a much better financial position. That’s why filings are so much lower this time.

And just in case you’re looking at 2020 and 2021 and thinking we’ve ramped up since then, here’s what you need to know. During those years, there was a moratorium designed to help millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure in challenging times. That’s why the numbers for just a few years ago were so incredibly low.

So don’t compare today to that low point. If you look at more normal years like 2017-2019, overall foreclosure filings are actually down from what’s typical – and way down from the volume during the crash.

Of course, no one wants to go through the process of foreclosure. And the recent increase is emotional because it’s real lives that are impacted – let's not discount that. It’s just that, as a whole, this isn’t a signal of trouble in the market.

Why We Haven’t Seen a Big Surge in Foreclosures

And here's something else to reassure you: homeowner equity. Over the past few years, home prices have risen significantly. That means today’s homeowners have built up a solid financial cushion. As Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM, explains:

“While levels remain below historical averages, the quarterly growth suggests that some homeowners may be starting to feel the pressure of ongoing economic challenges. However, strong home equity positions in many markets continue to help buffer against a more significant spike . . .”

Basically, if someone falls on hard times and can’t make their mortgage payments, they may be able to sell their home instead of going into foreclosure. That’s a huge contrast to 2008, when many people owed more than their homes were worth and had no choice but to walk away.

Don’t discount the strong equity footing most homeowners have today. As Rick Sharga Founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company, explains in a recent Forbes article:

“ . . . a significant factor contributing to today’s comparatively low levels of foreclosure activity is that homeowners—including those in foreclosure—possess an unprecedented amount of home equity.”

Bottom Line

Even with the recent increase, foreclosure numbers are not at the levels seen during the 2008 crash. Plus, most homeowners today are in a much stronger equity position, even with rising costs.

If you are a homeowner who’s facing hardship, talk to your mortgage provider to explore your options.

Florida Real Estate Blog

The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

71% of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

11 Things Real Estate Agents Quietly Add to Your Household Without You Noticing (But You Totally Use)

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Explaining “Bathroom Camping” and Why Some Rooms Are Built Better for Solitude

June 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

25 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas to Light Up Your Backyard

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Bertha Palmer: Sarasota's Glamorous Cattle Queen

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

And Just Like That… AD Tours Carrie Bradshaw’s New Gramercy Park Pad

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading

Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage Today

More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?

Think No One’s Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

Why Big Investors Aren’t a Challenge for Today’s Homebuyer

Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s Why

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.

May 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates

3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer

These Are All the Nonstop Destinations from SRQ

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now

Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?

6 Things to Keep in Mind When a Contractor Promises a Home Upgrade Will “Increase the Value”

Here’s Who’s Moving to and Leaving Our Region

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Salvador Dalí at Home: Tour the Surrealist’s Whimsical World in 15 Photos

11 Weirdest Things People Have Found During Home Renovations

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Savor Sarasota

6 Surprising Professions That Unlock Special Mortgage Perks Despite Student Debt

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

April 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Looking for fun things to do Memorial Day weekend May 24-27? Top 5 events in Sarasota area

Siesta Beach Named to ‘World’s 50 Best Beaches’ List

The Social Shift That Could Turn Renters Into Future Homeowners

You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

Why Waiting for 3% Rates to Come Back Around Could Cost You as a Homebuyer

Home Projects That Boost Value

13 Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid According to Professional Designers

Barrier Island Hotels Reopen After Last Fall’s Storms

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

The Beauty and Resilience of Florida-Friendly Gardens

If You’re Selling Your Home Soon, Don’t Let the Word ‘Concession’ Scare You

9 Quaint Towns Straight Out of a Disney Movie

Sarasota’s Pro Soccer Team Is Leveling Up

How to Know if a “Delayed” or “Exclusive” Listing Is Right for You

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Mote Reports First Local Sea Turtle Nests of 2025 Season

May 1st is the First Official Day of Turtle Nest Season

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

23 Biggest Interior Design Regrets, According to Influencers and Tastemakers

March 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Does Your Current Home Fit Your Retirement Plans?

Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Could Your Social Media Profile Be Hurting Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage?

These 8 Real Structures Inspired the Castles in Disney Films

Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

8 Ways to Size Up a Neighborhood Before You Buy a House There

5 Hidden Costs of House Hunting—Sneaky Little Expenses You Didn’t See Coming (But Totally Will)

Why You Don't Want To Skip Your Home Inspection

Seriously, Don't Skip It

The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market

The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price

Are “ADUs” Your Ticket to Smaller, More Affordable Housing?

Or to Start Your Income Property Journey?

Housing Market Panic?

Why You Shouldn’t Believe Every Headline (Or Chart) You See Online

Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

Selling Your First Home?

Here’s How Thinking Like a First-Time Buyer Can Help

A New Hotel Has Opened on Lido Key

Cirque St. Armands Beachside has replaced Lido Key’s Holiday Inn—and it’s a major upgrade.

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power

Here’s How To Use It

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever

February 2025 Real Estate Market Report

Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Tiny Issues, Big Turn-Offs for Buyers

10 Small Fixes That Can Make or Break the Sale of Your Home

How Buying or Selling a Home Helps Your Local Economy

What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

Planning Ahead: Putting Aside Money for Home Upkeep

What You Need to Know About Pre-Approval

Factors That Can Affect Your Preapproval

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

It Is in Sarasota!

Selling Your Home? Here's Why More Deals Are Falling Apart

And How to Keep Yours on Track

Work With Beth

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I'm here to provide answers, insights, and the support you need. Contact me and start planning your next move.