Mortgage Mortgage delinquency rate reaches prepandemic levels In October, 3.8% of mortgages were delinquent by at least 30 days, compared to 3.7% in the same month of 2019

Didier Malagies • January 12, 2022


Mortgage delinquency rates hit pre-pandemic levels in October due to labor market improvements and home equity increases, according to the most recent CoreLogic Loan Performance Report. The expectation is that rates will continue to decline during 2022.


In October, 3.8% of mortgages were delinquent by at least 30 days, including foreclosure, close to the 3.7% rate registered in the same period of 2019. In October of 2020, the delinquency rate was at 6.1%.


“Improving economic security and the benefits of disciplined underwriting practices over the past decade are helping reduce or avoid mortgage delinquencies,” said Frank Martell, president and CEO of CoreLogic, in a statement.


The report found that 82% of the jobs lost in March and April 2020 were recovered by October, accounting for 18.2 million Americans back at work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


According to Martell, the expectation is that delinquency will trend down as the economy continues to rebound from the pandemic, employment grows, and high levels of fiscal and monetary stimulus continue.

In October, the transition rate – mortgages transitioning from current to 30 days past due – dropped one basis point in one year to 0.7%.


The serious mortgage delinquency rate (90 days or more past due, including loans in forbearance) dipped 19 basis points year over year to 2.2% in October.


Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s chief economist, mentioned that loan modifications have helped reduce loans in serious delinquency.


However, some borrowers are still facing severe financial challenges. “Nonetheless, there were about one-half million more loans in serious delinquency in October than at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.”

The report, published on Tuesday, accounts for only first liens against a property, and rates are measured only against homes with an outstanding mortgage. CoreLogic has approximately 75% coverage of U.S. foreclosure data.




Start Your Loan with DDA today
Your local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Largo
See our Reviews

Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast! 

Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies March 18, 2026
That Redfin data point—$13 trillion in housing wealth held by Americans 70+—is a big deal, and it ties into several powerful trends reshaping the housing and mortgage markets. What’s driving this record wealth? 1. Long-term home price appreciation Older homeowners bought decades ago at much lower prices and have benefited from massive appreciation, especially post-2020. 2. Low mortgage leverage Many in this age group either: Own their homes outright, or Have very small remaining balances So their equity = real wealth , not just paper gains. 3. Aging in place Instead of downsizing, many are staying put longer, allowing equity to continue compounding. Why this matters (big picture) 1. Supply constraint in housing Fewer older homeowners are selling, which: Keeps inventory tight Supports higher home prices This is one reason younger buyers are struggling to find affordable homes. 2. Wealth inequality across generations Younger generations: Face higher home prices Have less access to equity Meanwhile, older Americans control a disproportionate share of housing wealth. Implications for mortgage and lending 1. Rise of equity-based lending This trend directly fuels growth in: Reverse mortgages (HECMs) HELOCs Cash-out refinances That $13T is largely untapped liquidity . 2. “Living off equity” becomes more common With concerns around: Social Security stability Inflation More retirees are using housing wealth as: Income supplementation Emergency reserves 3. Intergenerational wealth transfer We’re seeing more: Parents helping kids with down payments Early inheritance strategies using home equity The hidden risk This isn’t risk-free: If home prices flatten or fall → equity shrinks Property taxes + insurance (especially in places like Florida) can pressure fixed-income retirees Liquidity is still “locked” unless accessed strategically Bottom line That $13 trillion figure isn’t just a stat—it represents a shift in where wealth lives in America : Housing is now the primary balance sheet asset for older Americans It’s becoming a retirement tool , not just a place to live And it’s quietly shaping everything from housing supply to lending innovation  Didier Malagies nmls212566 DDA Mortgage nmls324329
By DDA Mortage March 17, 2026
Tired of throwing money away on rent? Learn how an SBA 7(a) loan from DDA Mortgage can help you buy your commercial property with 100% financing and build equity.
By DDA Mortage March 3, 2026
Explore how AI is transforming the mortgage industry, impacting jobs, and creating new opportunities. Learn how to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
Show More