The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

Lately, foreclosure headlines have been popping up again and let’s be honest, they’re designed to grab your attention and spark a little panic. But when you actually take a closer look at the data, the story isn’t nearly as dramatic as the headlines make it seem.

Yes, foreclosure starts are up 7% in the first half of 2025 but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. And when we zoom out and see the full picture, especially here in New Hampshire, the numbers tell a much more reassuring story.

🏡 Foreclosures Are Still Historically Low

Let’s put this into perspective: nationwide, just 0.13% of homes filed for foreclosure in the first half of this year. That’s less than one in every 750 homes. For comparison, during the housing crash in 2010, it was one in every 45 homes. So yes, foreclosures have ticked up slightly but we are nowhere near crash territory.

And if you’re wondering what that looks like locally? New Hampshire continues to trend below the national average. Our market is stable, with most homeowners sitting on strong equity positions and access to more tools and support than they had 15 years ago.

🔍 Why This Market Is Not Like 2008

The 2008 crash was largely fueled by risky lending practices and underwater mortgages. Homeowners had little to no equity and no real options when financial hardship hit. Today? It’s a different world. Lending standards are tougher, and most homeowners have built up record amounts of equity. That means even if someone falls on hard times, selling their home is often a viable solution, avoiding foreclosure entirely.

As Rick Sharga, Founder of CJ Patrick Company, put it:

“. . . 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.”

📣 What To Do If You’re Worried

First off don’t panic. If you’re a homeowner facing financial hardship, talk to your mortgage provider sooner rather than later. There may be options available to you that didn’t exist in the past.

And if you’re just trying to make sense of the market or wondering how this all impacts your home's value here in New Hampshire, I’ve got you. Let’s connect. I’ll walk you through the data, answer your questions, and help you tune out the noise.

Bottom Line:
The foreclosure headlines may sound scary, but they don’t reflect a housing crash. The data shows a stable market, especially here in New Hampshire. If you’re curious, concerned, or just want to understand what’s really going on reach out. I’m always here to help you navigate it all with confidence.