As of writing this on April 12, 2026, the most recent foreclosure data available is from ATTOM's February 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, released March 12, 2026, and their Q1 2026 Zombie Foreclosure Report, released February 19, 2026.
Note: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal or financial advice. If you are facing foreclosure or mortgage distress, please consult a HUD-approved housing counselor (hud.gov/counseling), a licensed attorney, or a financial advisor.
What the Data Actually Shows
Foreclosure activity has been rising steadily — but context matters. Here's what the numbers say:
According to ATTOM's Year-End 2025 Foreclosure Market Report (reported by National Mortgage Professional, January 16, 2026):
- 367,460 properties across the U.S. reported one or more foreclosure filings in 2025 — a 14% rise from 2024
- Foreclosure starts increased 14% year-over-year to 289,441 properties
- Foreclosure filings accounted for approximately 0.26% of all U.S. housing units — up from 0.23% in 2024
- Despite the increase, 2025 activity remains about 25% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels and 87% below the 2010 peak during the financial crisis
In early 2026, the trend continued accelerating. ATTOM's February 2026 report (ATTOM, March 12, 2026) showed:
- Foreclosure starts increased 14% year-over-year in February 2026
- Completed foreclosures (REOs) rose 35% from a year ago
ATTOM CEO Rob Barber noted: the data "suggests that today's uptick is being driven more by market recalibration than widespread homeowner distress, with strong equity positions and more disciplined lending continuing to limit risk."
Texas: A State Worth Watching Closely
Texas has consistently appeared at or near the top of ATTOM's state-level foreclosure data. According to ATTOM's July 2025 Foreclosure Market Report (PR Newswire, August 14, 2025):
- Texas led the nation in foreclosure starts with 3,600 starts in July 2025 alone
- Houston, TX had one of the worst foreclosure rates among major metros — one in every 1,882 housing units
- Texas also led in completed foreclosures (REOs) with 377 in July 2025
A CNBC analysis (CNBC, November 14, 2025) noted that "states where home prices have been falling while insurance premiums have been soaring — Florida and Texas, in particular — are seeing an uptick in defaults."
What's Driving the Increase
Several factors are contributing to rising foreclosure activity, particularly in Texas and Georgia:
- Mortgage rate shock. Homeowners who refinanced or purchased at 2-3% rates are generally protected. But FHA borrowers and those who bought at 2022-2023 rates are feeling more pressure. The CNBC analysis noted FHA delinquencies are "over 11%, and account for 52% of all seriously delinquent loans."
- Insurance cost surges. Texas and Georgia have both seen homeowners insurance premiums increase 20-40% since 2022, pushing total housing costs higher even when mortgage payments are stable.
- Property tax increases. Travis County, Harris County, and Bexar County in Texas have all seen significant assessment increases since 2020. Escrow adjustments have pushed monthly payments higher for many homeowners.
- Pandemic-era forbearance expiration. Many homeowners who received COVID forbearance have now worked through repayment plans — but some have not been able to fully recover.
What This Means If You're Feeling the Pressure
If you're behind on payments or concerned about your ability to keep up, a few points worth knowing:
- HUD-approved housing counselors can help you understand your options for free. Find one at hud.gov/counseling
- Selling before foreclosure completes almost always results in a better outcome — for your credit, your equity, and your ability to buy again in the future
- Texas and Georgia are both non-judicial foreclosure states, meaning the process can move quickly. Early action matters.
How Tallbridge Can Help
If selling is the direction that makes the most sense for your situation, Tallbridge works with homeowners across Texas and Georgia. We have a network of thousands of pre-vetted cash buyers and can move quickly in time-sensitive situations. We are not lenders or attorneys — for financial or legal advice, please work with a qualified professional. What we offer is a direct path to selling if that's what you choose.
We serve homeowners in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Atlanta, and throughout our Texas and Georgia markets.
Sources
- ATTOM Year-End 2025 Foreclosure Market Report — National Mortgage Professional, January 16, 2026
- ATTOM February 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report — ATTOM, March 12, 2026
- ATTOM July 2025 Foreclosure Market Report — PR Newswire, August 14, 2025
- ATTOM October 2025 Foreclosure Market Report — PR Newswire, November 13, 2025
- New foreclosures jump 20% in October — CNBC, November 14, 2025