Delinquencies

A slowdown in the increase of loans exiting forbearance “implies that those who were able to absorb the shock of the pandemic and get back on their feet, may have already done so,” said Andy Walden, Black Knight economist.

The largest U.S. shopping center became delinquent on its debt last year after its owner Triple Five Group began skipping mortgage payments, citing hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the balance of newly delinquent loans fell by 50% from November, the ratings agency warned that many borrowers will likely struggle to bring loans current under ongoing pandemic conditions.

Reports indicate distressed owners would rather surrender their hotel or retail properties instead of negotiate workouts on delinquent loans as the pandemic spread carries on.

With limited plan removals due to the holidays, mortgages in coronavirus-related forbearance rose by 15,000, according to Black Knight.

About 4,400 loans started the foreclosure process in November, alongside 176,000 mortgages in active foreclosure.

The new bill ordering $600 stimulus checks and $25 billion in emergency rental assistance won't be enough to help millions of Americans struggling to make housing payments, according to industry watchers.

With infection rates rising and unemployment claims increasing since Thanksgiving, mortgages in coronavirus-related forbearance rose by 37,000 last week, according to Black Knight.

The percentage of seriously delinquent loans hit 5.8% in the third quarter, up from 1.5% a year earlier but down from 6.8% in the second quarter.

While 12,000 mortgages exited forbearance, the most borrowers entered forbearance protection in a week since early September, according to Black Knight.