Foreclosure filings rose 13% year over year in August

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The increase gives loan officers a practical reason to revisit borrower outreach, equity conversations, and local distress signals before they show up at the closing table.

Foreclosure filings increased 13% year over year in August, according to a Sept. 17, 2026 HousingWire report. The report also said the South was hit hardest, making the regional trend worth watching for mortgage professionals with borrowers or referral partners in Southern markets.

HousingWire reported that lenders repossessed 5,794 properties through completed foreclosures in August. The supplied material did not confirm the underlying data provider, metro-level details, state rankings, or whether the increase was driven more by new filings, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions.

Key takeaways

• HousingWire reported that foreclosure filings rose 13% year over year in August.
• The South was described as the hardest-hit region, though the supplied material did not confirm a state-by-state breakdown.
• Lenders repossessed 5,794 properties through completed foreclosures in August.
• For loan officers, the practical takeaway is borrower monitoring, early outreach, and clean documentation on hardship or equity options.

Sources

• HousingWire — Foreclosure filings rise 13% year-over-year, South hit hardest

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