Foreclosure Starts Increase 10 Percent Year Over Year; Completed Foreclosures (REOs) Rises 23 Percent Annually
ATTOM, the leading provider of property data, AI-powered intelligence, and real estate analytics solutions, released its July 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 39,906 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings— default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — up 1 percent from a month ago and up 10 percent from a year ago.
“The increase in foreclosure starts and completed foreclosures compared to last year shows that financial pressures remain a factor for some homeowners,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “However, the broader context is important. Foreclosure activity remains relatively low by historical standards. While annual increases have become more common, current volumes indicate that the market remains relatively resilient overall.”
Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida record worst foreclosure rates in July
In July 2026, one in every 3,603 housing units nationwide had a foreclosure filing. Nevada led the nation with one foreclosure filing for every 1,703 housing units. South Carolina ranked second (one in every 2,085 housing units), followed by Florida (one in every 2,232 housing units), Delaware (one in every 2,579 housing units), and Texas (one in every 2,653 housing units).
Among metro areas with populations of 200,000 or more, Punta Gorda, FL recorded the worst foreclosure rate in July 2026, with one filing for every 899 housing units. Following Punta Gorda were Killeen, TX (one in every 1,359); Las Vegas, NV (one in every 1,394); Vallejo, CA (one in every 1,432 housing units); and Lakeland, FL (one in every 1,501).
Texas, Florida, and California post most foreclosure starts nationwide
Lenders initiated the foreclosure process on 26,648 U.S. properties in July 2026, up 2 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from a year ago.
Texas led the nation in foreclosure starts in July 2026 (3,306 foreclosure starts); followed by Florida (3,277 foreclosure starts); California (2,540 foreclosure starts); Illinois (1,243 foreclosure starts); and Georgia (1,217 foreclosure starts).
Contrary to the national trend, among metropolitan areas with a population of at least 200,000 with at least 20 foreclosure starts, the following saw the largest year-over-year declines in foreclosure starts in July 2026: Tulsa, OK (decrease from 138 foreclosure starts in July 2025 to 41 in July 2026); Spokane, WA (decrease from 43 to 20 foreclosure starts); Fayetteville, NC (decrease from 62 to 31 foreclosure starts); Toledo, OH (decrease from 98 to 49 foreclosure starts); and Greeley, CO (decrease from 47 to 24 foreclosure starts).
Completed foreclosures stay elevated compared to last year
Lenders repossessed 4,764 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs) in July 2026, virtually unchanged from the previous month but up 23 percent from a year ago.
States with the highest number of REOs in July 2026 were Texas (1,265 REOs); California (616 REOs); North Carolina (299 REOs); Maryland (272 REOs); and Virgina (263 REOs).
Those major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population greater than 200,00 that saw the highest number of REOs in July 2026 included: Houston, TX (405 REOs); Dallas, TX (223 REOs); Baltimore, MD (164 REOs); Washington, DC (131 REOs); and San Antonio, TX (128 REOs).
Key takeaways from the July 2026 foreclosure data
ATTOM’s July 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report shows that 39,906 properties nationwide had a foreclosure filing, up 1 percent from the prior month and 10 percent from July 2025. Foreclosure starts increased 10 percent year over year to 26,648, while completed foreclosures (REOs) rose 23 percent to 4,764, extending a broader trend of annual increases. Despite the upward movement, foreclosure activity remains below pre-pandemic norms.
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