16% Jump in Foreclosures for February 2021
/in National /by Tracy WillisDespite foreclosure and Covid-19 relief measures for homeowners, foreclosures are actually on the rise. A report from ATTOM Data Solutions shows a 16% jump in foreclosures from January to February and notes an upward trend in 29 states. The government’s moratorium bans foreclosures on federally backed loans for homeowners and protects borrowers in the forbearance program. Loans on commercial and investment properties, and properties that are vacant and abandoned don’t garner the same protections, accounting for the slight increase. The yearly data still shows a significant decrease in foreclosures over the same period in 2020.
Housing Counselors Prepare for Surge
/in National /by Tracy WillisCalls from homeowners concerned about foreclosure have fallen while interest from homebuyers has surged. The trend points to an uneven economic recovery and the hidden impact of lost jobs and lower income. When federal foreclosure and eviction protection ends, housing counselors aren’t sure what to expect, as they are currently just guessing at the financial state of homeowners who may also be grappling with delinquent utilities, insurance, and car bills.
Lawyer – No Light at the End of the Pandemic Tunnel for Property Owners
/in Grand Rapids, Northern Michigan, SE Michigan, Western Michigan /by Tracy WillisThe future of real estate continues to be in a flux. At a federal level, GSEs have continued to extend foreclosure and eviction moratoriums through June 30, 2021. The Center for Disease Control issued its own eviction moratorium in September 2020, and the Biden administration has extended it through March 31, 2021. In Michigan, the pandemic’s eviction moratoriums have expired, although the Michigan Supreme Court has recognized the CDC Order. No formal foreclosure moratoriums were ever instituted in Michigan, but social distancing requirements have halted the proceedings that are held in courthouses which have been closed to the public during the pandemic.
Texas Courts Begin to Allow Evictions
/in National /by Tracy WillisTexas courts are indicating that they will not enforce a federal order that would stop evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. While Congress has approved billions of dollars to help people pay their rent to avoid eviction, many of those tenants have yet to receive any of that money. The Texas Supreme Court did not extend its emergency order, and the Texas Justice Court Training Center issued guidance essentially telling judges it’s not their job to enforce the CDC’s order. Legal aid attorneys are gravely concerned about the tens of thousands (and possibly more) who will be left homeless.
The CDC Takes Steps to Extend the Eviction Moratorium
/in National /by Tracy WillisThe CDC is poised to extend and possibly improve the moratorium on evictions. The eviction moratorium will expire in less than two weeks. The expiration could potentially put over 1 million people out of their homes. With nearly 10 million Americans behind on their rent, Congress approved over $50 billion for rental assistance. However, the state and local channels have just now opened up the application process. The vast majority of people who need the assistance will not receive it in time should the eviction moratorium be allowed to expire in March.
Lawyer – No Light at the End of the Pandemic Tunnel for Property Owners
/in Grand Rapids, Northern Michigan, SE Michigan, Western Michigan /by Tracy WillisThe future of real estate continues to be in a flux. At a federal level, GSEs have continued to extend foreclosure and eviction moratoriums through June 30, 2021. The Center for Disease Control issued its own eviction moratorium in September 2020, and the Biden administration has extended it through March 31, 2021. In Michigan, the pandemic’s eviction moratoriums have expired, although the Michigan Supreme Court has recognized the CDC Order. No formal foreclosure moratoriums were ever instituted in Michigan, but social distancing requirements have halted the proceedings that are held in courthouses which have been closed to the public during the pandemic.