by Calculated Risk on 12/30/2011 08:54:00 AM

Fannie Mae reported that the Single-Family Serious Delinquency rate was unchanged at 4.00% in November. This is down from 4.50% in November of 2010. The Fannie Mae serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 5.59%.

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate increased to 3.57% in November, up from 3.54% in October. This is down from 3.85% in November 2010. Freddie's serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20%.

These are loans that are "three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure".

Click on graph for larger image

The increase in November (unchanged for Fannie) is probably seasonal. The serious delinquency rates have been declining, but declining very slowly. The reason for the slow decline is most likely the backlog of homes in the foreclosure process.

The "normal" serious delinquency rate is under 1%, and at this pace of decline, the delinquency rate will not be back to "normal" for a long time.

Early in 2012, a mortgage settlement agreement with the servicers might be reached, and that might lead to more modifications and foreclosures - so the delinquency rate might decline faster. Also Fannie and Freddie are expected to announce a bulk sale of REO to investors (and possible rental program) early next year - and that might also lead to more foreclosures.

All current mortgage delinquency graphs