The latest mortgage statistics show higher levels of delinquencies this year in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Both short-term delinquency rates (30 days late) and more serious delinquencies (90 days plus late) are up when compared to the same period last year. However, foreclosure rates continue to be lower than they were last year.
While I focus most of my time on what’s happening in Manatee and Sarasota counties, it’s also important to follow the broader real estate trends. Overall, the real estate market in the United States is seeing significant price increases. Over the past 12 months, average sale prices for homes have risen by 6.2%.
We saw mortgage rates stay essentially flat again last month after a rapid rise to start this year. Average U.S. rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages are currently at 4.51%. At the end of last month, they were sitting at 4.54%. While it is great to see upward momentum reverse for the time being, the general forecast continues to be for a slow continued rise over the next twelve months.