State had 10th highest rate in U.S. last month
by Kevin James Shay | Staff Writer
Foreclosures jumped to 5,732 in February across Maryland, up 9.6 percent from January and 80.5 percent from a year earlier, according to Irvine, Calif., data company RealtyTrac. Maryland's rate of one foreclosure filing for every 407 households was the 10th highest in the nation, up from 13th in January and 16th a year ago.
Prince George's County continues to lead the state in the number and rate of foreclosures with 1,789 filed last month, or one for every 179 households. Baltimore city and the counties of Frederick, Charles, Calvert and Kent also had foreclosure rates above the state average. Garrett County had the lowest rate in the state last month, with only eight foreclosures or one filing per 2,378 housing units.
Meanwhile, foreclosure filings across the nation slowed last month. They were down 2.3 percent from January and up only 6.2 percent from a year ago.
Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D) went on the offensive last week to lobby for legislation that would require lenders to work with homeowners to modify their loans before filing foreclosure orders. The businesses would have to send homeowners a detailed explanation of requirements for the lenders' loan modification program and a loss mitigation application, among other items.
The lenders would have to file affidavits stating that a loan modification review had been done and the reasons they denied modifying the loan. They would also have to document that alternatives other than foreclosures were considered. Homeowners who have not received the loan modification review would be able to request a foreclosure mediation session.
"This legislation will provide homeowners a chance to explore any and all options to find a positive resolution and remain in their homes," Brown said in a speech at the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, according to his office.
Kathleen Murphy, president and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association, also testified last month, saying she was concerned that a loss mitigation analysis would be required before a foreclosure could be filed, according to an Associated Press report. A foreclosure filing often prompts borrowers to talk about loss mitigation, Murphy said.
Among states, Nevada's rate of one per 102 households led the nation last month, while Vermont posted the lowest rate with one filing per 39,077 units.
Foreclosures in Maryland are increasing despite state officials claiming that a counseling and legal program has provided more than $5.5 million in assistance and helped about 11,000 homeowners avoid foreclosures since mid-2007. The state has also enacted other measures, such as a mortgage fraud protection law and a streamlined loss mitigation process with six of the largest servicers in Maryland.
Factors for the increase in foreclosures despite efforts to remedy the situation include the sour economy, according to a recent analysis by the state Department of Legislative Services.
"Despite the impact of extensive state legislative and consumer outreach efforts ... total foreclosure activity in Maryland continues to increase as state residents feel the effects of rising unemployment and declining home values," the department reported.
Home sales rise
The volume of existing homes sold in Maryland rose by almost 20 percent in February from February 2009, but the average sales price of about $280,000 was down by 7 percent, according to the Maryland Association of Realtors.
The extended and expanded federal homebuyer tax credit is helping fuel sales in Maryland, according to the trade group. The $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers runs until April 30 for signed contracts and June 30 for closings. There is also a tax credit of up to $6,500 for certain existing homeowners who purchase a replacement principal residence.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
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