Auction.com has unveiled its 2025 Distressed Market Outlook, projecting a potential 8% decrease in foreclosure auction volume for the upcoming year. This baseline scenario is complemented by two alternative forecasts which could see an increase in auction volumes based on differing economic conditions.


Jason Allnutt, CEO at Auction.com, highlighted the importance of their platform, stating, “The Auction.com marketplace provides rich, real-time data on supply, demand, and pricing for distressed properties sold at auction nationwide.” This data is crucial for forecasting trends in the retail housing market.


The report indicates that foreclosure auction volumes are set to hit a three-year low in 2024. This decline is attributed to increased market headwinds, such as rising retail inventory and persistently high mortgage rates, which have impacted local community developers.


Auction buyers have shown a decreased willingness to pay prices relative to the after-repair value of properties towards the end of 2024. However, signs of recovery were evident in November and December, as price demands began to climb.


Evolution of default loan

Foreclosure Auction Supply

Completed foreclosure auction volume in Q4 of 2024 decreased by 3% from Q3 and was down 11% from the previous year, reaching its lowest since Q3 of 2021. Auction.com data, which represents nearly half of all completed foreclosure auctions nationwide, shows a 42% decrease from Q1 2020 levels.


Auction supply graph

REO Auction Supply

Bank-owned (REO) auction volume in Q4 of 2024 saw a 3% increase from Q3 and remained stable compared to the previous year. This volume is at 39% of Q1 2020 levels, marking a slight increase from earlier quarters.


Reo auction supply graph

Distressed Market Waterfall

The volume of distressed loans upstream from completed foreclosure auctions shifted in Q3 of 2024, with seriously delinquent mortgages rising by 10% from the previous quarter. Despite this, foreclosure inventory remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels.


Distressed market graph

Ali Haralson, President of Auction.com, noted, “While the number of distressed homeowners has returned to pre-pandemic levels, many are avoiding foreclosure thanks to ample home equity that allows them to sell through a pre-foreclosure sale.”


2025 Foreclosure Outlook

Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics at Auction.com, stated, “Emerging risks in the economy and housing market are pushing delinquencies higher, but those higher delinquencies will not likely translate into higher foreclosure auction volume until at least early 2026.”


The report uses a regression-based model with home price appreciation and unemployment rates as primary inputs. It predicts a baseline 8% decrease in foreclosure auction volume for 2025. However, changes in these economic indicators could lead to varying outcomes.


For further insights, the full 2025 Distressed Market Outlook is available for review.


This article is based on information from themortgagepoint.com, published one month ago.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The 2026 CRE Tech Revolution: How Data, Automation, and AI Are Rewriting Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate is entering its most transformative era yet. In 2026, success hinges on mastering predictive analytics, smart‑building automation, and sustainability tech—tools that now determine everything from ROI forecasting to tenant retention. As PropTech evolves into an interconnected ecosystem of AI, automation, and ESG‑driven systems, CRE professionals who embrace this shift will lead the next generation of market innovation, while those who rely on traditional instincts risk being left behind.

Florida’s Mobile Home Rent Shake‑Up: New Bills Aim to Rein In Rent Hikes and Boost Tenant Protections

Florida lawmakers are pushing major reforms that could dramatically change life for more than 800,000 mobile home park residents. New bills would force park owners to justify rent increases, expand relocation assistance, strengthen tenant rights, and add penalties for reducing amenities without lowering rent. With many residents facing steep price jumps on fixed incomes, the proposed laws mark one of the state’s biggest moves toward accountability and transparency in decades — and real estate professionals will need to stay informed as the changes progress.

Mortgage Refinance Surge Faces Sudden Reversal as Rates Jump Again

Refinance activity exploded for a second straight week as mortgage rates briefly dipped to their lowest levels since late 2024. Homeowners rushed to lock in savings, pushing refinance applications to nearly triple last year’s volume. But the momentum may be short‑lived. Early this week, rates spiked again as markets reacted to new tariff concerns and global uncertainty, erasing much of the recent progress. Both refinance and purchase demand remain strong, but volatility continues to challenge borrowers and professionals across the real estate and mortgage sectors.

Welcome to the Age of the AI Real Estate Agent

The real estate industry has officially entered its AI era, with agents across the country adopting advanced tools that streamline workflow, boost productivity, and transform daily operations. According to a new HousingWire report, tasks that once took hours now take minutes, agents are seeing up to 40 percent productivity growth, and unified AI platforms are helping brokerages deliver faster, smarter, and more personalized marketing than ever before.

Hawai‘i’s 2026 Economic Crossroads: A State in Transition with Opportunities for Professionals

Hawai‘i enters 2026 with a mix of strength and vulnerability. Construction is booming with billions in federal and military projects, yet tourism—the backbone of the local economy—is slowing at a difficult moment. Real estate shows early signs of revival as mortgage rates fall, while health care, small business, and banking navigate shifting federal funding and economic uncertainty. For professionals across real estate, finance, construction, and other licensed industries, Hawai‘i offers a clear preview of the economic pressures and emerging opportunities taking shape nationwide.

Florida’s Insurance Crisis Finally Shows Relief as Lawmakers Push for More Consumer‑Focused Reforms

Florida’s property insurance market is stabilizing after years of turmoil, but lawmakers say the job isn’t done. New proposals target profit‑sharing oversight, premium transparency, and a statewide claim‑free discount program—offering potential relief for homeowners and key insights for real estate and mortgage professionals navigating the shifting landscape.