Housing market image

Housing Markets in Key U.S. Regions Face Elevated Risk

In a recent analysis by ATTOM, the housing markets of California, New Jersey, and Illinois have been spotlighted for their susceptibility to downturns. Despite a generally robust national market, these states exhibit significant vulnerabilities, particularly in the metropolitan areas of New York City and Chicago.
The Q2 2024 Special Housing Risk Report by ATTOM highlights the intricate landscape of the U.S. housing market, focusing on home affordability, underwater mortgages, foreclosures, and unemployment. This analysis reveals that nearly half of the most at-risk counties are concentrated in the aforementioned states.

Regional Disparities in Housing Market Risks

While the housing market continues to expand, certain regions are showing signs of potential instability. Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, notes, “These observations point to uneven levels of risk without signifying imminent red flags or downturns.”
The study evaluated 589 counties, uncovering that almost 50% of the markets most susceptible to decline are in California, New Jersey, and Illinois. These areas have been identified as having significant clusters of risk, particularly in New York City, Chicago, and inland California. Conversely, regions such as Virginia, Wisconsin, and Tennessee are considered less vulnerable.

Key Indicators and Findings

  • Foreclosure risks are significant, with one in every 1,000 properties facing foreclosure in 39 of the most vulnerable counties.
  • High unemployment rates are notably prevalent in central California.
  • Counties like Tangipahoa Parish, LA, and Peoria County, IL, have some of the highest rates of underwater mortgages.
  • Charlotte County, FL, leads in foreclosure actions.

In contrast, many parts of the South and Midwest demonstrate resilience, with lower housing expenses relative to wages and significantly reduced foreclosure and unemployment rates.
For more detailed insights, visit ATTOM’s Data Solutions.

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!

Proptech Promised a Revolution — So Why Does Real Estate Still Feel the Same?

Despite billions poured into proptech and a decade of flashy digital upgrades, the real estate experience remains largely unchanged. Apps made processes smoother, but not more transparent — because the industry’s core structures, data control and power dynamics stayed the same. True disruption will come from platforms that shift information and control to consumers, not just digitize outdated systems.

CRE Markets Wake Up in 2026: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know

Early 2026 is delivering a clear message: commercial real estate is entering a recalibration phase. Construction is softening, pending home sales just saw a sharp drop, consumer sentiment is inching upward but remains fragile, and capital markets are tightening as major CRE sectors face rising distress. From data centers powering ahead to CMBS foreclosures climbing and office-to-residential conversions gaining momentum, professionals across real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance need to stay sharp as the industry shifts.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Real Estate Careers of 2026

Discover the real estate roles earning the biggest paychecks in 2026. From investment consultants to commercial leasing managers, this breakdown highlights the salaries, responsibilities, and career paths offering the strongest financial potential in today’s evolving market—perfect for newcomers and seasoned professionals mapping their next big move.

Montana Launches Bold Licensing Reform Task Force to Boost Workforce Participation

Montana is taking major steps to remove outdated licensing barriers and strengthen its workforce. Governor Greg Gianforte has created a new Licensing Reform Task Force aimed at modernizing regulations, speeding up approvals, and helping more professionals enter high‑demand fields like construction and healthcare. With licensing numbers doubling over the past decade and rural communities facing critical shortages, the state is pushing for faster, more efficient pathways to work. The task force begins meeting in February and will deliver its full reform report by September 2026 — a move that could influence licensing modernization efforts nationwide.

AI Becomes Standard Gear for Real Estate Agents in 2026

Artificial intelligence has officially moved from novelty to necessity in the real estate world. According to new industry data, 97% of brokerage leaders say their agents now rely on AI tools for everything from listing descriptions to full-scale marketing campaigns. As adoption skyrockets, so do concerns over training, accuracy, and compliance — especially among smaller firms. The message is clear: for today’s real estate professionals, AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.

How the Biggest Players Shaped the 2025 Commercial Real Estate Comeback

Commercial real estate roared back to life in 2025, with more than $255B pouring into multifamily, industrial, office and retail assets. Major investors moved fast on falling interest rates, improving bond yields and rising confidence across sectors. Multifamily dominated with over $115B in deals, industrial surged under private equity leadership, office saw renewed activity from owner-users and retail proved surprisingly resilient. For today’s real estate and finance professionals, the message is clear: opportunity favors those who stay informed and ready to act.