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!
The average 30-year mortgage rate slipped to 6.18% just before Christmas, offering a small break from last year’s higher levels. Yet despite the improvement, mortgage applications for purchases and refinances have fallen to a three‑month low as buyers remain cautious. With mixed rate movements, fluctuating Treasury yields, and affordability challenges still weighing on first‑time buyers, the market is showing signs of stability but not momentum. Real estate professionals who stay informed on these shifting conditions will be best positioned to guide clients in 2026.
New CoStar data shows a widening split in the U.S. commercial real estate market, with high-value office towers, industrial hubs and major retail assets posting steady gains while smaller properties in secondary markets continue to lose ground. Premium assets logged their sixth straight monthly price increase in November, boosted by falling interest rates and limited new construction, while lower‑tier properties saw continued price declines and weakening demand.
Microsoft has eliminated long‑standing volume discounts on cloud services like Microsoft 365, Power BI, Intune and Defender, meaning healthcare organizations will soon pay the same price per seat whether they purchase 100 or 10,000 licenses. With the change taking effect at renewal, hospitals and health systems must begin auditing unused licenses, right‑sizing staff tiers, and re‑evaluating digital workflows to avoid major cost spikes. CDW is stepping in with advisory support, cost‑optimization tools, and flexible CSP options to help organizations navigate the transition before budgets tighten further.
America is still short nearly 2.8 million homes, and in 2026 the states driving the bulk of new construction are once again Florida and Texas. With the South producing more than half of all new building permits nationwide, these regions are shaping the future of inventory, affordability, and opportunity. For real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance professionals, the surge in Southern homebuilding—especially in Florida—signals expanding career potential as new inventory enters the market and demand for licensed experts continues to rise.
A new Redfin report crowns Irondequoit, New York as the nation’s most competitive housing market, with homes selling in just 8.5 days and often above asking. Priced at a median of $249,132, the lakeside suburb is drawing buyers seeking affordability and speed. The surprising lineup of competing markets—from Bay Area tech hubs to Rust Belt metros—highlights a shifting post‑pandemic housing landscape where affordability pressures and regional disparities continue to shape buyer behavior.
Alaska has overhauled its Third Party Administrator licensing rules, eliminating major long‑standing exemptions and pulling many previously exempt organizations into full licensing requirements starting January 1, 2026. Under Senate Bill 132 and Bulletin B 25‑09, TPAs must now review their operations, prepare documentation, and monitor upcoming state guidance as Alaska moves toward stricter oversight and stronger consumer protection.
