Foreclosure activity is increasing nationwide, but San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) President Karen Van Ness says the latest numbers should be viewed in context—and do not currently point to a widespread foreclosure crisis.
Van Ness recently joined 10News to discuss new data showing an increase in foreclosure activity during the first half of 2026 and what those numbers could mean for San Diego homeowners and the broader housing market.
According to data from real estate data firm ATTOM cited by ABC News, foreclosure filings nationwide increased 21% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
While the increase is worth watching, Van Ness said the overall level of foreclosure activity remains relatively low.
“Our foreclosure activity is not at a high level by any means. It’s higher than it was a year ago.”
Putting the numbers in perspective
Van Ness told 10News that foreclosure activity appears to be moving toward more normal levels following historically low activity in recent years.
“In San Diego County, in the state of California and nationally, we’re starting to normalize.”
One important difference between today's housing market and the period leading up to the foreclosure crisis of the late 2000s is how borrowers qualify for mortgages. Lending and qualification standards are generally more stringent, which can help reduce the risk of widespread defaults.
In California, ATTOM data cited in the ABC 10News report showed 4,570 foreclosure filings among more than 14.6 million housing units in June 2026.
For now, Van Ness characterized the increase as a potential “blip” rather than evidence of a larger structural shift in the housing market.
Economic pressures are putting some homeowners under strain
The increase in foreclosure activity comes at a time when many households are facing higher costs for everyday necessities and continued economic uncertainty.
For homeowners with limited financial flexibility, those pressures can make it more difficult to keep up with mortgage payments. That could contribute to an increase in foreclosure activity even if the broader housing market remains fundamentally stable.
The latest data, Van Ness said, should therefore be monitored without overstating what it means for San Diego homeowners.
What homeowners should do if they're having trouble making payments
For homeowners experiencing financial difficulties, the most important step may be to act early rather than wait until a foreclosure is imminent.
Van Ness encouraged homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments to communicate with their lender as soon as possible. Depending on their circumstances, lenders may have options available to borrowers experiencing temporary financial hardship, including repayment arrangements, forbearance or other forms of mortgage assistance.
For both homeowners and lenders, finding a way for a borrower to remain in the home can often be preferable to foreclosure.
What it means for San Diego's housing market
The increase in foreclosure activity is an important trend to monitor, but the current numbers do not necessarily signal a return to the widespread foreclosure conditions seen during previous housing downturns.
SDAR will continue monitoring economic and housing trends affecting San Diego County and providing REALTORS® and the public with local perspective as conditions evolve.
Through advocacy, education and market resources, SDAR works to support a strong and sustainable housing market, expand opportunities for homeownership and protect private property rights throughout the region.
Watch the 10News interview here!
Watch Karen Van Ness on ABC 10News
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