Fannie and Freddie: REO inventory declined in Q4 year-over-year; Expected to increase in 2022

Here is a note on the pandemic impact on foreclosures, from Fannie:

“In response to the pandemic and with instruction from FHFA, we prohibited our servicers from completing foreclosures on our single-family loans through July 31, 2021, except in the case of vacant or abandoned properties. In addition, as described in “Single-Family Acquisition and Servicing Policies and Underwriting and Servicing Standards—COVID-19 Servicing Policies,” our servicers were required to comply with a CFPB rule that prohibited certain new single-family foreclosures on mortgage loans secured by the borrower’s principal residence until after December 31, 2021. As a result, foreclosure volumes were lower through 2021 and 2020 compared with pre-pandemic levels. We expect foreclosure volumes to gradually increase in 2022.” emphasis added

Freddie Mac reported the number of REO declined to 1,615 at the end of Q4 2021 compared to 1,766 at the end of Q4 2020.

For Freddie, this is down 98% from the 74,897 peak number of REOs in Q3 2010.

Fannie Mae reported the number of REO declined to 7,166 at the end of Q4 2021 compared to 7,973 at the end of Q4 2020.

For Fannie, this is down 96% from the 166,787 peak number of REOs in Q3 2010.

Click on graph for larger image.

Here is a graph of Fannie and Freddie Real Estate Owned (REO).

REO inventory decreased in Q2 2021, and combined inventory is down 10% year-over-year.

This is well below a normal level of REOs for Fannie and Freddie, and REO levels will increase in 2022.