ATTOM: 4Q Mortgage Lending Slumps to 9-Year Low

ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., said just 1.52 million mortgages secured by residential property originated in the fourth quarter in the United States, down 24 percent from the third quarter, marking the seventh quarterly decrease in a row, and down 55 percent from a year ago, to the lowest level since 2014.

Foreclosure Activity Up 21st Straight Month

ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., said January foreclosure filings rose by 36 percent from a year ago and by 2 percent from December, although they remained low by historical standards.

Home Equity Flattens in 4Q

ATTOM, Irvine, Calif., said 48 percent of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the fourth quarter, down slightly from the previous quarter but up from a year ago.