by Calculated Risk on 2/01/2013 07:05:00 PM

Fannie Mae reported that the Single-Family Serious Delinquency rate declined in December to 3.29% from 3.30% in November. The serious delinquency rate is down from 3.91% in December 2011, and this is the lowest level since March 2009.

The Fannie Mae serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 5.59%.

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate was unchanged in December at 3.25%. Freddie's rate is down from 3.58% in December 2011, and this is the lowest level since August 2009. Freddie's serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20%.

Note: These are mortgage loans that are "three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure".

Click on graph for larger image

In 2009, Fannie's serious delinquency rate increased faster than Freddie's rate. Since then, Fannie's rate has been falling faster - and now the rates are at about the same level.

Although this indicates some progress, the "normal" serious delinquency rate is under 1%.  At the recent pace, it will take a number of years until the rates are back to normal.