by Calculated Risk on 8/21/2020 08:16:00 AM

Note: Both Black Knight and the MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association) are putting out weekly estimates of mortgages in forbearance.

This data is as of August 18th.

From Number of Loans in Forbearances Remains Flat

According to latest data from Black Knight’s McDash Flash Forbearance Tracker, the number of mortgages in active forbearance remained flat over the past week, with a 15,000 reduction among GSE mortgages offset by a 5,000 rise in FHA forbearances and a 10,000 increase among portfolio/PLS-held loans.

As of August 18, 3.9 million homeowners remain in active forbearance, representing 7.4% of all active mortgages, unchanged from last week. Together, they represent $833 billion in unpaid principal.
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As we’ve discussed previously, there are a number of factors that continue to represent significant uncertainty as we move forward, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the expiration of expanded unemployment benefits last month.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

CR Note: There will probably be another disaster relief package soon, but we might see an increase in forbearance activity in the coming weeks as we wait for additional relief.