Rising Foreclosure Headlines: What’s Really Happening (And Why It’s Not a Red Flag)

If you’ve been scrolling the news or social media lately, you may have seen alarming headlines about foreclosures rising across the U.S. For buyers and sellers in North Charlotte, including Concord, Harrisburg, Huntersville, and Kannapolis, it’s understandable if that sparks concern.

After all, many people still remember 2008—and no one wants a repeat of that.

But here’s the truth: what’s happening now is very different, and the data tells a much calmer story than the headlines suggest.

Let’s break down what rising foreclosure numbers actually mean for our local real estate market—and why this is not a sign of an impending crash.

Foreclosures Are Rising — But They’re Returning to Normal, Not Exploding

Yes, foreclosure filings nationwide are up about 32% year over year, according to ATTOM. That number sounds dramatic at first glance. But context matters.

During the pandemic years, foreclosure activity dropped to historically low levels due to forbearance programs, stimulus support, and ultra-low mortgage rates. What we’re seeing now is a normalization, not a crisis.

When you compare today’s numbers to the years before COVID (2017–2019), foreclosure activity is simply moving back into a typical range. We are nowhere near the levels seen during the 2008 housing crash.

For homeowners in North Charlotte, this distinction is critical.

Why This Isn’t 2008 — Especially in Our Local Market

The housing crash of 2008 was driven by risky lending, minimal equity, and an oversupply of homes. Today’s market looks very different, especially here in the Concord–Huntersville corridor.

Here’s why:

1. Lending Standards Are Much Stronger

Buyers today are far more qualified. Adjustable-rate loans, no-document mortgages, and risky lending products are no longer the norm.

2. Homeowners Have Significant Equity

Over the past several years, home values in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties have risen substantially. Most homeowners now have a strong equity cushion.

That means if financial hardship arises, many owners can sell their home before foreclosure - often still walking away with money in their pocket.

3. Inventory Is Still Tight

Even with a slight rise in foreclosures, there is no flood of distressed homes hitting the North Charlotte market. Demand continues to outpace supply in many neighborhoods, especially in Harrisburg, Huntersville, and parts of Concord and Kannapolis.

What the Experts Are Saying

Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, explains it best:

“Today’s uptick is being driven more by market recalibration than widespread homeowner distress, with strong equity positions and more disciplined lending continuing to limit risk.”

That word - recalibration - is key.

This isn’t panic. It’s a market settling into a more sustainable rhythm after several unusual years.

What This Means for Buyers in North Charlotte

If you’re thinking about buying a home, rising foreclosure headlines shouldn’t scare you off.

• There is no sign of a market crash

• Distressed sales are not flooding the market

• Prices are stabilizing, not collapsing

• Opportunities still exist, especially for prepared buyers working with a local real estate agent

In fact, a more balanced market often means better negotiating power for buyers than we’ve seen in years.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers in North Charlotte, this is also reassuring news.

• Your equity is likely still strong

• Buyer demand remains healthy

• Pricing correctly matters more than ever

This is not a market where values suddenly disappear - but it is a market where strategy matters. Working with an experienced North Charlotte Realtor ensures your home is priced and positioned properly from day one.

Bottom Line

Rising foreclosure headlines may sound scary, but when you zoom in on the data - and especially when you look at what’s happening locally in Concord, Harrisburg, Huntersville, and Kannapolis - there’s no cause for alarm.

This is not 2008.
This is a healthier, more balanced real estate market finding its footing again.

If you’ve seen a headline that made you nervous or you’re wondering how this affects your buying or selling plans, reach out. As a local real estate agent in North Charlotte, I’m here to give you context, clarity, and honest guidance - not fear-based headlines.

Sometimes, a simple conversation makes all the difference.