A new report from Realtor.com® tracks the recent trajectory of foreclosures, which have ticked up in recent years after a period of suppression following the COVID-19 pandemic. When a lender repossesses a home that then fails to sell at auction, it becomes Real Estate Owned (REO). These properties are then listed by banks on multiple listing services and online platforms.
However, while the rate of foreclosures is now about as common as it was in 2019, it remains well below the levels seen during the Great Financial Crisis. This shift presents a complex picture for the housing market. While it indicates financial distress for some homeowners, it also creates potential pathways for prospective buyers to enter the market.
Moreover, the report identified several markets with the most foreclosure listings as of June 2026. The Seattle, WA, area is among the locations that has seen a significant uptick, highlighting a growing trend in the region.
Foreclosure listings see an increase in Seattle
In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, metro area, foreclosures made up 1.40% of all home listings as of June 2026. This figure reflects a growing inventory of bank-owned properties becoming available to buyers in the region. This trend is not isolated, as several markets across the country are experiencing an increase in their share of foreclosure listings…