The uptick follows the pandemic-era trend of midmonth increases in active plans, according to Black Knight.

The pandemic-fueled exodus from New York City propelled nearby Westchester County to its strongest year for home sales in more than two decades.

Commercial real estate portfolios have held up better than expected during the pandemic. But rising delinquencies and fears of a delayed economic recovery are renewing questions about credit quality.

Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Corp. is coming off its inaugural social bond issuance.

A slowdown in the increase of loans exiting forbearance “implies that those who were able to absorb the shock of the pandemic and get back on their feet, may have already done so,” said Andy Walden, Black Knight economist.

December’s housing market sentiment hit a seven-month low, indicating that inventory could be further constrained by sellers waiting for a better time to list, according to Fannie Mae.

While the balance of newly delinquent loans fell by 50% from November, the ratings agency warned that many borrowers will likely struggle to bring loans current under ongoing pandemic conditions.

The Fed’s decision to lower rates amid a pandemic proved serendipitous for home lenders who benefited from a refinance boom last year, but they may need to make adjustments in the coming months.

The recent stimulus law’s relief for renters and extension of the federal eviction ban were meant to ward off a housing crisis. But owners of 1- to 4-unit dwellings still face mounting mortgage and property tax debts, and delinquencies could start rising soon — followed by foreclosures.

With limited plan removals due to the holidays, mortgages in coronavirus-related forbearance rose by 15,000, according to Black Knight.