In the current Pasadena housing market the only segment that is showing any growth has to do with the foreclosure market. Looking as far back as 1990 in Los Angeles County, foreclosure activity peaked in the third quarter of 1996 and did not begin to level off until approximately one year later. The foreclosure market hit bottom in the third quarter of 2005, but since then has been steadily increasing. When home prices are rising at 15 - 20% per year the amount of foreclosure activity is almost nonexistent as increasing equity can offset rising debt.
What is Happening in Pasadena?
The chart below indicates the amount of monthly foreclosure activity. For the most part, the foreclosure filings have steadily been increasing for about a year now. The activity appears to have peaked in August, however the data could be about to change. The largest number of adjustable rate mortgages are set to reset in late 2007 to early 2008 with many of those being subprime.
Foreclosure Activity by Zip Code
Analyzing the activity in Pasadena, the greatest numbers are found in zip codes 91103 and 91104. Overall there are 259 properties that are in some stage of the foreclosure process. These consist of single family, condo/townhome, multi-family or commercial. The majority are single family homes followed by townhomes or condominiums. This represents approximately 95% of the foreclosure market.
The zip codes of 91103, 91104, 91106 and 91107 represent 90% of the current activity and you can see how the numbers are growing month by month. Also many homes are in the initial "preforeclosure" stage. This means that the homeowner has missed one to several payments and a notice of default has been filed. This period will allow a property owner an opportunity to correct the situation. Sometimes a home is sold or refinanced while it is in the default process. The important thing for someone to understand is that there are options available. Most lenders do not want to foreclose and take the property back. The worst thing someone can do is to ignore a dire situation and hope it goes away.
Comments(0)