Lenders holding their own as mortgage relief remains in place
Foreclosures likely to tick up at some point
U.S. government agencies continue with moratorium programs for borrowers
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Amid a depressed economy that shows little sign of revving into higher gear in the near term, people's ability to stay in their homes has been a relief for many.
That's been made possible by the federal CARES Act, sweeping relief legislation passed last March as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold that included a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for those unable to pay their housing costs.
And under orders issued earlier this week by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, those moratoriums have been extended through at least the end of March of this year. Those with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can remain in forbearance for up to 15 months. Federal COVID-19 Payment Deferral allows those borrowers to repay their missed payments at the time the home is sold, refinanced or at mortgage maturity.