Mid-Year Update
Foreclosure. Just hearing the word can bring a knot to your stomach. But if you’re a homeowner in Florida or Arizona right now, especially in 2025’s market, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Whether you’re trying to hold on to your home or looking for a creative solution, the key is staying informed and taking action early.
Let’s break down what’s happening right now, what it means for you, and how you can stay in control.
The Current Foreclosure Landscape (Mid-2025)
As of mid-2025, Florida holds the second-highest foreclosure rate in the country, with 1 in every 2,536 homes facing a filing. Arizona, while further down the list, is seeing a steady increase as well—currently ranking 23rd nationally.
📍 Florida Hotspots
- Charlotte County: Over 400% increase in filings since early 2024.
- Miami-Dade: 1 in every 1,250 housing units is in foreclosure.
- Hillsborough, Citrus, Santa Rosa, Calhoun, and Bay counties are also under pressure.
🌵 Arizona Trouble Zones
- Mohave County: 70% year-over-year increase.
- Pinal, Santa Cruz, Navajo, Yuma, Graham, and La Paz counties are also seeing spikes.
What’s Fueling the Rise?
Rising costs are stacking up:
- Interest rates for 30-year mortgages sit around 7% in Florida and 6.94% in Arizona.
- Insurance premiums and property taxes have climbed, especially for second-home owners and investors.
- Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are resetting, bringing unexpected payment hikes.
All of this puts extra financial pressure on families already stretching their budgets.
Mortgage Trends & Refinancing Activity
Despite high rates, many homeowners are refinancing to escape even worse terms from the 2024 peak.
Florida
- 30-Year Fixed: 7.00%
- 15-Year Fixed: 6.25%
- Refinancing is up 16% year-over-year as of July 2025.
Arizona
- 30-Year Fixed: 6.94%
- 15-Year Fixed: 5.89%
- Over 4,500 refinanced in January 2025, a 25.7% increase from last year.
- Inventory has increased 24.2%, creating both opportunity and risk.
How You Can Stay in Control
✅ 1. Reach Out Early
If you’re behind or struggling, contact your lender ASAP. Most people wait too long. But early conversations open the door to better solutions.
🛠️ 2. Explore Loan Modification or Forbearance
- Loan Modification: Adjust your loan terms (rate or timeline).
- Forbearance: Temporarily pause or reduce payments.
- Repayment Plans: Catch up gradually while staying current.
🔁 3. Consider Refinancing
Even at today’s rates, refinancing could:
- Lower your monthly payment.
- Switch you from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage for stability.
- Allow for debt consolidation through cash-out refi options (use with caution).
🏠 4. Use Local & State Assistance
- Florida & Arizona Hardest Hit Funds may offer support with back payments or taxes.
- Nonprofit housing counselors can help guide you to available aid.
💡 5. Sell or Rent the Property
- Sell before foreclosure: Pay off the mortgage and protect your credit.
- Rent it out: Short-term income to bridge the gap.
🤝 6. Negotiate a Short Sale or Deed-in-Lieu
If you owe more than the home’s worth:
- A short sale lets you sell for less than owed, with possible debt forgiveness.
- A deed-in-lieu lets you hand the home over to the bank without foreclosure.
📋 7. Get Expert Support
- Work with HUD-approved counselors or real estate professionals (like our team at NLHI).
- Avoid scams—never pay upfront fees for foreclosure help.
🧭 Quick Comparison: Florida vs. Arizona (July 2025)
| State | Foreclosure Rate | Notable Counties | 30-Yr Rate | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 1 in 2,536 units | Charlotte, Miami-Dade | 7.00% | 34% rise in REOs, 8% more starts |
| Arizona | 1 in 4,655 units | Mohave, Pinal, Yuma | 6.94% | 25.7% refi spike, inventory rising |
Final Thoughts
Yes, the market is shifting. Yes, it can feel overwhelming. But the truth is this: you have more power than you think—and there are real steps you can take today to protect your home, credit, and future.
At New Life Home Investments, we help homeowners explore real options, from creative financing to fast sales that give you breathing room. No judgment. Just clear answers and guidance from people who’ve walked this path with hundreds of others.
📞 Need to Talk It Through?
Whether you’re facing foreclosure or just want to explore your options before things get serious, let’s have a conversation. We’re here to help you take back control—starting now.