08/18/2026
🏠 PITTSBURGH FORECLOSURES UP 162%?! Let’s talk about that headline…
If you’ve been scrolling Facebook lately, you’ve probably seen the recent WPXI story reporting that Pittsburgh-area foreclosure activity has jumped 162% year-over-year.
That’s an attention-grabbing number — and yes, foreclosure activity IS increasing.
But there’s more to the story.
📈 Foreclosures are rising nationally, not just in Pittsburgh.
🏠 A foreclosure filing does not automatically mean a home becomes bank-owned. Many homeowners sell, modify their loan or establish a repayment plan before it ever reaches that point.
⏳ Some of what we’re seeing is a continued normalization of foreclosure activity following years of COVID-era forbearance and foreclosure delays.
💰 And today’s homeowners are dealing with some very real pressures — higher property taxes, insurance premiums, utilities, consumer debt and the cost of maintaining Pittsburgh’s aging housing stock.
So, does this mean the Pittsburgh housing market is crashing?
I don’t believe that’s what these numbers are telling us.
In fact, Pittsburgh continues to have something many markets would love to have: relatively affordable housing, established communities and a housing supply that remains limited in many desirable areas.
I’ve been selling real estate in Pittsburgh for 25 years, including working extensively with foreclosures and bank-owned properties. I’ve watched this market through the housing crash, recession, COVID, historically low interest rates and the rapidly changing market of the last few years.
This doesn’t look like 2008.
What it DOES tell us is that some homeowners are struggling — and that’s something we shouldn’t ignore.
If you or someone you know is falling behind on their mortgage, facing foreclosure or simply doesn’t know what options are available, have the conversation early.
Selling isn’t always the answer. Foreclosure certainly doesn’t have to be the first answer.
Sometimes a little information and the right guidance can completely change the outcome.
Headlines get attention. Context helps us understand what they actually mean.
— Kevin Shaner
Kevin Shaner Real Estate Team | eXp Realty
📞 412-576-5689
Representing Pittsburgh Home Buyers & Sellers Since 2001
