Foreclosure filings hit their highest level since 2020

[https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/high-housing-costs-are-pushing-foreclosures-to-a-six-year-high-266c56c0](https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/high-housing-costs-are-pushing-foreclosures-to-a-six-year-high-266c56c0) **Foreclosure filings have surged to the highest level since early 2020,** fueled by rising insurance costs, property taxes and the end of COVID-era relief programs, The Wall Street Journal reports. Nearly **119,000 properties** faced foreclosure in the first quarter, a **26% year-over-year increase.** Homeowners are experiencing "payment shocks" from taxes, insurance and job struggles, says Marina Walsh, an economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association. The surge comes amid other financial pressures, including rising credit card delinquency rates and the return of student loan payments.