Could Rising Mortgage Delinquencies Trigger a Further Housing Market Decline

By Mark J. DonovanThe 4th quarter of 2009 saw a precipitous increase in mortgage delinquencies, rising to 14%. Much of the rise was associated with credit-worthy borrowers. Current and performing mortgages fell to 86.4%, down 0.9% from the previous quarter. This represents the 7th consecutive quarter of decline.The news is not surprising with so many homes’ underwater, worth less than their