This month, we are taking a closer look at the pressures and priorities shaping the market, from rising property tax burdens to the growing importance of early intervention in foreclosure management. At the same time, we are spotlighting the work happening beyond the numbers, including educational sessions that help Realtors better understand the appraisal process, the places our team is working from this Earth Day, and the leadership that continues to shape our organization every day. From market movements to meaningful moments across the company, this issue reflects both the industry's complexity and the people helping move it forward.
Property tax bills continued to climb in 2025, adding another layer of pressure for homeowners already navigating high housing costs. ATTOM’s 2025 Property Tax Analysis found that $396.8 billion in property taxes were levied on more than 89.6 million single-family homes, up 3.7% from 2024. The average single-family home generated a property tax bill of $4,427, a 3% increase from the prior year, while the national effective tax rate rose to 0.9%, the highest level since 2020.
The increase is especially notable because average estimated home values dipped slightly from 2024 to 2025. That means tax burdens rose even as values softened in some areas, showing that property taxes are shaped by more than home prices alone. Local government costs, tax policy changes, and regional differences continue to play a significant role, with the highest effective tax rates concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest. Illinois, New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, and Ohio led the nation for the highest effective property tax rates in 2025.
For lenders, servicers, and real estate professionals, the trend is another reminder that affordability pressure does not stop at the monthly mortgage payment. Rising property taxes can affect borrower budgets, escrow analysis, valuation reviews, and long-term portfolio risk. As housing costs continue to vary sharply by market, reliable property data and localized valuation insight remain critical for understanding how tax burdens may influence homeowner stress, property performance, and market movement.
(Source: ATTOM 2025 Annual Property Tax Report)
EXPLORE NATIONWIDE'S CURRENT OFFERINGS
In 2025, 367,460 U.S. properties experienced at least one foreclosure filing, a 14% increase from 2024, with activity continuing to rise into early 2026. While volumes remain far below the levels seen during the housing crisis, the sustained increase reflects a market moving back toward more typical conditions. Rising property taxes, higher insurance costs, maturing loan portfolios, and the end of pandemic-era borrower relief programs are all contributing factors.
The earliest stages of delinquency remain the most critical window for servicers. Federal servicing rules generally prevent foreclosure from being initiated until a borrower is more than 120 days delinquent, creating a required period for loss mitigation review and borrower engagement. During this time, strategies such as repayment plans, loan modifications, short sales, deeds-in-lieu, timely valuations, and property preservation can help reduce the likelihood that a loan will progress to costly foreclosure or REO status.
The key takeaway is clear: proactive, data-driven default management can help servicers improve cure rates, reduce loss severity, and protect investor recoveries. By moving upstream in the delinquency lifecycle and using integrated platforms, borrower engagement tools, valuation services, and asset recovery support, servicers and investors are better positioned to manage rising foreclosure activity while supporting stronger outcomes for both borrowers and portfolios. Read the full article for a closer look at the data, regulatory considerations, and strategies shaping foreclosure management in 2026.
When realtors better understand the appraisal process, they are better equipped to support their clients through one of the most important parts of the transaction.
This month, Jared Willis, VP, Account Executive at Nationwide Property & Appraisal Services, led two educational classes for real estate professionals in Oregon. The sessions were held for Oregon/Portland Digs Realty in Happy Valley and Better Homes and Gardens in Canby, with both courses hosted by Mortgage Express.
The classes focused on the appraiser’s mindset, methodology, and process, giving realtors a clearer understanding of how appraisers approach valuation and how that knowledge can support stronger reconsideration of value submissions.
The sessions also sparked strong engagement from attendees, with Jonelle Knipe, Loan Officer at Mortgage Express, sharing that her agents “loved the class.”
At Nationwide, we believe education is part of partnership. Whether we are supporting lenders, agents, or other real estate professionals, our goal is to bring clarity to the valuation process and help our partners move forward with confidence.
A Cornell and Microsoft study found that remote workers have a 54% lower carbon footprint than on-site employees.
Without the need for a traditional office or daily commute, our team works from spaces that are not only productive but often closer to what matters most. Home, family, and even a little more connection to the world around us.
This Earth Day, we are sharing a look at where some of our team members are working from today. It is a simple reminder that the way we work can have a meaningful impact on us individually and the world.
With over a decade of leadership and more than one million appraisal reports processed in her career, Rachel’s experience and judgment are unmatched in the AMC space. Over the years, she has become known not only for her expertise, but for the trust, consistency, and accountability she brings to every team she leads. Her impact is felt across the organization through both her operational excellence and her dedication to people.
That impact is perhaps best reflected in the words of those who have had the opportunity to work closely with her. As Jackie Smith, VP of Customer Service, shares: “I have had the privilege of working with Rachel for the past 10 years, and her consistency as a leader has made a lasting impact on both me and our team. She has a unique ability to connect with people and build genuine trust. Her leadership has helped create a culture of respect and accountability, and I am grateful to have learned so much from her over the years.”
Rachel’s influence extends across departments, earning admiration from colleagues throughout the organization. Alicia Kohlepp, Inside Account Manager, adds: “I cannot say enough about Rachel. She consistently supports her team and prioritizes their best interest in every decision she makes. She is the backbone of the company—we would crumble without her.”
Her leadership has not only strengthened individual teams but has also helped define the broader culture of the company. John Tierney, VP - Orders writes: “Of the many things I admire about Rachel, the one that sticks out the most to me, is her ability to be a culture setter. Nationwide is an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work, and this is shown through everyone’s willingness to go the extra mile for our clients and coworkers, and it all starts with Rachel! Can't imagine not having her a part of the team!”
These reflections speak to the lasting impact Rachel has had on both the people and the performance of NPAS. Her leadership continues to shape the culture and success of the organization, making her an invaluable part of the team.
Great River MBA | May 5 - 7 | Memphis, TN
Our SVP of Business Development, David Fain, and Account Executive, Michael Shwartz, are looking forward to sharing how RentIQ™ supports lenders with enhanced rental insights that improve valuation accuracy and strengthen lending decisions.
IMN Non-QM Forum | June 15 - 16 | Dana Point, CA
We are heading to IMN’s Non QM Forum in Dana Point this June and are looking forward to connecting with the lenders, investors, brokers, and industry partners shaping this space. As an exhibitor, we are excited to share how Nationwide helps support smarter collateral decisions, stronger valuation workflows, and greater efficiency in an evolving Non QM market.
We are proud to recognize the following team members celebrating work anniversaries with Nationwide. Thank you for the experience, dedication, and consistency you bring to our team.
17 Years
Shawn Thompson, SVP, Account Executive
15 Years
CeCe Norcross, Orders Analyst
14 Years
Bobby Cockman, Team Lead, Revisions
13 Years
Rachel Sandora, SVP, Client Relations
Holly McCabe, Team Lead, Review
11 Years
Chris Brooks, VP, Client Management
Nanette Wardsworth, Closing Asset Manager
10 Years
Lynn Reddeck, Client Services Specialist
James Shewmaker, Corrections Specialist
9 Years
Amber Stojanov, VP, Appraisal Operations
8 Years
Kelly DiLauro, Inside Account Manager
Kaitlynn Taucher, Corrections Specialist
Pamela Davies, Orders Analyst
Mike Moore, Chief Revenue Officer
7 Years
Khang Ly, Software Engineer
Mark McCarty, VP, Quality Control
John Tierney, VP, Orders
Rachel Treadwell, Chief Valuations Officer
5 Years
Jeri Ridenour, Client Services Specialist
Alexandra Kassenbrock, Inside Account Manager
Celeste Kassenbrock, Sales Marketing Analyst
4 Years
Jordan Ortiz, Marketing & Communications Manger
1 Years
Kipp Butler, SVP, Account Executive
Brett Valin, Financial Planning Analyst
