The recent Farmers Insurance data breach affecting over 1.1 million individuals highlights growing cybersecurity risks in financial services—just one of several important stories impacting the mortgage market this week.
We also cover new‑home sales trends showing surprising resilience and updated delinquency figures revealing both progress and ongoing FHA-related pressure. Whether you’re in lending, real estate, or looking to buy or sell, these stories offer timely insights—and we round it out with a fun “Just Because…” history fact you won’t want to miss.
Farmers Insurance Data Breach Affects Over 1.1 Million Customers
Read the Full Story → BleepingComputer
Farmers Insurance began notifying affected individuals on August 22, 2025, after discovering a cybersecurity breach tied to broader Salesforce-related attacks. The incident compromised sensitive data—including names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers—of 1,111,386 customers.
The breach is part of a coordinated mid‑2025 intrusion into Salesforce environments, which impacted numerous high‑profile companies across sectors such as insurance, technology, and consumer goods.
This incident underscores how vulnerable customer data can be when third-party systems are compromised. Mortgage and insurance professionals should proactively reassure clients, offering guidance on protective steps like fraud alerts, credit freezes, or monitoring services.
New Home Sales Show “Upside Surprise” but Remain Weak
Read the Full Story → (MPA)
In July, new single‑family home sales dipped 0.6% to an annualized rate of 652,000, yet the figure exceeded expectations—earning a label of “upside surprise” from First American deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi. June’s sales were revised sharply upward to 656,000, offering an upbeat twist amid the decline.
High mortgage rates remain a drag on demand, and affordability continues to challenge the market despite this temporary glimmer. Inventory levels remain elevated, and homebuilders are deploying incentives—such as rate buydowns and price cuts—to attract buyers.
This suggests nuanced opportunity: while overall demand is subdued, tactical incentives could make new home inventory more accessible in certain segments.
Mortgage Delinquency Rate Improves—but FHA Loans Still Strained
Read the Full Story → Scotsman Guide
July’s national mortgage delinquency rate (30+ days past due, not in foreclosure) fell 8 basis points month-over-month to 3.27%, a 9 basis point improvement year-over-year and 58 basis points below pre‑pandemic levels.
However, foreclosure starts edged higher—up 4.3% month-over-month and 7.6% year-over-year—and FHA loans remain disproportionately stressed. Though down 5 basis points month-over-month, FHA loan delinquencies remain 15 basis points above last year’s level and account for 52% of serious (90+ days) delinquencies.
Overall, serious delinquency volumes rose by about 30,000 year-over-year—the smallest uptick since November 2024—suggesting easing pressure from recent natural disasters. These trends point to encouraging borrower resilience, but also highlight ongoing risk hotspots in certain loan categories and segments.
Just Because…
First Televised MLB Game – August 26, 1939
On August 26, 1939, a quiet revolution unfolded at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. The Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers played a doubleheader that day—not particularly notable in baseball history—except that it became the first Major League Baseball game ever televised.
The broadcast was handled by W2XBS, an experimental television station that would later become WNBC-TV, and only about 400 television sets existed in the New York area to receive the transmission.
The equipment was rudimentary by today’s standards. Two stationary cameras were used—one behind home plate and another along the third base line. The broadcast was short, black-and-white, and without the production elements we now take for granted—no instant replay, no graphics, no commentary overlays. Still, the novelty of watching a live baseball game from one’s living room was groundbreaking. For many who saw it, it must have felt like peering into the future.
This first televised game marked the beginning of a seismic shift in how Americans would consume sports and, eventually, all forms of entertainment. It set the stage for the massive media rights deals, multi-angle camera shots, and global fanbases we see today. Television didn’t just bring baseball to more people—it helped transform it into the national pastime.
More broadly, August 26, 1939, symbolizes how even modest beginnings can have monumental ripple effects. From a low-tech experiment watched by a few hundred, we now live in a world where every major game is streamed, analyzed, and celebrated in real-time by millions. It’s a testament to how innovation often starts quietly—before changing everything.
Loan Officer Perspective
The Farmers Insurance breach serves as a timely reminder for loan officers to proactively engage with clients about financial safety and identity protection. By offering support such as credit monitoring tips or partnering with services that safeguard client data, you can position yourself as a trustworthy advisor during uncertain times.
The news on new-home sales, while mixed, suggests some resilience in the market—especially where builders are offering incentives. This creates an opening for LOs to connect with buyers who may be on the fence due to affordability concerns.
Meanwhile, the gradual improvement in overall delinquency rates is encouraging and can help loan officers promote a more stable lending environment, while remaining mindful of FHA borrowers who may still be under stress.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
For real estate agents, the data breach story offers an opportunity to check in with clients—especially those involved in transactions that intersect with insurance—while reinforcing your role as a full-service, client-first advisor.
The sales data from July provides a useful talking point with both buyers and sellers: while the market remains tight, builder incentives and slight improvements in demand suggest pockets of opportunity. Agents can use this moment to spotlight listings where incentives apply or help clients understand how current market conditions may work in their favor.
With delinquency rates continuing to stabilize overall, you can also help reassure hesitant buyers and sellers that the housing market is not in decline but adjusting and becoming more balanced.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
For buyers, this week’s news underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable loan officer or agent by your side. A major insurance breach like the one at Farmers is a reminder that your financial safety should always be protected—and the right professionals can help guide you through every step with care.
If you’re considering a new home, builder incentives could make the difference in affordability right now, even with higher rates. For sellers, understanding how delinquency improvements and buyer behavior are evolving can help you price your home effectively and attract motivated purchasers.
If you have questions or want to explore your options, reach out to the loan officer or real estate agent who shared this post with you—they’re ready to help.
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