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ZOMBIE FORECLOSURE RATE CONTINUES TO DECLINE IN THIRD QUARTER OF 2024, MARKING LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 2021

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Abandoned Homes in Foreclosure Down 20 Percent Annually; Only One in 14,800 U.S. Homes Sit Empty in Foreclosure, Matching Three-Year Low; Zombie-Property Trends Come Amid Decline in Lenders Going After Delinquent Homeowners

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, today released its third-quarter 2024 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report showing that 1.4 million (1,357,423) residential properties in the United States are vacant. That figure represents 1.3 percent, or one in 76 homes, across the nation – roughly the same as in the second quarter of this year.

The report analyzes publicly recorded real estate data collected by ATTOM — including foreclosure status, equity and owner-occupancy status — matched against monthly updated vacancy data. (See full methodology below).

The report also reveals that 222,934 residential properties in the U.S. are in the process of foreclosure in the third quarter of this year, down 6 percent from the second quarter of 2024 and down 29.3 percent from the third quarter of 2023. Foreclosure activity has declined over the past year following a surge in cases that hit after a nationwide moratorium on lenders pursuing delinquent homeowners, imposed during the Coronavirus pandemic, was lifted in the middle of 2021.

Among those pre-foreclosure properties, about 7,000 sit vacant as zombie foreclosures (pre-foreclosure properties abandoned by owners) in the third quarter of 2024. That figure is slightly above the number in the prior quarter, but down 20.2 percent from a year ago.

The latest count of zombie homes continues a long-term pattern of those properties representing only a tiny portion of the nation’s total housing stock – currently at just one of every 14,776 homes around the U.S. The ratio is about the same as the level of one in 14,724 in the prior quarter, but well down from one in 11,565 in the third quarter of last year, marking the lowest level since early 2021. Zombie foreclosures remain so rare that most local housing markets around the country have little or no issues with the blight and decay those properties can attract and spread.

The portion of pre-foreclosure properties that have been abandoned into zombie status, meanwhile, ticked up a bit, from 2.9 percent in the second quarter of 2024 to 3.1 percent in the current quarter.

“Zombie foreclosures continue to be a mere blip on the radar screen – one of many measures of the overall strength of the U.S. housing market. After some worries about a rise in abandoned homes following the end of the COVID-era foreclosure clampdown, they remain an anomaly throughout most of the country,” said Rob Barber, CEO for ATTOM. “One significant factor is the historically high levels of home equity. This provides homeowners who may be struggling with their mortgage payments a strong incentive to negotiate new payment plans, which in turn reduces the number of foreclosures. As a result, fewer owners are simply walking away from their properties like so many did after the Great Recession of the late 2000s.”

The hold-steady pattern of zombie properties during the third quarter comes as the nation’s housing market boom continues into its 13th year, reversing signs of a slowdown in 2023.

The nationwide median home value shot up 6 percent, year over year, in the Spring of 2024, reaching a new high of $365,000, according to ATTOM’s home sales data. It has increased every year since 2011, more than doubling during that time. Those gains have led to historic improvements in homeowner equity, which has resulted in almost 95 percent of owners with mortgages having at least some equity built up and half owing less than 50 percent of the estimated value of their properties.

Zombie foreclosures mostly unchanged quarterly around U.S. while down annually

A total of 7,007 residential properties facing possible foreclosure have been vacated by their owners nationwide in the third quarter of 2024, up 0.9 percent from 6,945 in the second quarter of 2024 but down from 8,782 in the third quarter of 2023. The number of zombie properties stayed the same quarterly or went up slightly in 26 states – usually increasing by less than 20. The number declined in 24 states.

The biggest percent decreases from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024 in states that had at least 50 zombie homes a year ago are in Connecticut (zombie properties down 79 percent, from 87 to 18) Oklahoma (down 78 percent, from 199 to 43), Iowa (zombie properties down 78 percent, from 290 to 64), North Carolina (down 74 percent, from 191 to 50) and New Mexico (down 74 percent from 95 to 25).

The only annual increases among states that had at least 50 zombie foreclosures in the third quarter of 2023 have come in Florida (zombie properties up 64 percent, from 1,199 to 1,961), Texas (up 63 percent, from 112 to 183) and New Jersey (up 12 percent, from 205 to 230). Georgia’s number has stayed the same, at 85.

Overall vacancy rates also about the same

The vacancy rate for all residential properties in the U.S. has remained virtually the same for 10 quarters in a row, hovering around 1.3 percent. The latest figure of 1.31 percent (one in 76 properties) is up slightly from 1.26 percent in both the second quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of last year.

States with the highest vacancy rates for all residential properties are Oklahoma (2.36 percent, or one in 42 homes, during the third quarter of this year), Kansas (2.32 percent, or one in 43), Missouri (2.11 percent, or one in 47), Alabama (2.09 percent, or one in 48) and West Virginia (2.08 percent, or one in 48).

Those with the smallest overall vacancy rates are New Hampshire (0.35 percent, or one in 282 homes), Vermont (0.41 percent, or one in 243), New Jersey (0.43 percent, or one in 231), Idaho (0.5 percent, or one in 201) and Utah (0.65 percent, or one in 153).

Other high-level findings from the third quarter of 2024:

Among 170 metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. with at least 100,000 residential properties in the third quarter of 2024, those with at least 100 properties facing possible foreclosure and the highest zombie foreclosure rates are Peoria, IL (23 percent of properties in the foreclosure process are vacant); Cedar Rapids, IA (10.9 percent); Youngstown, OH (8.1 percent); Wichita, KS (8 percent) and St. Louis, MO (7.5 percent).Aside from St. Louis, the highest zombie-foreclosure rates in major metro areas with at least 500,000 residential properties and at least 100 homes facing foreclosure in the third quarter of 2024 are in Cleveland, OH (7.4 percent of homes in the foreclosure process are vacant); Pittsburgh, PA (5.8 percent); Indianapolis, IN (5.7 percent) and San Antonio, TX (5.2 percent).Among the 36 million investor-owned homes throughout the U.S. in the third quarter of 2024, about 939,000 are vacant, or 2.6 percent. The highest levels of vacant investor-owned homes are in Indiana (5.5 percent vacant), Oklahoma (4.6 percent), Alabama (4.4 percent), Missouri (4.3 percent) and Kansas (4.2 percent).Among the roughly 12,000 foreclosed, bank-owned homes in the U.S. during the third quarter of 2024, 12.9 percent are vacant. In states with at least 50 bank-owned homes, the largest vacancy rates are in Kansas (24.1 percent vacant), New Mexico (23.4 percent), Ohio (23.4 percent), Indiana (22.5 percent) and Oregon (20 percent).The highest zombie-foreclosure rates in U.S. counties with at least 500 properties in the foreclosure process during the third quarter of 2024 are in Broome County (Binghamton), NY (15.5 percent of homes in the foreclosure process are vacant); Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (7.9 percent); Pinellas County (St. Petersburg), FL (7.3 percent); Marion County (Indianapolis), IN (7.3 percent) and Erie County (Buffalo), NY (6.8 percent).Among zip codes with enough data to analyze, 89 of the top 100 where zombie properties represent the largest portions of all homes are in New York, Florida and Illinois. The largest portions are in zip codes 61605 in Peoria County, IL (one in 134 homes); 32206 in Duval County (Jacksonville), FL (one in 238); 13350 in Herkimer County, NY (one in 239 homes); 61603 in Peoria County, IL (one in 241) and 10993 in Rockland County (West Haverstraw), NY (one in 287).

Report Methodology

ATTOM analyzed county tax assessor data for 103.5 million residential properties for vacancy, broken down by foreclosure status and owner-occupancy status in the third quarter of 2024. Only metropolitan statistical areas with at least 100,000 residential properties, counties with at least 50,000 residential properties and zip codes with at least 1,000 residential properties were included in the analysis.

About ATTOM
ATTOM provides premium property data to power products that improve transparency, innovation, efficiency, and disruption in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation’s population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID — the ATTOM ID. The 30TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include ATTOM Cloud, bulk file licenses, property data APIs, real estate market trends, property navigator and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, making property data more readily accessible and optimized for AI applications– AI-Ready Solutions. 

Media Contact:
Megan Hunt
megan.hunt@attomdata.com 

Data and Report Licensing:
datareports@attomdata.com

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SOURCE ATTOM

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SSI SCHAEFER’s Four-Way Pallet Roaming Shuttle Is Expanding Warehouse Design Possibilities

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SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For warehouse operators in South Korea, warehouse design is increasingly shaped by competing demands: making better use of available space, managing labor constraints and maintaining reliable operations without committing to automation that exceeds business needs.

The challenge is not simply to store more pallets, but to determine how storage capacity can be configured around the inventory characteristics and the movement the operation actually requires.

Rethinking the use of warehouse space

Warehouse capacity is often assessed by the number of pallet positions available. However, the same building footprint can support different storage configurations, each with its own implications for accessibility, material flow and operating requirements.

Four-way pallet roaming shuttles, such as the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, use onboard multi-sensor navigation to determine their position, monitor their surroundings in real time, and accurately detect obstacles. This enables flexible pallet handling across multiple storage levels, opening up greater possibilities for high-density, single- or multi-deep pallet storage configurations.

For facilities where building expansion is restricted, the ability to use available space more effectively can be an important design consideration. With system heights of 24 metres and options for 40 metres subject to configuration, solutions like the shuttle allow warehouse planners to evaluate storage designs that make greater use of the space.

Matching movement capability to operational needs

The significance of four-way movement lies in the flexibility it introduces into storage design. This can be particularly relevant to manufacturing operations storing raw materials or finished goods, food and beverage distribution, and temperature-controlled warehouses where storage conditions and space utilisation are crucial design considerations.

The shuttle supports payloads of up to 3000 kg and uses RFID and photoelectric positioning, with a specified positioning accuracy of ±5 mm. Operating at a maximum aislewise speed of 1.5 m/s when loaded and 1.6 m/s when unloaded, it provides a technical basis for evaluating its suitability against a warehouse’s storage and movement requirement.

Automation solving the right challenges, at the right time

For South Korean warehouse operators facing a rapidly aging population and labor constraints, the question is whether automating pallet storage and movement will address a meaningful operational need. Suited to medium-to-low SKU ranges and lower-throughput applications, the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle is worth considering where frequent retrievals and reduced reliance on repetitive manual handling are priorities, rather than high-volume pallet retrieval.

“The value of warehouse automation lies in how well a system fits the operation it is designed to serve. More automation does not automatically mean a better warehouse.

The real measure of an effective solution is how well its storage density, retrieval capability and throughput match the operation’s needs. Investing in capacity or performance that the business cannot fully utilise—or sacrificing retrieval flexibility for density—misses the point of warehouse automation,” said Jeon Jae Beom, Head of Sales, SSI Schaefer Korea.

For South Korean businesses balancing space, labor and investment pressures, the key is to select systems according to its intended role in the wider operation, not on the assumption that greater automation will resolve every capacity or productivity challenge.

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com/ko-kr.

About SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI SCHAEFER Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers small to medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI SCHAEFER offers complete solutions ranging from fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages to robotics and automated guided vehicles, as well as manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racks and containers.

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SOURCE SSI Schaefer Korea

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Heybike Launches V1 Pro, a 72V Power Beast with 8,000W Peak Power and Bigger Attitude

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ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heybike today announced the launch of the V1 Pro, a 72V electric dirt bike designed for riders who want bigger tires, bigger attitude, and ultimate off-road performance. With 8,000W peak power, 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tires, and Wheelie Boost Assist, the V1 Pro delivers powerful off-road performance while featuring hydraulic disc brakes and a magnetic emergency kill switch. Available now on Heybike’s official website, the V1 Pro is offered at an Early Bird price of $1,999, compared with its $2,199 MSRP.

The 72V Power Beast, Ready for Every Trail

With its oversized Big Foot tires, bold styling, and powerful 72V drive system, the Heybike V1 Pro is built to stand out. Delivering 8,000W peak power and 250 N•m of wheel torque, it reaches speeds of up to 50 MPH and tackles inclines of up to 45°, bringing serious power to demanding off-road adventures.

Its staggered 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires provide a larger rear contact patch for traction, while 285 mm of ground clearance helps the bike clear rocks, roots, and ruts. A 150 mm-travel front fork and rear hydraulic shock help absorb bumps on uneven terrain.

Powered by a 72V 27Ah battery with 1,944 Wh of capacity, the Heybike V1 Pro offers a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, with charging taking approximately 5.5–6 hours using the included 84V 5A charger.

Smart Control. Your Ride, Your Way.

The Heybike app lets riders adjust speed limits and throttle response, choose from ECO, LINEAR, and SPORT riding modes, and configure regenerative braking to suit their riding preferences and terrain.

For added personalization, an optional Bluetooth speaker and horn accessory supports music playback and multiple simulated motorcycle engine sounds.

Enhanced Protection for Every Adventure

The Heybike V1 Pro combines performance with multiple safety-focused features. Its 220 mm front and 190 mm rear hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power, while regenerative braking adds another layer of deceleration control.

A magnetic emergency kill switch is designed to cut power if the rider falls or steps away from the bike. A throttle-reset safety mechanism prevents power delivery until the throttle has returned to its reset position.

The Heybike V1 Pro features a UL 2849-certified battery system and an IPX6 waterproof rating, offering added protection for outdoor riding in changing weather conditions.

Together, these features complement the V1 Pro’s performance-focused design with added control and protection for off-road riding.

Wheelie Boost Assist: Unleash Your Wild Side

Experience wheelies like never before. With just a single mode control, Wheelie Boost™ lifts the front wheel to a fixed angle, safely turning a complex trick into an exciting riding experience. Less effort, more wild — unleash your bigger attitude and take your V1 Pro ride to the next level.

Bring the Family Together. Conquer Every Terrain.

More than an off-road ride, the Heybike V1 Pro opens the door to shared outdoor adventures and memorable family moments. Designed to bring riders together, it makes weekend trail rides and outdoor exploration opportunities for parents and teens to connect, build confidence, and discover new terrain side by side.

From family outings to challenging off-road adventures, the V1 Pro brings power, excitement, and the freedom to explore together.

A Step Up From the Original Heybike V1

Launched in the first half of 2026, the Heybike V1 quickly gained popularity among teens across the United States. Building on that success, the V1 Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with nearly 100% more peak power, 43.8% greater battery capacity, 11% higher top speed, 20% more range, and a 50% higher maximum climbing angle.

Beyond raw power, the V1 Pro delivers 31.5% more wheel torque and 14.5% greater ground clearance, along with stronger front and rear suspension system for a smoother ride. Its larger 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires further enhance off-road control and rear traction, while the full-size frame is designed to accommodate a broader range of riders.

Make Their Next Ride Unforgettable

The Heybike V1 Pro is available now for $1,999 (MSRP $2,199). Customers can also receive a limited-quantity launch gift box with their purchase, while supplies last. 

More riding challenges, giveaways, and community activities are on the way. Stay tuned for more ways to ride, connect, and share the adventure.

Shop the Heybike V1 Pro on its official website.

About Heybike

Heybike is a leading global e-bike brand making joy easy to reach for every age and every terrain, from city commutes to off-road adventures, blending accessible innovation, safety-first engineering, and design that connects. Every ride connects you to a worldwide community — to your family, to your city, and to the simple joy of moving. Learn more on Heybike’s official website.

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SOURCE Heybike

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fileAI Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to Accelerate Rollout of Outcome-Driven AI Agents for BFSI Leaders

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — fileAI announced a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) to bring a new suite of AI agents to banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) leaders—built to complete critical operational workflows, not just assist with them.

fileAI’s data intelligence platform, fileForge, transforms enterprise files into trusted, governed intelligence for AI workflows, pairing repeatable skills with business context to carry complex business processes through to completion. Built on Amazon Bedrock and available through AWS Marketplace, it provides industry leaders across Asia and the US direct access to outcome-focused AI agents backed by AWS’s security, scale, and infrastructure.

Two of the company’s latest innovations underpin this philosophy: fileScout maps files ahead of extraction, optimising model routing and drastically reducing token consumption, whilst fileForensics surfaces actionable fraud signals directly into the processing pipeline. Together they ensure only clean, relevant, fraud-checked data ever reaches the workflow. For AWS customers, that means faster cycle times, fewer exceptions, and less manual rework, with the governance and traceability regulated organisations require.

The SCA follows a period of strong momentum for fileAI. On August 27, the company announced investment from SMBC Asia Rising Fund and Singtel Innov8, alongside the debut of fileScout. The funding supports fileAI’s expansion in Japan, building on its June 2026 partnership with JRE Ventures, and deeper investment in financial services capabilities.

“Enterprise AI has to be judged on outcomes, not activity,” said Christian Schneider, CEO of fileAI. “By building on Amazon Bedrock and deepening our collaboration with AWS, we’re giving finance and financial services leaders agents that take their most complex data and carry the work through to a completed, auditable result. With AWS and AWS Marketplace, we can bring that to customers across Asia and the US faster, and with the security and scale they expect.”

“Financial services customers consistently tell us that getting unstructured data ready for workflows they can trust is one of their biggest challenges,” said Jamie Simon, Director, Partner Sales & Development, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS. “fileAI has built a strong approach to that problem on Amazon Bedrock—combining document intelligence with the governance regulated enterprises require. This collaboration makes it easier for customers to move from AI pilots to production with confidence, and we’re looking forward to scaling it across the region.”

About fileAI

fileAI is the enterprise intelligence company behind fileForge, the leading platform for complex business process automation. Where most AI falls short in production, fileForge provides the structure, validation, and traceability that makes agentic AI reliable by design. It unifies data capture, preparation, governance, and orchestration into auditable, SOP-driven workflows that transform unstructured and semi-structured data into trusted, reusable process intelligence.

Trusted by global enterprises including MS&AD, Toshiba, PwC, KPMG, Nippon Paint, and Keppel, fileAI has processed over 1 billion files across finance, insurance, supply chain, healthcare, and core business operations—delivering governed automation and contextual reuse for the world’s most complex workflows.

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SOURCE fileAI

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