Public trustee reports uptick in foreclosures in early 2026

Elbert County Treasurer and Public Trustee Sherry Hewlet reported to the Board of County Commissioners on May 13 that new foreclosure filings in the first quarter of 2026 were up compared with the same period last year.

Hewlet said there were seven more new foreclosures compared with the prior year period (22 this period versus 15 last year) and noted an uptick she found concerning. She emphasized that many foreclosure cases are resolved by withdrawals or cures after owners contact mortgage companies and encouraged property owners in distress to engage lenders to prevent sales. The trustee said some increases reflect routine missed payments while at least one matter involved a deceased owner and a reverse mortgage.

The board acknowledged receipt of the public trustee report; no formal action was taken beyond acknowledgement.