Report: Fewer people falling behind on home loans

Any good news right now is great news.

WASHINGTON — The number of borrowers falling behind on their mortgage payments dropped sharply at the end of last year, a sign the foreclosure crisis is beginning to ebb.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said Friday the percentage of borrowers who missed just one payment on their home loans fell to 3.63 percent in the October to December quarter, down from 3.79 percent in the third quarter. The decline was even more remarkable because delinquencies usually rise at that time of year because of heating bills** and holiday spending.

** Maybe more people doing without full home heat and just using electric heaters? I've known a few to do that...