The Mortgage Bankers Association‘s (MBA) maps paint a stark portrait of where the foreclosure and late payment problems are now. Yet, there is good news from the MBA. In most areas of the country homeowners apparently find it easier to make  mortgage payments and aren’t falling behind.

The group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Jay Brinkmann said, “The 30 day delinquency rate decreased 21 basis points to its lowest level since mid-2007. With fewer new delinquencies, the foreclosure start rate and foreclosure inventory rates continue to fall and are at their lowest levels since 2007 and 2008 respectively,”

On the other hand, SuperStorm Sandy continues to take a toll in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where there was an increase in late payments and foreclosures.  Still the outlook is good in these states according to MBA’s Brinkmann, “We expect to see improvements in these states as we move into 2013,” he said.