Consumers who only defaulted on their mortgage during the economic recession were far better risks than those with multiple credit delinquencies, according to a recent study from TransUnion.

"There appears to be a pocket of opportunity among mortgage-only defaulters that is not the result of excess liquidity, but rather the unique circumstances of the recent recession," said Steve Chaouki, group vice president in TransUnion’s financial services business unit. "This new market segment that the recession created is an important one for lenders to understand. They have the potential, today, to be stronger and more reliable customers."

"This recession was unique in that certain consumers who defaulted on mortgages would otherwise be good credit risks," said Ezra Becker, vice president of research and consulting in TransUnion’s financial services business unit. "It appears their actions were driven more by difficult economic circumstances than by any inherent inability to manage debt."