Nevada had the second highest mortgage delinquency rate in the nation in the first quarter at 11.16 percent, well above the national rate of 5.78 % TransUnion Credit Bureau reported Wednesday.

While Nevada is still second only to Florida's 13.87%, it's still an improvement from 14.19% a year ago and a
high of 16.19% in fourth quarter 2009.

"There is a positive story here in that Nevada's improvement has been good, so there might be a chance for lenders to get back to Las Vegas and extend more credit to Las Vegans."

One of the challenges in Las Vegas and Henderson recovery is the lack of available financing after the housing crisis.

The high delinquency rate in Las Vegas plays a role in financing but it's more about the individual's credit rating and background.

The national mortgage delinquency rate is down from 6.01% in the first quarter, following two quarters of increases.

Home prices continue to face downward pressure and unemployment remains high, but many see the economic environment begin to show modest improvement.

TransUnion's forecast predicts mortgage delinquency rates will drift downward in 2012 as more homeowners
will be able to repay their mortgage obligations.

"Unemployment is getting better and macro indicators like gross national product and retail sales are improving. It's encouraging news."

As homeowners take advantage of historic low interest rates and lower their monthly payments, it may have some positive impact on the overall delinquency rate later this year.