Credit conditions across the United States remained mixed in July, with growth in new mortgage credit slipping 4% in July compared to year-ago levels, according to a new report from CreditForecast. The agency said the percentage drop may have been attributed to slower home sales, lower prices on homes sold and increased foreclosure activity. In addition, the delinquency rates on mortgages fell 6.54% over last year, roughly the same percentage drop reported a month earlier. In the first quarter, the nation reported $279.7 billion in new mortgage origination volume, a substantial reduction from the $525.9 billion volume originated in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the $303 billion originated in the first quarter of 2010. At the same time, there appeared to be some easing in lending standards, with 8.9% of all new originations when looking at auto, bankcard and mortgages originated in the below 620 credit score rating. That compares to the fourth quarter when only 5.8% of all originations in that range were below 620 and 7.9% from the third quarter. Across all credit channels, the aggregate delinquency rate fell 6.11%, changing little from the past four months, according to the report. Write to: Kerri Panchuk.