Is a blowout taking shape in the impaired-credit mortgage market? Could lax underwriting standards during the housing boom years — no verification of applicants’ incomes or assets, low or no down payments, and big mortgages to people already saddled with heavy consumer debts — finally be coming home to roost?

The omens are unmistakable:

Delinquencies in the $1.3 trillion impaired-credit mortgage market hit 12.6 percent in the latest quarter, up from 11.7 percent. Delinquencies exceeded 13 percent among borrowers with subprime adjustable-rate loans.

Growing numbers of the companies that make or invest in subprime mortgages are themselves facing financial distress, and some have shut their doors or filed for bankruptcy protection.

FORT WORTH-In a $21.3-million deal, a New York City-based investment firm has acquired its second multifamily property in North Texas. And, it’s under contract to close on a third one this week.

Abacus Capital Group LLC has brought in long-time partner, Colonial Properties Trust of Birmingham, AL as operator and minority partner in the deal as it did last fall when it put direct deals into motion to acquire two class A complexes in North Fort Worth from Stockton, CA-based A.G. Spanos Cos., according to Benjamin Friedman, Abacus’ president. The newest deed is the 240-unit Fairmont at Fossil Creek Apartments at 3701 Fossil Creek Blvd., situated about 2.3 miles south of Abacus’ first buy, the 288-unit Belterra Apartments at 7001 Sandshell Blvd. Before this week ends, Abacus will close on a 214-unit, class A property in Allen.