Increasing Number of Homeowners Upside Down on Mortgages

At the end of June, 24% of homeowners were upside down on their mortgages. In other words, 24% of homeowners owed more on their mortgages then their homes were worth. When added to those with no equity remaining in their homes, the percentage climbs to 32%. Nevada, Arizona, California, and Colorado are the biggest offenders with rates of 40%, 37%, 33%, and 31% respectively of homeowners whose homes are worth less than their mortgages. In some of these markets, homeowners are walking away from homes where they may owe twice as much as the home is worth or more. And when the home is worth less than the mortgage, borrowers no longer qualify for some of the programs that might be able to help them, such as a reverse mortgage.

In response, some are urging the government to begin reducing loan balances to help borrowers cope with the problem. Lowering loan payments or rates will only make the mortgages drag out interminably, and still not recoup the home’s equity (unless it appreciates again over time back to levels that are higher than during the time of the boom).  If the government reduces the loan balances, borrowers will be inclined to continue to invest in their homes and stay in their residences, rather than walk away. This will reduce foreclosures, hopefully, as well as abandoned properties.

What do you think?