Friends and Clients --
I want to talk to you about a foreclosure crisis that might be looming on the horizon, and what it could mean for you.
I'm sure you know how the pandemic and the lockdown have hurt the economy. Many people have lost jobs or had their hours cut. As a result, they are struggling to make regular mortgage payments.
You've probably also heard about various forbearance programs. These are temporary private and government programs that allow mortgage borrowers to postpone or reduce their monthly payments.
As it currently stands, 3.7 million borrowers are in mortgage forbearance programs. That’s about 7% of all active mortgages.
Many of these folks just hit the six-month mark of mortgage forbearance. The big question is what will happen in another six months when the maximum term for these forbearance programs comes to an end.
And that brings me to the possibility of a foreclosure crisis.
Indeed, many people will still not be able to make their mortgage payments as forbearance programs run out.
Unfortunately, some will be forced into foreclosure.
However, I'm not expecting a scenario like in 2008.
The difference comes down to current sky-high home prices and record-low mortgage rates.
These unique circumstances mean that most homeowners have equity in their home right now. In fact, home equity for homeowners with a mortgage rose 6.6% annually in the second quarter of this year.
This rise in equity means that homeowners have options, even if they are struggling to make payments. In other words, they can put their homes on the market and sell them, rather than lose them to foreclosure.
So what does this mean for you?
Well, the current real estate market is severely short on supply of homes.
Homes are selling very quickly and at record prices simply because demand is so much higher than supply.
But even if we don't see a foreclosure crisis in the coming months (and I do not believe we will), there is likely to be a flood of new homes for sale on the market.
That's the consequence of this distressing economic moment.
And it's likely to put a chill on home price growth, or even reverse it. We will enter a more balanced market, where buyers have more of a say.
I bring this up in case you have been thinking about selling soon but are still on the fence.
The current moment might be golden. The lack of supply right now means you could sell quickly and for top dollar.
If you are thinking of selling, you can get an idea of what your home could fetch in the current hot market using this home value calculator based on recent Austin sales:
Enter your address here to find out what your home is currently worth
If you have any questions, whether you're buying or selling, give me a call at 512-829-8000. I have my finger on the pulse of the Austin real estate market, and I can help you make the right decision for your specific circumstances.
Have a great day,
Chris Watters
Looking to buy a home? Looking to sell a home?
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