Tami Savage, Realtor

Your Key to a New Lifestyle

  • Search for Homes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today

November 14, 2022 By Tami Savage

Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today

Experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like we saw back in 2008, and that’s good news for the housing market. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

“. . . don’t expect a housing bust like the mid-2000s, as lending standards in this housing cycle have been much tighter and homeowners have historically high levels of home equity, so there likely won’t be a surge in foreclosures.”

Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) helps tell this story. It shows the overall percentage of homeowners at risk is decreasing significantly with time (see graph below):

Percent of Mortgages in Forbearance Decreases to 0.69% in September

Even though the volume of homeowners at risk is very low, there is still a small percentage of homeowners who may be coming face to face with foreclosure as a possibility today. If you’re facing difficulties yourself, it can help to understand your options. It starts with knowing what foreclosure is. Investopedia defines it like this:

“Typically, default is triggered when a borrower misses a specific number of monthly payments . . . Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender attempts to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by taking ownership of and selling the mortgaged property.”

The good news is there are alternatives available to help you avoid going through the foreclosure process, including:

  • Reinstatement
  • Loan modification
  • Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure
  • Short sale

Before you go down any of those paths, it’s worth seeing if you have enough equity in your home to sell it and protect your investment.

You May Be Able To Use Your Equity To Sell Your House

Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.

In today’s real estate market, many homeowners have far more equity in their homes than they realize due to the home price appreciation we’ve seen over the past few years. According to CoreLogic:

“The total average equity per borrower has now reached almost $300,000, the highest in the data series.”

So, what does that mean for you? If you’ve lived in your house for at least a few years or more, chances are your home’s value, and your equity, has risen dramatically. In addition, the mortgage payments you’ve made during that time chipped away at the balance of your loan. If your home’s current value is higher than what you still owe on your loan, you may be able to use that increase to your advantage.

Rick Sharga, Executive VP of Market Intelligence at ATTOM Data, explains how equity can help:

“Very few of the properties entering the foreclosure process have reverted to the lender at the end of the foreclosure. . . We believe that this may be an indication that borrowers are leveraging their equity and selling their homes rather than risking the loss of their equity in a foreclosure auction.”

Lean on Experts To Explore Your Options

To find out how much equity you have, work with a local real estate professional. They can give you an estimate of what your house could sell for based on recent sales of similar homes in your area. You may be able to sell your house to avoid foreclosure.

If you find out you have to pursue other options, your agent can help with that too. They’ll be able to connect you with other professionals in the industry, like housing counselors, who can look into your unique situation and offer advice on next steps if selling isn’t your best alternative.

Bottom Line

If you’re a homeowner facing hardship, let’s connect so you have an expert on your side to explore your options and see if you can sell your house to avoid foreclosure.

Tagged With: For Sellers, Forbearances, Foreclosures, Housing Market Updates

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free eGuide. Things to Consider When Buying a Home. Send me this eGuide.

Free eGuide. Things to Consider When Selling Your House. Send me this eGuide.

A Guide to Buying Your First Home. Send me this eGuide.

Tags

Baby Boomers Buying Myths Community Demographics Distressed Properties Downloadable Down Payments First Time Home Buyers Forbearances For Buyers Foreclosures For Sale By Owners For Sellers FSBOs Garden Generation X Generation Z Gen X Gen Z Holidays Home Household Management Housing Market Updates Infographics Interest Rates Interview Investors Lifestyle Luxury Market Millennials Move-Up Buyers moving New Construction Pricing relocation Remodel Rent vs Buy Report Reviews Selling Myths Senior Market Short Sales Tax Refund Veterans Video

Free eGuide. Things to Consider When Selling Your House. Send me this eGuide.

Free eGuide. Things to Consider When Buying a Home. Send me this eGuide.

Tags

Baby Boomers Buying Myths Community Demographics Distressed Properties Downloadable Down Payments First Time Home Buyers Forbearances For Buyers Foreclosures For Sale By Owners For Sellers FSBOs Garden Generation X Generation Z Gen X Gen Z Holidays Home Household Management Housing Market Updates Infographics Interest Rates Interview Investors Lifestyle Luxury Market Millennials Move-Up Buyers moving New Construction Pricing relocation Remodel Rent vs Buy Report Reviews Selling Myths Senior Market Short Sales Tax Refund Veterans Video

Designations & Certifications

💼 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 = 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! 🏡 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐬!

Remote work isn't just about Zoom calls in PJs. It's an opportunity to change your entire home search game!

💡 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 = 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Think bigger yards, extra rooms, and maybe even a lower cost of living! 🎉

Curious? Call, text, or email me, and let's talk! 📲

👉 Blog Link for all the ins and outs: https://tamisavage.com/remote-work-is-changing-how-some-buyers-search-for-their-dream-homes/

#RemoteWork  #HomeBuying #DreamHome #LocationFlexibility #WorkFromHome #HomeSearch #PropertyHunt #RealEstateMarket #ModernWork #NewNormal #LifestyleUpgrade #realestatenews #realestateexpert #realestateadvice #realestateblog #TamiSavageRealtor #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #cummingga #miltonga #cantonga #alpharettaga #ballgroundga
🏡 Wondering if Now’s the Right Time to Sell? 🏡 Wondering if Now’s the Right Time to Sell? Your Home Equity Might Just Be Your Ace! 🏡

Equity = Your Home's Value - What You Owe. 🤑 And here's the kicker—nearly 70% of homeowners are sitting pretty with significant equity. So if you've been holding off selling due to mortgage rates, this could be your game-changer!

📲 Got questions about your home equity? Don’t hesitate to call, text, or email me anytime!

👉 Want the full scoop? Check out my latest article on how your home equity can offset affordability challenges: https://tamisavage.com/your-home-equity-can-offset-affordability-challenges/
Regardless of rising mortgage rates, the desire fo Regardless of rising mortgage rates, the desire for dream homes remains strong! 🏡 Buyers are actively searching, eager to find their perfect match. ⁠
⁠
If you've been waiting in the wings, it might just be your time to shine.  No need to hit pause for fear of silent echoes. The marketplace is humming and ready for your listing!⁠
⁠
Ready to spotlight your home? Let’s get you connected with eager buyers!⁠
⁠
https://tamisavage.com/plenty-of-buyers-are-still-active-today-infographic/
Puzzling over why finding the right house seems so Puzzling over why finding the right house seems so challenging lately?⁠
⁠
1️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐨𝐠: We've seen fewer homes built in recent years. And while builders are stepping up the pace, bridging the home gap is taking time. 🏗️⁠
⁠
2️⃣ 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐭: Many homeowners are glued to their spots, not wanting to let go of their attractive mortgage rates. 💎⁠
⁠
3️⃣ 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞: Sometimes, the media's spin can create unnecessary housing apprehensions. Always good to double-check and get the real story!⁠
⁠
So, whether you're aiming to buy, sell, or both, understanding today's housing scene is crucial. 🗝️⁠
⁠
Eager to dive deeper? Contact me for a personalized look at the housing inventory in our area, and let's navigate the maze together! ⁠
⁠
For a more detailed breakdown: https://tamisavage.com/why-is-housing-inventory-so-low/
Has your trusty home started feeling a tad too... Has your trusty home started feeling a tad too... familiar? If you're toying with the idea of a change, you're in good company!⁠
⁠
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: To buy or to rent next?⁠
⁠
🔍 Consider the following:⁠
⁠
1️⃣ Rent Rise Alert! Historically, rents have been climbing. Yearly hikes? That could put a dent in your retirement fund! Freddie Mac puts it beautifully: With fixed-rate loans, you're locking in a predictable monthly expense, even when life throws those sneaky financial curveballs.⁠
⁠
2️⃣ Home Sweet Owned Home! AARP highlights a key truth: Owning a home often outweighs renting. Think stability, investment growth, and truly owning your space.⁠
⁠
Baby boomers, if you're on the fence, reach out! 💬 Let's discuss what makes sense for your golden years and unlock the best path for your next home adventure. 🏡⁠
⁠
https://tamisavage.com/should-baby-boomers-buy-or-rent-after-selling-their-houses/
Have you ever wondered how tomorrow's home prices Have you ever wondered how tomorrow's home prices might shape your investment today?⁠
⁠
Amidst a sea of mixed news, here's a ray of sunshine: home prices are rising, better than many expected. And guess what? They're forecasted to keep shining bright!⁠
⁠
A recent survey by Pulsenomics got the scoop from over 100 experts – economists, strategists, and analysts. The consensus? Nationwide home prices are likely to continue their upward trajectory in the coming years, returning to a more steady growth.⁠
⁠
So, what's the golden nugget for you? 🌟 Once you invest in a home, as its value appreciates, so does your wealth! Think of it as planting a tree that grows money leaves over time. 🌳💰⁠
⁠
Considering taking the homebuying leap? Here's the nudge you might need: Today's investment can pave the way for a bright financial future, with your home's value (and your net worth) blossoming. Ready to explore? 💌 Contact me, and let's embark on your homebuying journey! 🚀 ⁠
⁠
https://tamisavage.com/what-experts-project-for-home-prices-over-the-next-5-years/
Retiring is like unlocking a new level in the game Retiring is like unlocking a new level in the game of life. 🗝️ As you step into this adventurous chapter, you might wonder, "Is my current home in sync with the life I envision now?"⁠
⁠
🕰️ Quick flashback: Between 1985-2009, most folks stayed in their homes for about six years. But here's an interesting twist: Post-2010, according to our pals at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), this shot up to over nine years!⁠
⁠
If you've been cozying up in your home for a while now, not only have you created cherished memories, but you might also be sitting on a treasure trove of equity. Yup, every mortgage payment and every market surge could mean more value for your home.⁠
⁠
Are you curious about tapping into that equity for your dream retirement home? Let's chat! Contact me, and let’s dive deep into what your home has achieved for you over the years. ⁠
⁠
Here's to new beginnings and perfect homes! 🏡⁠
⁠
https://tamisavage.com/planning-to-retire-your-equity-can-help-you-make-a-move/
🏡 Remember those forecasts last year about home 🏡 Remember those forecasts last year about home prices possibly taking a dip in 2023? Turns out, with the ebb and flow of our market and tight inventory, things stayed steady. It's always fascinating to see how predictions pan out in real-time. Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, let's chat to ensure you're informed about local home values. Knowledge is power! 💬⁠
⁠
https://tamisavage.com/home-price-forecasts-revised-for-2023-infographic/
Load More Follow on Instagram
The Summer Guides for Buying and Selling a Home are Here.

To get the latest digital copy, go to https://tamisavage.com/the-spring-guides-for-buying-and-selling-a-home-are-here/
The Spring Guides for Buying and Selling a Home Are Here
How you price your house will make a big difference to not only your bottom line, but to how quickly it could sell. Let’s connect to figure out the ideal price for your house.
Price Your House Right When You Sell
Getting pre-approved is an important first step toward buying a home. Let’s connect so you have the right tools to buy a home in today’s market.

Data Source:
 • https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/what-it-takes-to-be-preapproved-for-a-mortgage-and-why-it-matters/
The Importance of Pre-Approval
There are many reasons why it’s easy to fall in love with homeownership. If you’re ready to find the home of your dreams, let’s connect.
Why It's Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership
You can have the home you want without waiting for the perfect home to come onto the market.

SOURCE for Data in Video: 
 • https://themreport.com/news/data/08-29-2022/homebuyers-compromise
Create Your Perfect Home by Perfecting It After You Purchase
Before buying a home, it’s a good idea to know why homeownership is important to you. Let’s connect to discuss your why and prioritize your next steps.

SOURCE for Data in Video: 
 • https://himaxwell.com/resources/ebooks-white-papers/1h-2022-millennial-genz-borrower-sentiment-report/#downloadnow
Top Reasons Why You May Want To Buy a Home
There’s a lot going on in the housing market right now. 

You can get the latest digital copy from my website post: https://tamisavage.com/the-winter-guides-for-buying-or-selling-a-home-are-here/
The Winter Guides for Buying or Selling a Home Are Here
There’s good reason to make your move right now if you’re ready to sell. Let’s connect to talk about the benefits of selling your house this season.
5 Reasons To Sell Your House This Winter
Rents have risen dramatically for over three decades. Let’s connect so you can have expert advice on your side to help you reach your homeownership goals.

Data Source: 
 • http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf
Avoid the Rental Trap
Load More... Subscribe

Let’s Connect

770-744-2524‬ or
(888) 959-9461 x2543

Digitial Business Card

 

Calculate Mortgage Payments

www.mlcalc.com
Copyright © 2019+ Tami Savage LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

DISCLAIMER: The information contained, and the opinions expressed, on this site are NOT intended to be construed as legal or financial advice. Tami Savage does NOT guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as legal or financial advice. You should ALWAYS conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. Tami Savage will NOT be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.