No foreclosure BOOM on the Horizon?

Posted by Angela McKenzie on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 3:30 PM By Angela McKenzie / July 27, 2020 Comment

I was interviewed by WHOTV-13 last week regarding the current houseing market. These incredibly low interest rates have the market booming! I mentioned that I was concerned with what 2021 may hold because of the health crisis we face as a country. It has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services/staffing altogether. This has greatly impacted the workforce with many peoplebeing laid off/furloughed. Naturally, that would make you wonder if we might see a majot slow down on the horizon. Maybe even a rush of foreclosures like we saw in 2008. The market today, however, is very different from 2008.

There are two reasons we won’t see a rush of foreclosures this fall: forbearance extension options & strong homeowner equity.

1. Forbearance Extension

Forbearance, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is “when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to temporarily pay your mortgage at a lower payment or pause paying your mortgage.” This is an option for those who need immediate relief. In today’s economy, the CFPB has given homeowners a way to extend their forbearance, which will greatly assist those families who need it at this critical time.

Under the CARES Act, the CFPB notes:

“If you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request and obtain a forbearance for up to 180 days. You also have the right to request and obtain an extension for up to another 180 days (for a total of up to 360 days).”

2. Strong Homeowner Equity

Equity is also working in favor of today’s homeowners. This savings is another reason why we won’t see substantial foreclosures in the near future. Today’s homeowners who are in forbearance actually have more equity in their homes than what the market experienced in 2008.

The Mortgage Monitor report from Black Knight indicates that of all active forbearances which are past due on their mortgage payment, 77% have at least 20% equity in their homes (See graph below): Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall | MyKCM Black Knight notes:

“The high level of equity provides options for homeowners, policymakers, mortgage investors and servicers in helping to avoid downstream foreclosure activity and default-related losses.”