Timeline to reach desired equity position depends on 3 factors
By Jack Guttentag
Inman News®
About 16 million homeowners owe more on their mortgage than their homes are worth, which means they are “underwater.” So long as that condition continues, they have no equity that can be used to help finance the purchase of another house.
On the contrary, they can’t sell the house without digging into their pockets to pay the difference between what they owe and what they can realize from the sale net of expenses.
But time heals most wounds, and negative equity is no exception. The principal component of the monthly mortgage payment reduces the loan balance by the same amount.
Refinancing into a mortgage carrying a lower interest rate reduces the interest portion of the monthly mortgage payment, thereby increasing the principal component and the rate at which the balance is paid down.
Although underwater borrowers generally can’t qualify for a refinance, those fortunate enough to have their mortgages held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac comprise an important exception. The government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) permits negative equity, though borrowers must be in good standing to be eligible.
More here.
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