Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they’re accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact they have on a homeowner’s equity position.
Home equity is defined as the difference between a home’s fair market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the property. While homeowners pay down their mortgages, the amount of equity they have in their homes climbs each time the value increases.
Today, the number of homeowners that currently have significant equity in their homes is growing. According to the Census Bureau, 38% of all homes in the country are mortgage-free. In a home equity study, ATTOM Data Solutions revealed that of the 54.5 million homes with a mortgage, 26.7% of them have at least 50% equity. That number has been increasing over the last eight years.
CoreLogic also notes:
“…the average homeowner gained approximately $5,300 in equity during the past year.”
The map below shows a breakdown of the increasing equity gain across the country, painting a clear picture that home equity is growing in nearly every state.
Bottom Line
This may be the year to take advantage of your home equity by applying it forward, either as you downsize or as you move up to a new home.
Author: Monica Foster
"Love your work and you'll never work a day in your life" . . . for me, that statement says it all. I love what I do, helping others achieve their real estate goals with honesty, integrity and responsiveness. I am not just a real estate agent, I am a BROKER Associate, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Certified New Homes Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert with RE/MAX Space Center and a REALTOR® - a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This means I work to a higher standard of education and professionalism that translates to an extra level of service for my clients. I closed over 100 transactions in 2013 and have received the Five Star Real Estate Agent award, a honor bestowed upon 7% of area realtors. Also, I have been featured in Forbes Magazine, Top Agent Magazine, Homes and Land Magazine, and I received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame award for career production. I also like to give back to the community and help others. I am a frequent contributor and sponsor for various charities including the Homes for Heroes Foundation, Communities in Schools Bay Area, March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Network, Kid's Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Happy Hill Farm Academy, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
