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What Can I Do about an Underwater Mortgage?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Underwater mortgages are mortgages that currently have a balance that is higher than the current market value of the real estate used as collateral for the loan. A mortgage situation of this type may develop due to sudden changes in the neighborhood that drive down property values, or even be a result of some sort of general economic crisis such as a recession. Regardless of the factors that led to the underwater mortgage, the situation can be distressing for homeowners, especially if there is a strong indication that those property values will not recover in the near future. When faced with an underwater mortgage, homeowners may choose to wait it out and keep making payments, attempt to refinance or renegotiate the debt, or even take a loss and default on the mortgage.
One approach to dealing with an underwater mortgage is to simply continue making the payments as if nothing has changed. Homeowners who are having no trouble making those payments and who have reason to believe that property values will gradually increase over time may choose to go this route. While the potential for loss remains strong, shifts in the economy could correct the situation over time, effectively putting the mortgage debt back on track.
A second strategy would be attempting to renegotiate the underwater mortgage with the current lender. While not all lenders will be open to this idea, there is the chance of making changes in the existing contract that would adjust the interest rate or other provisions of the contract, including the possibility of some adjustment on the principal due. Should this option not be available, the homeowner may seek to refinance the mortgage, hopefully locking in a better interest rate. When refinancing a mortgage that is underwater, the need to supply a new down payment that brings the mortgage amount in line with the current market value of the property may be necessary.
In severe cases, homeowners may determine that the downward trend with property values will continue, resulting in an ever-increasing loss. When this is the case, the homeowner may choose to either default on the mortgage or at least work with lenders to arrange the sale of the property a the best possible price, settle at least the major portion of the debt, and work out some other arrangements to pay off any remaining balance. This approach can have serious consequences for credit ratings, making it the least desirable approach for dealing with an underwater mortgage.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![One approach to dealing with an underwater mortgage is to simply continue making payments as if nothing has changed.]()
By: darko64One approach to dealing with an underwater mortgage is to simply continue making payments as if nothing has changed.
Discussion Comments
@jennythelib - You make a nice point that this is only a problem if you must move. But if you do, it can be a *big* problem!
Many lenders are willing to work out "short sales." Honestly, I think it helps if you have missed a few payments. Make sure, if you must do a short sale (in which the bank agrees to accept less than the balance on the mortgage), that your agreement with the bank specifies that you will not be paying back the difference.
Another issue to be aware of is the tax implications of whatever route you choose. Forgiven debt is actually considered taxable income! So in theory, if you owe $250,000 on your house and the bank lets you sell it for $200,000, you will owe taxes on that $50,000. Ouch!
In some years, the government has provided tax relief for first mortgages on your primary residence, but I wouldn't count on that continuing. Talk to an accountant - getting out of the hole with your bank could put you in a hole with the IRS!
An underwater mortgage in itself isn't a problem. It only becomes a problem if you must move or if you can't make payments.
If you have no need to sell your house and you did not commit to a bigger payment than you can make, *stay the course.* It is frustrating to know that you owe more than your house is worth and that you bought at the wrong time, but if you like your home, just let that go.
If you can refinance an underwater mortgage, that might reduce your payments by lowering your interest rate, but it likely won't solve the fundamental problem of owing more than the house is worth.
Still, if you reduce payments, you can free up cash for other expenses - or even to prepay your mortgage. If you pay extra on the principal each month, you can shorten the length of time that the house is underwater. That could be a relief if you unexpectedly have to move in the future.
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