The rise in mortgage defaults

Christopher J. Mayer, Karen M. Pence and Shane M. Sherlund

No 2008-59, Finance and Economics Discussion Series from Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.)

Abstract: The main factors underlying the rise in mortgage defaults appear to be declines in house prices and deteriorated underwriting standards, in particular an increase in loan-to-value ratios and in the share of mortgages with little or no documentation of income. Contrary to popular perception, the growth in unconventional mortgages products, such as those with prepayment penalties, interest-only periods, and teaser interest rates, does not appear to be a significant factor in defaults through mid-2008 because borrowers who had problems with these products could refinance into different mortgages. However, as markets realized the extent of the poor underwriting, underwriting standards tightened and borrowers began to face difficulties refinancing; this dynamic suggests that these unconventional products could pose problems going forward.

Keywords: Mortgage loans; Subprime mortgage; Default (Finance) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-fmk and nep-ure
Date: 2008
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