Unfortunately we’re not that only ones that keep an eye on The Housing Bubble 2. Nor is it likely that we were the only ones that noticed their reference to a recent LA Times article:
Homeowners took $59 billion in cash out of their houses in the second quarter, double the amount in the 2004 quarter and 16 times the average rate of the mid-1990s, according to data released this month by mortgage giant Freddie Mac.
If mortgage rates rise sharply or home prices fall, many homeowners could be in financial turmoil. They may be unable to service their loans, or could even find that their homes are worth less than their mortgages.
Such a prospect seems unimaginably distant to Doug Levy, a university administrator in San Francisco.
When his two-bedroom condominium rose in value by 10% — which took nine months in the hot Bay Area real estate market — Levy refinanced. That increased the size of his mortgage but gave him $25,000 to pay bills and take a modest skiing vacation in British Columbia. He’s considering tapping his equity again if his condo continues to appreciate.
“It’s like I’m sleeping in my piggy bank,” said Levy, 44. “In this market, real estate is a liquid asset.”
Damn it Doug, stop consuming real estate. And please stop talking to the LA papers. You’re killing us.
· Equity Is Altering Spending Habits and View of Debt [LA Times]