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How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You
Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize.
What Is Home Equity?
Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity.
According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average homeowner with a mortgage has $319,000 in home equity.
Why Have Homeowners Gained So Much Equity?
The rise in home equity over the years can be credited to two key factors:
1. Significant Home Price Growth
Home prices have climbed dramatically in recent years. In fact, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), over the past five years, home prices nationwide have risen by 57.4% (see map below):
This appreciation means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it.
2. Longer Tenure in Homes
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows people are staying in their homes for a decade (see graph below):
This increased tenure means homeowners benefit even more from home values growing over time. That’s because the longer someone has lived in their house, the more that home’s value has grown, which directly increases equity.
And if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for 10 years or more, know this – according to NAR:
“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”
The Benefits of Having Home Equity
What does that mean for you? It means your house might be your biggest financial asset — and it could open up some exciting opportunities for your future. Let’s break it down.
- Moving to Your Next Home
Your equity could help you cover the down payment for your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house all cash.
- Financing Home Improvements
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, adding a home office, or tackling other projects? Your equity can provide the funds to make those improvements happen, increasing your home’s value and making it more enjoyable to live in too.
- Getting a Business Going
If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, your equity could be the kickstart you need. Whether it’s for startup costs, equipment, or marketing, leveraging your home’s value can help bring your entrepreneurial goals to life.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your home equity is a powerful resource. If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve built or how you can use it to meet your goals, let’s connect and explore the possibilities.
How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash
Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.
Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?”
Home Equity: What Is It?
Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.
Why Equity Is Such a Big Deal for Homeowners Looking To Sell
Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows how significant today’s home equity really is. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in the chart below) or have at least 50% equity in their homes (shown in blue in the chart below):
And that’s a big deal. Think about it: 2 out of 3 homeowners have at least 50% equity in their homes. To put a more tangible number on it so you can think about what that really means for someone like you, CoreLogic shows the average homeowner has $311,000 worth of equity built up. That kind of net worth can go a long way if you’re trying to make a move.
And that’s part of the reason why the share of all-cash buyers recently reached a new high. According to an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 26% of buyers were able to buy without a mortgage (see graph below):
Imagine buying your next house in cash. No mortgage. No monthly payment. No interest rate to mess with. If you want to find out how much equity you have to see if that’s an option for you, connect with a real estate agent and ask for a professional equity assessment report (PEAR).
Who knows, you may find out you have enough equity to buy your next place outright– and with today’s mortgage rates, not having to take out a home loan is pretty incredible. Even if you don’t have enough equity to buy in all cash, you may still have enough to make a larger down payment, which has its own benefits too.
Bottom Line
Homeowners have an incredible amount of equity today – and that’s why the share of all-cash buyers is on the rise. To see how much equity you have and talk through how it can help fuel your next move, let’s connect.
Why Today’s Mortgage Debt Isn’t a Sign of a Housing Market Crash
One major reason why we’re not heading toward a foreclosure crisis is the high level of equity homeowners have today. Unlike in the last housing bubble, where many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth, today’s homeowners have far more equity than debt.
That’s a big part of the reason why even though mortgage debt is at an all-time high, this isn’t 2008 all over again. As Bill McBride, Housing Analyst for Calculated Risk, explains:
“With the recent house price increases, some people are worried about a new housing bubble – but mortgage debt isn’t a concern . . .”
Today’s homeowners are in a much stronger position than ever before. So, let’s break it down and see why today’s mortgage debt isn’t anything to fear.
More Equity, Less Risk of Foreclosures
According to the St. Louis Fed, total homeowner equity is nearly triple the total mortgage debt today (see graph below):
High equity makes it less likely for homeowners to face foreclosure because they have more options. If someone struggles to make their mortgage payments, they could potentially sell their house and still come out ahead thanks to their built-up equity.
Even if home values were to dip, most homeowners would still have a comfortable cushion of equity. That’s a big contrast to the 2008 crisis, where many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages and had few options to avoid foreclosure.
Delinquency Rates Are Still Near Historic Lows
Another reassuring sign is that, according to the NY Fed, the number of mortgage payments that are more than 90 days late is still near historic lows (see graph below):
This is partly due to a variety of programs designed to help homeowners through temporary hardships. As Marina Walsh, VP of Industry Analysis at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), says:
“. . . servicers are helping at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosures through loan workout options that can mitigate temporary distress.”
So, even if someone falls behind on their payments, there are support systems in place to help them avoid foreclosure.
Low Unemployment Helps Keep the Market Stable
One other important factor is today’s low unemployment rate. More people have stable jobs, which means they’re better able to afford their mortgage payments. As Archana Pradhan, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, explains:
“Low unemployment numbers have helped reduce the overall delinquency rate . . .”
During the last housing crisis, unemployment was much higher, which led to a wave of foreclosures. Today’s unemployment rate is very different (see graph below):
That stability in how many people are employed is one of the reasons the market doesn’t have the same risks as it did the last time.
There’s no need to worry about a wave of distressed sales like the one we saw in 2008. Most homeowners today are employed and have low-interest mortgages they can afford, so they’re able to make their payments. As McBride states:
“The bottom line is there will not be a huge wave of distressed sales as happened following the housing bubble.”
Bottom Line
While mortgage debt is high, rest assured the market isn’t on the brink of another crash. Instead, most homeowners are in a strong position. If you have questions or concerns, let’s connect.
Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House
If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like.
To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.
Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?
If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of your equity.
Equity is the current market value of your home minus what you still owe on your loan. And thanks to the rapid appreciation we saw over the past few years, your equity has gotten a big boost. Just how much are we talking about? See for yourself. As Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:
“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”
Here’s why this can be such a game-changer when you sell. You can use that equity to put down a larger amount on your next home, which means financing less at today’s mortgage rate. And in some cases, you may even be able to buy your next home in cash, avoiding mortgage rates altogether.
The bottom line? Your equity could be the key to making your next move possible.
Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?
If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how low the supply of homes for sale got over the past few years. It felt nearly impossible to find a home to buy because there were so few available.
But finding a home in today’s market isn’t as challenging. That’s because the number of homes for sale is growing, giving you more options to choose from. Data from Realtor.com shows just how much inventory has increased – it’s up almost 30% year-over-year (see graph below):
And even though inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, this is the highest it’s been in quite a while. That means you have more options for your move, but your house should still stand out to buyers at the same time. That’s a sweet spot for you.
It’s important to note, though, that this balance varies by local market. Some places may have more homes for sale than others, so working with a local real estate agent is the best way to see what inventory trends look like in your area.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about selling, hopefully these concerns haven’t kept you up at night. With this information, you should realize you don’t have to let the what-if’s delay your move anymore.
Let’s connect so you have the data and the local perspective you need to move forward.
Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See
Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth.
Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant.
On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself:
Why Homeowner Wealth Is So High
Why Homeowner Wealth Is So HighIn the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was about $255,000, while the average renter’s was just $6,300. That’s still a big gap. But in the most recent update, the spread got even bigger as homeowner wealth grew even more (see graph below):
As the SCF report says:
“. . . the 2019-2022 growth in median net worth was the largest three-year increase over the history of the modern SCF, more than double the next-largest one on record.”
One big reason why homeowner wealth shot up is home equity.
Equity is the difference between your home’s value and what you owe on your mortgage. You gain equity by paying down your mortgage and when your home’s value goes up.
Over the past few years, home prices have gone up a lot. That’s because there weren’t enough available homes for all the people who wanted one. This supply-demand imbalance pushed home prices up – and that translated into faster equity gains and even more net worth for homeowners.
If you’re still torn between whether to rent or buy, here’s what you should know. While inventory has grown this year, in most places, there’s still not enough to go around. That’s why expert forecasts show prices are expected to go up again next year nationally. It’ll just be at a more moderate pace.
While that’s not the sky-high appreciation we saw during the pandemic, it still means potential equity gains for you if you buy now. As Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First American, explains:
“Despite the risk of volatility in the housing market, homeownership remains an important driver of wealth accumulation and the largest source of total wealth among most households.”
But prices and inventory are going to vary by area. So, lean on a local real estate agent. They’ll be able to give you the local trends and speak to the other financial and lifestyle benefits that come with owning a home. That crucial information will help you decide the best move for you right now. As Bankrate explains:
“Deciding between renting and buying a home isn’t just about cost — the decision also involves long-term financial strategies and personal circumstances. If you’re on the fence about which is right for you, it may be helpful to speak with a local real estate agent who knows your market well. An experienced agent can help you weigh your options and make a more informed decision.”
Bottom Line
If you’re not sure if you should rent or buy, keep in mind that if you can make the numbers work, owning a home can really grow your wealth over time.
And if homeownership feels out of reach, let’s connect so we can explore programs that may make buying possible.
Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Won’t Trigger a Crash
With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures.
But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon.
How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008
Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. The graph below uses research from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show that the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process is nowhere near what we saw coming out of 2008. Back then, there was a big spike in how many foreclosures were happening. Today, the number is much lower – it’s even dropped some in the latest report. There’s a big difference between what’s happening now, and what happened when the housing market crashed (see graph below):
Just in case you’re wondering why the number of foreclosure filings has ticked up slightly since 2020 and 2021, here’s what you need to know. During those years, there was a moratorium (shown in white) designed to help millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure in challenging times. That’s why the numbers for just a few years ago were so incredibly low. If you look further back, it’s clear overall foreclosure filings are down significantly.
And if you’re wondering: how are there fewer foreclosures today, even when the cost of living has gotten so pricey? Here’s your answer. One of the main reasons is that homeowners today have a lot more equity built up in their homes than they did back in 2008. As an article from Bankrate explains:
“In the years after the housing crash, millions of foreclosures flooded the housing market, depressing prices. That’s not the case now. Most homeowners have a comfortable equity cushion in their homes.”
This equity acts like a safety net and is allowing many homeowners to avoid going into foreclosure if they’re facing financial hardships. Even if someone is struggling to make their monthly payments, they may be able to sell their home and avoid foreclosure altogether. This is a far cry from the conditions during the crash when homeowners owed more on their mortgages than their homes were worth.
What’s Ahead for the Housing Market
It’s true that today’s higher cost of living across the board is a challenge for many people right now. But this doesn’t mean we’re heading for a surge in foreclosures.
The equity cushion that people have is helping to keep foreclosure filings low. Today’s homeowners have more options to avoid going into foreclosure.
Bottom Line
Yes, everyday costs for gas and food have gotten more expensive—but that doesn’t mean the housing market is on the brink of another foreclosure crisis. Data shows the market is far from a foreclosure wave. Homeowners today are in a much stronger financial position than they were during the 2008 crash, thanks to significant equity.
Why Buying Now Is Worth It
You may be torn between buying a home now or waiting. But don’t forget to factor in the equity you’ll gain as prices rise. Experts forecast prices will climb over the next 5 years – and based on those forecasts, you could gain about $90k in equity in that time. So, you could wait, but you’ll miss out on a lot of equity if you do. If you’re ready and able to buy, let’s connect so you can start growing your wealth now.
The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment
Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.
According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):
Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.
Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.
Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer
1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run
When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.
2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate
Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.
3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower
A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.
4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:
“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”
Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.
Bottom Line
Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.
If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, let’s work together to figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.
How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House?
If you’re toying with the idea of selling your house, you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost. To be honest, the final number will depend on several factors like the offer you accept, if you help with your buyer’s closing costs, how many repairs you tackle, and more.
So, to give you a ballpark of what to expect, here’s some information on a few of the expenses you’ll want to be ready for (see graph below):
But here’s something that puts those costs into perspective. Most homeowners today have a substantial amount of equity built up in their homes, and that means they stand to make significant gains when they sell. Chances are, you do too. This can help quickly recoup these selling costs. You may even have enough equity leftover to put some toward your next home purchase too.
Let’s dive into a few of the costs from the graph above, so you have a bit more context on what they include and where you may be able to save some money, when it makes sense.
Closing Costs and Commission
These are the fees you’ll pay at the closing table to cover various aspects of the sale. You’ll have your own closing costs and you may even offer to pay some of the buyer’s as a concession. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
“Closing costs are fees that are paid to finalize the transaction and transfer ownership of the home to the buyer . . . Sellers can expect to pay 2% to 4% of the sale price of the home in fees and taxes on top of the agent commission. Based on the national median home sale price, this means that closing costs in 2023 for sellers are about $7,740 to $15,480. . .”
Taxes are going to vary by state and agent commissions depend on what you agree upon upfront. And keep in mind, that the numbers in the chart above are just an example, not exact figures. Not to mention, if you put money toward things like your property taxes, mortgage escrow, etc. as part of your current mortgage payments – there’s a chance you’ll get a credit back at closing that can help offset some of these selling expenses.
Pre-Listing Inspection and Repairs
One optional step some sellers take is having a pre-listing inspection. It gives you an idea of what may pop up later on in the buyer’s inspection – because those are the items a buyer may ask you to toss in a credit (or concession) to cover later on.
This allows you to get a jump on any repairs and tackle them before you list, so your house is set up to impress from the start.
Again, if you want to skip this step, an agent can help. They’ll be able to give you advice on things like paint colors, small cosmetic repairs, what buyers are looking for, and whether it’s worth tackling anything else ahead of time. This will help make sure you’re spending money on things that are most likely to net you a solid return on your investment.
Home Staging
As inventory grows, you may want to take a few extra steps to make sure your house stands out. Staging is an optional way to make sure your house shows well. It can include bringing in rental furniture if the house is vacant or art to warm up the walls. Some staging can even be done virtually once the photos are taken. But, in general, how much does it cost? According to Bankrate:
“Home sellers typically pay somewhere between $782 and $2,817 in home staging costs . . . but the price tag can vary widely.”
If you want to skip this step, you could opt to lean on your agent’s advice for what looks good and what may feel cluttered. A great agent will suggest things like removing a chair to open up the flow of a room, laying down a rug to add warmth to a space, or taking down photographs to de-personalize strategic areas.
Why Leaning on an Agent Is Key
If you’re looking to cut down on your costs, you have options. But be careful of where you trim. You may be able to skip staging or a pre-listing inspection since those are optional, but you don’t want to skimp and sell without a pro.
An agent is your go-to expert throughout the transaction. They’ll offer customized advice every step of the way, including how to stage the house and what repairs to tackle. This can help you avoid hiring an outside stager or having to pay for a pre-listing inspection.
But that’s not the only way your agent adds value. They’ll also create tailored marketing and pricing strategies that’ll highlight the house’s best assets and any work you did to get the home show ready. And that can actually help your house sell for more in the long run.
Bottom Line
Want a better picture of what you should expect when you sell your house? Let’s have a conversation and walk through it together.
Now’s the Time To Upgrade to Your Dream Home
If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below):
But there’s also a good chance you, like many other people, have been holding off on that goal because of recent market challenges. It makes sense – when you’re planning an upgrade that could increase your monthly housing costs, affordability has a huge impact on when you make your move. But there’s good news: now’s actually a great time to make that move happen. Here’s why.
You Have a Lot of Equity To Leverage
One of the key benefits in today’s market is the amount of equity you’ve likely built up in your current house over the years. Even with recent shifts in the housing market, national home prices have steadily grown, adding to the equity homeowners have today. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains it well:
“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”
What does that mean for you? If you’ve been in your home for a few years, you’re probably sitting on a significant amount of equity. You can put that toward the down payment on your next home, helping keep the amount you borrow within a comfortable range.
This can make upgrading more achievable than you might think. If you’re curious how much you’ve built up over the years, ask your real estate agent for a professional equity assessment.
Mortgage Rates Have Fallen, Boosting Your Purchasing Power
And there’s another big reason why now’s a great time to make your move: mortgage rates are trending down. Lower rates can help make your future monthly payments more manageable, and they also increase your purchasing power. As Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), points out:
“When mortgage rates fall, the interest portion of monthly payments decreases, which lowers the total payment. This makes it easier for more borrowers to . . . qualify for mortgages that may have been unaffordable at higher rates.”
That gives you more flexibility when shopping for homes and may allow you to afford a house at a price point that was previously out of reach. A trusted lender can work with you to figure out the best plan for your budget.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to sell your current home and find the bigger, nicer home you’ve been dreaming of, don’t wait. Your equity, paired with lower mortgage rates, puts you in a great position to make that move today.
To make the best decisions and get the most out of your current market advantage, let’s connect so you have an expert guide through every step of the homebuying process.
