U.S. home prices fell 1.2 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, the smallest loss in two years, as a federal tax credit for home buyers boosted demand.

Numerous articles have reported that homeowners are underwater and that strategic defaults are increasing.  However, a little known statistic by the Federal Reserve shows that home equity again is on the rise.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• The Federal Reserve conducts substantial research on mortgage balances and home-value changes in hundreds of local markets nationwide and reports its finding quarterly.  According to the Fed’s most recent “flow of funds” survey, homeowners’ net equity increased by nearly $1 trillion compared with the recession’s lowest point between the first and third quarters of 2009.  From June 30 to Sept. 30, net equity rose by $418 billion.
• According to a report by  Zillow.com, the overall negative equity rate among U.S. homeowners remained flat in the fourth quarter at 21.4 percent.  This report, combined with other housing factors and studies, may indicate that the unprecedented reduction in home equity is shifting.

Some homeowners, especially those in areas with high foreclosure rates, are choosing to strategically default on their mortgages, even though they can afford the mortgage.  Many homeowners who choose this approach do so because they do not see an economic rationale in continuing to make their mortgage payments.  Homeowners considering this option should be aware of the negative effect it will have on their credit status.  Foreclosures can remain on credit reports for up to seven years, likely increasing the interest rates the consumer pays for credit, and making it more difficult to receive approval on a new mortgage loan.

California’s Unsold Inventory Index (UII), a closely watched index indicating the number of months needed to deplete the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate, declined to 3.8 months in December, the lowest level in five years, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).  By comparison, the UII for existing, single-family homes stood at 5.6 months in December 2008.

406 Barnegat Lane came on the market this morning priced at $419,900. This is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath plus loft 987 sq ft model on the inner waterway. This is a bank owned property.

A 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1733 sq ft townhouse just closed in The Manors for $650,000. This townhouse was originally priced at $699,000; then reduced to $599,000 to stimulate a quick sale. It sold after 52 days on the market, and then took 5 ½ months to get final approval from the lenders and close escrow. This same townhouse sold for $850,000 in 2006; $900,000 in 2005; and $649,000 in 2003. This final sales price is similar to the 2003 sales price level. This is consistent with other developments in Redwood Shores.