Homeowners gain over $620 billion in equity in second quarter

 U.S. homeowners with mortgages witnessed a 6.6% year-over-year increase in their equity in the second quarter of 2020 – representing a cumulative gain of $620 billion for the nation and an average $9,800 hike in equity per homeowner, according to a new report by CoreLogic.

Record-low mortgage rates and constricted sale inventory cast the perfect storm for home prices which rose 4.3% annually through June ultimately bolstering the increase in home equity, CoreLogic said in its home equity report.

“Homeowners’ balance sheets continue to be bolstered by home price appreciation, which in turn mitigated foreclosure pressures,” said Frank Martell, president and CEO of CoreLogic.

Despite recent gains, the data service provider predicts upward advancements may be mitigated by consistent unemployment and home prices will dip in concurrence with a possible jump in delinquencies.

On Sept. 9, Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s chief economist reported the share of loans with payments 90 days to 119 days late quadrupled between May and June, rising to 2.3%, the highest level in more than 21 years.

“In our latest forecast, national home price growth will slow to 0.6% in July 2021 with prices declining in 11 states. Thus, home equity gains will be negligible next year, with equity loss expected in several markets,” Nothaft said.