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The Empire of Debt by Dee Hon
first time home buyer bad credit

Image by Renegade98
From Adbusters #74, Nov-Dec 2007

The Empire of Debt

Money for nothing. Own a home for no money down. Do not pay for your appliances until 2012. This is the new American Dream, and for the last few years, millions have been giddily living it. Dead is the old version, the one historian James Truslow Adams introduced to the world as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

Such Puritan ideals – to work hard, to save for a better life – didn’t die from the natural causes of age and obsolescence. We killed them, willfully and purposefully, to create a new gilded age. As a society, we told ourselves we could all get rich, put our feet up on the decks of our new vacation homes, and let our money work for us. Earning is for the unenlightened. Equity is the new golden calf. Sadly, this is a hollow dream. Yes, luxury homes have been hitting new gargantuan heights. Ferrari sales have never been better. But much of the ever-expanding wealth is an illusory façade masking a teetering tower of debt – the greatest the world has seen. It will collapse, in a disaster of our own making.

Distress is already rumbling through Wall Street. Subprime mortgages leapt into the public consciousness this summer, becoming the catchphrase for the season. Hedge fund masterminds who command salaries in the tens of millions for their supposed financial prescience, but have little oversight or governance, bet their investors’ multi-multi-billions on the ability that subprime borrowers – who by very definition have lower incomes and/or rotten credit histories – would miraculously find means to pay back loans far exceeding what they earn. They didn’t, and surging loan defaults are sending shockwaves through the markets. Yet despite the turmoil this collapse is wreaking, it’s just the first ripple to hit the shore. America’s debt crisis runs deep.

How did it come to this? How did America, collectively and as individuals, become a nation addicted to debt, pushed to and over the edge of bankruptcy? The savings rate hangs below zero. Personal bankruptcies are reaching record heights. America’s total debt averages more than 0,000 for every man, woman, and child. On a broader scale, China holds nearly trillion in US debt. Japan and other countries are also owed big.

The story begins with labor. The decades following World War II were boom years. Economic growth was strong and powerful industrial unions made the middle-class dream attainable for working-class citizens. Workers bought homes and cars in such volume they gave rise to the modern suburb. But prosperity for wage earners reached its zenith in the early 1970s. By then, corporate America had begun shredding the implicit social contract it had with its workers for fear of increased foreign competition. Companies cut costs by finding cheap labor overseas, creating a drag on wages.

In 1972, wages reached their peak. According to the US department of Labor Statistics, workers earned 1 a week, in inflation-adjusted 1982 dollars. Since then, it’s been a downward slide. Today, real wages are nearly one-fifth lower – this, despite real GDP per capita doubling over the same period.

Even as wages fell, consumerism was encouraged to continue soaring to unprecedented heights. Buying stuff became a patriotic duty that distinguished citizens from their communist Cold War enemies. In the eighties, consumers’ growing fearlessness towards debt and their hunger for goods were met with Ronald Reagan’s deregulation the lending industry. Credit not only became more easily attainable, it became heavily marketed. Credit card debt, at 0 billion, is now triple what it was in 1988, after adjusting for inflation. Barbecues and TV screens are now the size of small cars. So much the better to fill the average new home, which in 2005 was more than 50 percent larger than the average home in 1973.

This is all great news for the corporate sector, which both earns money from loans to consumers, and profits from their spending. Better still, lower wages means lower costs and higher profits. These factors helped the stock market begin a record boom in the early ‘80s that has continued almost unabated until today.

These conditions created vast riches for one class of individuals in particular: those who control what is known as economic rent, which can be the income “earned” from the ownership of an asset. Some forms of economic rent include dividends from stocks, or capital gains from the sale of stocks or property. The alchemy of this rent is that it requires no effort to produce money.

Governments, for their part, encourage the investors, or rentier class. Economic rent, in the form of capital gains, is taxed at a lower rate than earned income in almost every industrialized country. In the US in particular, capital gains are being taxed at ever-decreasing rates. A person whose job pays 0,000 can owe 35 percent of that in taxes compared to the 15 percent tax rate for someone whose stock portfolio brings home the same amount.

Given a choice between working for diminishing returns and joining the leisurely riches of the rentier, people pursue the latter. If the rentier class is fabulously rich, why can’t everyone become a member? People of all professions sought to have their money work for them, pouring money into investments. This spurred the explosion of the finance industry, people who manage money for others. The now- trillion mutual fund industry is 700 times the size it was in the 1970s. Hedge funds, the money managers for the super-rich, numbered 500 companies in 1990, managing billion in assets. Now there are more than 6,000 hedge firms handling more than trillion dollars in assets.

In recent years, the further enticement of low interest rates has spawned a boom for two kinds of rentiers at the crux of the current debt crisis: home buyers and private equity firms. But it should also be noted that low interest rates are themselves the product of outsourced labor.

America gets goods from China. China gets dollars from the US. In order to keep the value of their currency low so that exports stay cheap, China doesn’t spend those dollars in China, but buys us assets like bonds. China now holds some 0 billion in such US IOUs. This massive borrowing of money from China (and to a lesser extent, from Japan) sent us interest rates to record lows.

Now the hamster wheel really gets spinning. Cheap borrowing costs encouraged millions of Americans to borrow more, buying homes and sending housing prices to record highs. Soaring house prices encouraged banks to loan freely, which sent even more buyers into the market – many who believed the hype that the real estate investment offered a never-ending escalator to riches and borrowed heavily to finance their dreams of getting ahead. People began borrowing against the skyrocketing value of their homes, to buy furniture, appliances, and TVs. These home equity loans added 0 billion to the US economy in 2004 alone.

It was all so utopian. The boom would feed on itself. Nobody would ever have to work again or produce anything of value. All that needed to be done was to keep buying and selling each other’s houses with money borrowed from the Chinese.

On Wall Street, private equity firms played a similar game: buying companies with borrowed billions, sacking employees to cut costs, and then selling the companies to someone else who did the same. These leveraged buyouts inflated share values, minting billionaires all around. The virtues that produce profit – innovation, entrepreneurialism and good management – stopped mattering so long as there were bountiful capital gains.

But the party is coming to a halt. An endless housing boom requires an endless supply of ever-greater suckers to pay more for the same homes. The rich, as Voltaire said, require an abundant supply of poor. Mortgage lenders have mined even deeper into the ranks of the poor to find takers for their loans. Among the practices included teaser loans that promised low interest rates that jumped up after the first few years. Sub-prime borrowers were told the future pain would never come, as they could keep re-financing against the ever-growing value of their homes. Lenders repackaged the shaky loans as bonds to sell to cash-hungry investors like hedge funds.

Of course, the supply of suckers inevitably ran out. Housing prices leveled off, beginning what promises to be a long, downward slide. Just as the housing boom fed upon itself, so too, will its collapse. The first wave of sub-prime borrowers have defaulted. A flood of foreclosures sent housing prices falling further. Lenders somehow got blindsided by news that poor people with bad credit couldn’t pay them back. Frightened, they staunched the flow of easy credit, further depleting the supply of homebuyers and squeezing debt-fueled private equity. Hedge funds that merrily bought sub-prime loans collapsed.

More borrowers will soon be unable to make payments on their homes and credit cards as the supply of rent dries up. Consumer spending, and thus corporate profits, will fall. The shrinking economy will further depress workers’ wages. For most people, the dream of easy money will never come true, because only the truly rich can live it. Everyone else will have to keep working for less, shackled to a mountain of debt.

_Dee Hon is a Vancouver-based writer has contributed to The Tyee and Vancouver magazine.

Adbusters Magazine
adbusters.org/the_magazine/74/The_Empire_of_Debt.html

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Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by admin - February 10, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Categories: House Refinancing Tags: Buyer, Credit, First, home, Latest, news, Time

The “first-time home buyer” credit and the U.S. housing industry

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Home Page > Finance > Real Estate > The “first-time home buyer” credit and the U.S. housing industry

The “first-time home buyer” credit and the U.S. housing industry

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Posted: Jan 17, 2010 |Comments: 0
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The housing industry, although it is a small part of the economy, is very closely associated with the conditions of the entire economy of the United States. Since the fall of the United States housing market in the second quarter of 2008, the government has been attempting to regain stability of the economy with specific programs. They have offered stimulus packages to taxpayers in an effort to increase spending and trigger an economic rise, but more specifically have offered a “first-time home buyer tax credit” beginning in January of 2009. The stimulus packages seemed to artificially help the economy, but the purchase of houses could promote a permanent increase. New homes trigger purchases of other durable goods, like appliances and furniture, as well as services to maintain and repair the home. The purchase of a new home is not only an investment for the consumer, but is also a constant resource for many other businesses.

The “first-time home buyer” credit is offered for taxpayers who have not purchased a home within the past 3 years and have income of less than $125,000 ($225, 000 for married filing jointly). The house can be new or a resale, but must have the sale completed by November of 2009. The credit amount is 10% of the purchase price, with a maximum value of $8,000. In November of 2009, the credit was extended until April of 2010. The 2009 surveys completed by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported the highest percentage of first-time home buyers ever at 47%, which increased significantly from 41% in 2008.

One of the reasons for instability of the United States housing market is because of the subprime lending industry. Homeowners with less than favorable credit ratings or insufficient down payments or collateral were able to purchase homes more expensive than they normally would have been able to afford. After the high variance in the interest rates over the past 5 years, lenders and buyers have been sufficiently intimidated by the uneasy market. Both sides of the equation require a decent length of stability in order for the trust to be rebuilt. The NAR survey showed that 96% of buyers chose a mortgage, which will increase consumer trust in the lending industry as long as a healthy relationship is maintained.

In 2009, the typical home was purchased for $156,000, which is $9,000 less than the average purchase price in 2008. This means that the average credit was $1,560, which is considerably less than the allowed $8,000. The United States government was most likely able to offer an extension on the credit because the cost was much lower than budgeted. Although the cost of the program should not increase, they should not make another extension. After the initial subsidy and artificial stability, the housing industry needs to be left alone so the dust may settle.

Although the NAR survey suggests success of the “first-time home buyer” credit program, there were some problems that were exposed as well. Home buyers often reduce their spending in other areas in order to purchase a home, which this year was 30% luxury goods, 38% entertainment, and 30% clothing. A decrease in their spending is expected, however these other industries may have suffered more than necessary because of the government incentives in the housing market. The survey also revealed that 12% of buyers found that financing their first home was more difficult than expected, which may discourage them from purchasing other expensive items which require loans. Another 13% of successful buyers said they had experienced cancelled or terminated purchase agreements, with 8% rejected by a lender. The overall confidence that buyers have with the financing industry can strongly affect their willingness to borrow money and recommend borrowing money in the future.

The “first-time home buyer” credit seems to have made a positive influence on the suffering housing industry. The extension into 2010 was necessary, but there should be no reason to make another extension. All the new home owners will hopefully be able to increase their spending within the next couple years, and with the economy leveling out should be able to maintain their mortgage payments. It will be at least another year or two until the economy will regain its footing and begin to function positively without any support from the government, but due to the success of the credit the housing industry should be self-sufficient.

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Article Tags:
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Can I get a home as a first time buyer with bad credit?

I’ve been hearing radio ads for houses in foreclosure that you can purchase for a song. Even if that isn’t the way to go, I’m wondering, in today’s failing real estate market, are there options for first time home buyers to get a mortgage, even with very low credit scores? I’ve been renting for about 3 years now (since my separation), I did not own our marital home and my credit is in the toilet because my husband completely mismanaged our finances. What are my options if I would like to buy a home?

4 comments - What do you think? Posted by admin - at 9:30 pm

Categories: House Refinancing Tags: Buyer, Credit, First, home, Time

Can I refinance my house even if I have a bad credit?

Here’s the case: I’ve lived in this house for quite a long time now, and already built at least $400K equity. I still owe around $150K. Here’s my concern: I refi my house last year and cash out $20K. My lender told me I need a co-signer in order to approved the loan.
I let my brother and his wife to co-sign, so they checked their credit and the loan approved. My biggest concerned was I only became a co-owner of my own house and they were became the primary borrower. Legally, they can do whatever in this house and it’s not I don’t trust them but let say something bad happened, like if my brother died or they filed divorce. Legally, my sister-in-law can get something out of this house, if I’m not mistaken. My only hope to get rid of their names is to refinance my house to my own name, but since I have a bad credit, can some lender approve it?
Please I need a good advice on how to refinance my house and by transferring the title in my own name.

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by admin - January 23, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Categories: Refinance Rates Tags: Credit, Even, house, Refinance

Home for Sale – Buying First Home, FHA First time home buyer Tax Credit

Buying First time, this Incredible remodel, Not a short sale or a REO. Quick close. Large stucco block home with a pool. New travertine countertops in kitchen, custom travertine decorative flooring. Huge dining room and living room with archways make this home feel very open. Enjoy the family room with built in niches. Both Baths have been remodeled with travertine surrounds. tour.previsite.com

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by admin - at 9:54 pm

Categories: Refinance Options Tags: Buyer, Buying, Credit, First, home, Sale, Time

Macomb County Realtors Advice: Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

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Home Page > Finance > Real Estate > Macomb County Realtors Advice: Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

Macomb County Realtors Advice: Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

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Posted: Aug 18, 2009 |Comments: 0
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First-time home buyers purchasing a home are eligible for the tax credit. The purchase must occur between 1/1/09 and 12/1/10. The law defines a first-time home buyer as one who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period of time prior to the purchase. With married couples, both spouses must meet the 3-year requirement to qualify for this credit.

The credit is a refundable income tax credit. This means that if the amount of credit you claim on your 2009 income tax return is more than your tax liability, the difference is paid to you in your income tax refund.

The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to a maximum credit of $8,000. There are modified gross income requirements to be eligible for the credit; single tax payers’ limit is $75,000 and married tax payers’ limit is $150,000. The credit is reduced for tax payers whose income is higher and the phase out range is $20,000; therefore, reducing the credit to zero for those with income of $95,000 if single and $170,000 if married.

The tax credit is claimed by filling out the IRS tax Form 5405. The IRS.gov website will have details and instructions for completing this form.

Revisions to Tax Credit for 2009

There were several modifications made to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for 2009.

Amount of maximum credit increased to $8,000 Purchasers utilizing revenue bond financing are eligible for the tax credit No repayment requirements on purchases from 1/1/09 – 12/1/09. Recapture provision states if your home is sold within 3 years of purchase, the entire amount of credit is recaptured on the sale (this applies only to homes purchased in 2009) The termination date is 12/1/09 and the effective date for all revisions is 1/1/09.

Other provisions of the Stimulus Plan include:

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits

Neighborhood Stabilization

Commercial Real Estate

Rural Housing Services

Low Income Housing Grants

Tax Exempt Housing Bonds

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits and Grants

Transportation Investments

Broadband Deployment

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Mark Goedert -
About the Author:

This information is provided by Mark Goedert of Goedert Real Estate. Mark has been serving customers in South East Michigan for over 50 years. Their offices are open 7 days a week, providing the most innovative technological services available to REO property managers, banks, first-time homebuyers and home sellers. For more information visit: http://www.under100000realestate.com

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Article Tags:
real estate investors, property listings, reo brokers, first time home buyers, tax credits for home buyers, stimulus pkg

Mortgage Spreads Tumble From 15-Month High as Rates Steady: Credit Markets

Mortgage Spreads Tumble From 15-Month High as Rates Steady: Credit Markets
Relative yields on government-backed mortgage bonds that guide U.S. home buyers’ borrowing costs have tumbled from the highest in 15 months as interest rates become less volatile.

Is there a mortgage company that will pre-approve a first time home buyer with real bad credit in Texas?

I have a credit score of 415. The 3 bedroom house I want to get is only $44,000 and ready to move into.

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by admin - January 17, 2011 at 9:42 pm

Categories: House Refinancing Tags: Buyer, company, Credit, First, home, mortgage, preapprove, Real, Texas, there, Time

Whos the best lender for first time home buyers,when you have hardly any money and ok credit?

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by admin - January 15, 2011 at 9:37 pm

Categories: House Refinancing Tags: best, buyerswhen, Credit, First, hardly, home, lender, Money, Time, Who's

Can I get a home equity line of credit on an owner financed home? Have legal contract. I live in TX.?

Is it even possible? Want to do remodeling, pay off son’s car etc. Will also pay off house so I won’t have two “mortgage” payments. From what I’ve heard a HELOC is easier/faster to get. What I want to do is take out the complete amount and lock in the rates of the amount I draw out.The reason for doing a HELOC instead of cash out refi is less hassle right? (inspections, surveys and all the assoc. finance bs fees) And you can lock in the rates on the financed portion of the HELOC, with the balance paid like a conventional loan. And those locked in rates aren’t that much different than reg. financing…. just less paperwork hassle right?? Don’t forget it’s an owner financed home w/ legal notarized contract. House worth 80k, considering 40 to 50k HELOC. Thanks!
The part where I’m not the title holder doesn’t make since because they make HEL’s and HELOCS to people that haven’t paid off there home mortgage, hence aren’t the title holder. I wasn’t getting the HELOC “to buy things” I have no credit cards etc. the only loans I have are mine and my sons vehicle. This is the reason to do it, less debt/payments and getting things fixed. I would pay off the house 12k, no more payments, pay off sons car 3k, no more payments, remodel some, need new hvac, general repairs, doing this would lower my monthly outgo by about $450. I would have the rest in savings for college, he starts next year. The reason I was considering a HELOC was I thought it would be easier (less paperwork, inspections etc., and maybe less requirements). And the reason to take all the money out of the HELOC and lock it in was just incase later the economy goes to…uh.. heck, and they can’t withdrawl the loan/offer (which I read they could) I’ll need it later (college) good info!

4 comments - What do you think? Posted by admin - January 13, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Categories: Refinance Rates Tags: contract, Credit, equity, Financed, home, legal, Line, Live, Owner

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Is there a mortgage company that will pre-approve a first time home buyer with real bad credit in Texas?

Whos the best lender for first time home buyers,when you have hardly any money and ok credit?

Can I get a home equity line of credit on an owner financed home? Have legal contract. I live in TX.?

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