Sources and Uses of Equity Extracted from Homes

Abstract

In this paper, we present estimates of the disposition of the free cash generated by home equity extraction to finance consumer spending, outlays for home improvements, debt repayment, acquisition of assets, and other uses. We estimate free cash as cash available net of closing costs and repayment of other mortgage debt. We have also extended the quarterly data series for gross equity extraction, presented in our earlier paper (Greenspan and Kennedy, 2005), back to 1968.

Keywords: Mortgage equity withdrawal, wealth effect, consumer spending, savings rate

JEL Classification: E21, G21