Why the US housing crisis will continue to worry global markets: Gottliebsen

When I saw Wall Street falling last night under the weight of disappointing economic data it was clear that the housing crisis in the US is still affecting the economy in a way many analysts can’t understand.

So I called an old Australian friend of mine, Simon Cobbin from Texas-based Vantium capital. I have found Simon knows more about the US mortgage/housing market than most in the US because he is on the front line of trying to prevent foreclosures. Unfortunately, it’s a losing battle – there are not enough Simon Cobbins in the US.

I wanted an update in a few words to pass on to you to help explain last night’s Wall Street data. What I got was a look at the US housing market that explains why consumers in the US are so reluctant to spend. Cobbin explains that “at best” the outlook could really only be described as weak. There is no short-term respite in sight because the so-called “shadow inventory” of foreclosures continues to loom. That inventory consists of loans in 90-plus day delinquency or already in the foreclosure process. There are 2.4 million loans in 90-plus day delinquency and another 2.1 million in foreclosure, totalling 4.5 million in the shadow inventory.

Cobbin says: “Where the market goes over the next six to 12 months is ‘nowhere’. Inventory has to clear, maintaining severe pressure on house prices in most geographies. There still may be some downward price pressure in specific markets which will glut with additional foreclosures, particularly bedroom communities in places like California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida. The mid-west (“rust belt”) will also feel some pressure with additional job losses. No areas will really be spared, but I would be surprised if the worst of the fall isn’t over in most areas. What I mean by that is that the next level of pain isn’t as bad as the last one. When someone owns a house that has already lost 25%-40% of its (apparent) value, how much worse does the next 10% feel? I don’t mean that there is no more room to go down. The fall is now a relative measurement.”

“There is no real respite. Mortgage interest rates are at all-time lows yet loan originations in 2010 will likely be about $US1.475 trillion. This is off from $US2.103 trillion in 2009. 2011 will likely drop further to $US1.174 trillion before a possible recovery in 2012 to $US1.373 trillion. There’s little confidence therefore that the economic situation will change, leading to significant increases in real estate financing, either for purchase or refinance. Incentives in the real estate markets are not really working (homebuyer tax credits, etc, only really move next week’s sales into this week) or have expired.”

“Terms under which mortgage finance is offered allow only pristine credits to qualify further dampening sales activity. The credit pendulum has swung way past reasonable conservatism and now is highly restrictive. Good for bond investors and with rates this low, durations will kick way out and CPRs are obviously extremely low.”

“At the global level the future of housing finance is murky. Freddie and Fannie have some role to play, but there is no clear vision what that is. ‘Ideas’ on reform are committed to be provided by Treasury in early 2011 – that’s IDEAS on reform, not actual initiatives for reform. Treasury has no clue what to do with Geithner saying in one breath, ‘But this Administration will side with those who want fundamental change’ yet stacking the deck at this week’s housing finance summit with (Administration friendly) like-thinking contributors.”

“I know, I’m just full of good news… hope this helps your readers.”

You can feel the frustration that comes about from someone who has a mountain of foreclosures to handle. And until Simon’s workload is reduced, the US will not boom as so many on Wall Street are hoping. But it will take a new force to send it back into recession.

This article first appeared on Business Spectator.