In late 2008, the U.S. suffered one of its greatest disasters in quite some time, the subprime mortgage crisis. It affected not only the housing market but the whole financial system as a whole. Cheap methods and greed are very possible motivators, leaving lenders, investment banks, and investors bankrupt. The whole system was going to fail from the beginning and could have been stopped or altered to have less damage, and yet only a few were able to see it’s great flaws. This caused thousands, and possibly millions of Americans to go homeless and unemployed. It gave more debt to the U.S. government worsening its ties with different countries. Since America has millions of international businesses and pledges, other countries were affected by its financial collapse. The actions and responses of the government, banks, and citizen themselves helped America to get up on both feet.
This paper will explore the subprime mortgage to better understand the reason of its effect and collapse, to help others understand what it is and what can be done about it. Even if it had been almost a decade since the collapse, the subprime mortgages’ effects still affect us to this day. It’s also very likely that another similar event can strike anytime soon, this paper will help those keep a look out for tragedies and systems that he/she could avoid and potentially survive.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. EXISTENCE OF THE SUBPRIME MORTGAGE
- A. What is a mortgage?
- B. What institutions give out mortgages?
- II. What is a subprime mortgage?
- III. The Crisis
- A. Bank
- B. Citizen
- C. Government
- IV. The results of it happening again
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the subprime mortgage crisis, its causes, consequences, and potential for recurrence. It seeks to provide a clear understanding of what subprime mortgages are, how they function, and the devastating impact they had on the U.S. economy and beyond. The analysis will also examine potential preventative measures to mitigate future crises.
- Definition and mechanics of subprime mortgages
- The 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and its impact
- Economic consequences and societal effects
- Governmental responses and their effectiveness
- Potential for future crises and preventative measures
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. EXISTENCE OF THE SUBPRIME MORTGAGE: This chapter introduces the concept of a mortgage, defining it as a debt instrument allowing borrowers to obtain loans secured by real estate. It differentiates between various mortgage types (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, balloon) and outlines the requirements for obtaining a mortgage, including pre-qualification, credit score, and employment history. The chapter also identifies the institutions that provide mortgages, such as banks and non-bank lenders, laying the groundwork for understanding the structure of the mortgage market before delving into the complexities of subprime mortgages.
II. What is a subprime mortgage?: This section delves into the specifics of subprime mortgages, explaining their mechanisms and inherent risks. It explores the profit potential for lenders but also highlights the significant losses associated with defaults. The chapter analyzes the inherent flaws within the subprime mortgage system, focusing on the interplay of interest rates, property values, and overall debt levels, setting the stage for understanding the factors that contributed to the subsequent crisis. The chapter emphasizes the interconnectedness of risk, profit, and loss within the subprime mortgage market.
III. The Crisis: This chapter details the devastating impact of the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, examining its effects on banks (bankruptcies and those that survived), citizens (homelessness and unemployment), and the government (increased debt and international relations). The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the crisis, highlighting the widespread ramifications across multiple sectors of society. It outlines the cascading effect of mortgage defaults, impacting not only individual homeowners but the financial stability of the entire nation and its international standing.
IV. The results of it happening again: This chapter discusses the potential for a recurrence of the subprime mortgage crisis and explores strategies for preventing future economic catastrophes. The exploration includes analyses of the probabilities of a repeat Great Depression or less severe consequences, considering potential impacts on both the U.S. and international economies. It then proposes ways to improve economic stability, including eliminating subprime mortgages, and collaborating with various organizations to enhance financial resilience and regulation. This section emphasizes proactive measures to foster a more robust and stable economic future.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Subprime mortgage, mortgage crisis, 2008 financial crisis, housing market, debt, risk, economic consequences, government intervention, financial stability, preventative measures, bankruptcy, unemployment, homelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the subprime mortgage crisis. It aims to define subprime mortgages, explain their mechanics, analyze the 2008 crisis and its consequences, and explore potential preventative measures for future crises. The document includes a table of contents, chapter summaries, key themes, and keywords for easy navigation and understanding.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include: the definition and mechanics of subprime mortgages; the impact of the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis; the economic and societal consequences of the crisis; governmental responses and their effectiveness; and potential for future crises and preventative measures.
What is a subprime mortgage, and how does it work?
A subprime mortgage is a type of mortgage loan given to borrowers with a poor credit history. These mortgages often carry higher interest rates and riskier terms than traditional mortgages. The document details the mechanisms and inherent risks associated with subprime mortgages, emphasizing the interplay between interest rates, property values, and debt levels.
What were the causes and consequences of the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis?
The 2008 subprime mortgage crisis resulted from a combination of factors, including the widespread issuance of subprime mortgages, the subsequent housing market crash, and the interconnectedness of the global financial system. Consequences included widespread bankruptcies (both banks and individuals), mass unemployment, homelessness, and increased national debt. The document extensively covers the impact on banks, citizens, and the government.
What were the governmental responses to the crisis, and how effective were they?
The document analyzes the governmental responses to the crisis, examining their effectiveness in mitigating the immediate damage and preventing future crises. It explores the measures taken to stabilize the financial system and address the widespread economic hardship experienced by many.
What are the potential risks of another subprime mortgage crisis, and what preventative measures are suggested?
The document discusses the potential for a recurrence of the subprime mortgage crisis, exploring strategies for preventing future economic catastrophes. This includes considering potential impacts on the U.S. and international economies, proposing ways to improve economic stability, and suggesting collaborations to enhance financial resilience and regulation. The elimination of subprime mortgages is among the preventative measures suggested.
What are the key words associated with the subprime mortgage crisis?
Key words include: subprime mortgage, mortgage crisis, 2008 financial crisis, housing market, debt, risk, economic consequences, government intervention, financial stability, preventative measures, bankruptcy, unemployment, and homelessness.
What does the document cover in each chapter?
Chapter I introduces the concept of mortgages, defining different types and outlining requirements and institutions involved. Chapter II delves into subprime mortgages, their mechanics, and inherent risks. Chapter III details the devastating impact of the 2008 crisis on banks, citizens, and governments. Chapter IV discusses the potential for a recurrence and proposes preventative measures.
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- Jeremiah Cristobal (Autor), 2017, The Subprime Mortgage and its Effects, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1043474