Lender Characteristics and the Neurological Reasons for Strategic Mortgage Default

In this study we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to understand how homeowners process non-financial information when considering strategic mortgage default. We find that borrowers initially attempt to inhibit their knee jerk reaction to retaliate against a lender who has engaged in egregious lending practices when compared to a financial conservative lender. Moreover, when defaults are rare, borrowers are less likely to default because violating the social norm results in feelings of disgust. Finally, when a lender refuses a loan modification, the borrower is found to seek retribution. Interestingly, granting even a modest loan modification removes the desire of homeowners to seek retribution towards their lender no matter the borrower's impression of the lender's character. The results carry a number of policy implications illuminated within the study.