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The Contagion Effect of Neighboring Foreclosures


Charles Towe


University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the National Center for Smart Growth

Chad Lawley


University of Manitoba - Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics

May 7, 2011


Abstract:     
We examine the contagion effect of residential foreclosures and find strong evidence of a social interactions influence on default decisions where the interaction is based on neighbors’ behavior in a previous period. Using a unique spatially explicit parcel level data set documenting residential foreclosures in Maryland for the years 2006-2009 and a highly localized neighborhood definition, based on 13 nearest neighbors, we find that a neighbor in foreclosure increases the hazard of additional defaults by as much as 28%. This feedback effect goes beyond a temporary reduction in local house prices and implies a negative social multiplier effect of foreclosures.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 41

Keywords: Social Interaction, Foreclosure, Hazard model, Spillovers

JEL Classification: C31, R31, G01

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Date posted: May 31, 2011  

Suggested Citation

Towe, Charles and Lawley, Chad, The Contagion Effect of Neighboring Foreclosures (May 7, 2011). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1834805 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1834805

Contact Information

Charles Towe (Contact Author)
University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the National Center for Smart Growth ( email )
2112B Symons Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
United States
Chad Lawley
University of Manitoba - Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics ( email )
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2
Canada
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