If a homeowner defaults, creditors can take the house, but they cannot take other property or income to make up any unpaid balance. Even in those states where mortgages are not “no recourse” loans, creditors generally do not pursue the assets or income of individuals who default.
负资产事关重大是因为美国的房贷通常是“无追索权”贷款。如果房屋业主断供，债权人可以收走房产，但他们却不能用其他的资产或收入来弥补欠款。即便在那些房贷不是“无追索权”贷款的州，债权人通常也不会追索断供人的资产或收入。