A Dynamic Discrete Choice Model of Reverse Mortgage Borrower Behavior

Jason R. Blevins, Wei Shi, Donald R. Haurin, and Stephanie Moulton.
International Economic Review 61, (2020), 1437–1477.

Versions and Availability:

• Published version (DOI: 10.1111/iere.12470)
• Working paper (updated April 9, 2020)

Abstract. Using unique data on reverse mortgage borrowers in the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, we semiparametrically estimate a dynamic discrete choice model of borrower behavior. Our estimator is based on a new identification result we develop for models with multiple terminating actions. We show that the per-period utility functions and discount factor are identified without restrictive, ad hoc identifying restrictions that lead to incorrect counterfactual implications. Our estimates provide insights about factors that influence HECM refinance, default, and termination decisions and allow us to quantify the trade-offs involved for proposed program modifications, such as income and credit requirements.

Keywords: dynamic discrete choice, reverse mortgages, identification, semiparametric estimation, microeconometrics.

JEL Classification: C14, C25, C61, G21, R21.

BibTeX Record:

@Article{ddc-hecm-2020,
  author       = {Jason R. Blevins and Wei Shi and
                  Donald R. Haurin and Stephanie Moulton},
  title        = {A Dynamic Discrete Choice Model of Reverse Mortgage Borrower Behavior},
  journal      = {International Economic Review}
}