Sorry, I should have been clearer: at the time of purchase, there should be a zero-impact on your net worth. As time passes, a delta opens up between the value

Sorry, I should have been clearer: at the time of purchase, there should be a zero-impact on your net worth. As time passes, a delta opens up between the value of your house and the amount owed. This can be positive (your house went up in value, and you are now richer) or negative (you are underwater on your mortgage). If you are underwater, you have options. I wouldn't recommend it, but strategic default[1] ("jingle mail") was a huge problem for mortgage lenders during the 2008 crisis, and allows you to cut your losses if you deem your position to be untenable. [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_default https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_default