TL;DR:
I encouraged my aging parents to buy a new-build condo ($775k) using a predatory loan I didn't understand (2-1 Buydown). The monthly payment will jump to $6,300 in 2 years, which is mathematically impossible for them to pay. I need to convince them to sell the house in May 2026 to save our family finances, but they are refusing because of "saving face" and stubbornness. How do I gently de-program them over the next 5 months?
The Context:
I (M20s) live with my immigrant parents (60s). In August 2025, pressured by family/coworkers and a sudden need to move, I helped my parents buy a new-build condo. I was naive, didn't use a buyer's agent, and let the builder sell us a "2-1 Buydown" loan.
The Financial Reality:
The payment is subsidized right now, but in 2027 it resets to $6,300/mo (7.375% interest).
• My parents’ income cannot support this.
• We have negative equity because the builder slashed prices on new units right after we bought, so we can't refinance.
• The only way to save my dad from working himself to death is to sell the house in May 2026 (taking a ~$90k loss on the down payment) before the payments explode.
The Family Conflict:
My parents are in deep denial.
1. "Face": They view this house as a victory. Selling after less than a year looks like a humiliating failure to their friends and relatives.
2. "Stubbornness": They believe in Chi Ku (Eating Bitterness). They think if we just "stay strong" and save pennies, the math will magically fix itself.
3. The Volatility: I tried to cut a small expense ($50 piano lesson) to save money, and my mom exploded, screaming "Why did I raise you?" and locked herself in her room. She refuses to accept we are in a crisis and wants to pretend life is normal.
My Question:
I have about 4 months (Jan-April) to convince them to list the house in May.
How do I navigate the "Asian Parent" guilt trip and convince them that Selling = Saving the Family, not "Giving Up"? I need a strategy that protects their pride but accepts the math.