Most mortgage experts assume that even people who fall behind on other bills will struggle to make mortgage payments lest they lose their homes.

The interest in piggyback loans confirms what mortgage experts say is still a strong trend.

But some mortgage experts suspect that shrinking interest rates are benefiting less-affluent potential homeowners just as much.

This is not surprising, since the features common to subprime mortgages actually increase the risk of foreclosure, mortgage experts say.

They expect to derive what mortgage experts call "instant equity" from their neighborhoods' rapid appreciation.

While mortgage experts initially welcomed the move, they also described it as "confusing", saying it was unclear how this would actually work in practice.

But, mortgage experts say, those recalculations are often wrong.

He and other mortgage experts, along with consumer groups, are urging borrowers to shop for closing costs as well as rates.

Do that, say lenders and mortgage experts, and your application may move to the top of the pile.

"There are various ways to estimate prepayment rates, but all are subject to chance," one mortgage expert said.