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Regional Redistribution Through the U.S. Mortgage Market

Author

Listed:
  • Erik Hurst
  • Benjamin J. Keys
  • Amit Seru
  • Joseph S. Vavra

Abstract

Regional shocks are an important feature of the U.S. economy. Households' ability to self-insure against these shocks depends on how they affect local interest rates. In the United States, most borrowing occurs through the mortgage market and is influenced by the presence of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). We establish that despite large regional variation in predictable default risk, GSE mortgage rates for otherwise identical loans do not vary spatially. In contrast, the private market does set interest rates that vary with local risk. We use a spatial model of collateralized borrowing to show that the national interest rate policy substantially affects welfare by redistributing resources across regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Hurst & Benjamin J. Keys & Amit Seru & Joseph S. Vavra, 2015. "Regional Redistribution Through the U.S. Mortgage Market," NBER Working Papers 21007, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:21007
    Note: CF EFG ME POL
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    JEL classification:

    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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