Thanks, Blue. I know that some are saying the real estate crash will not be severe because there will simply be a slowdown with extensive refinancing. But as you point out it is unusual to refinance at higher rather than lower rates! I suppose some are going to move from ARM's to fixed rates at higher rates. What is really a concern however is the prediction that prices can drop by 30% or more in the most inflated markets. That will cause loans to go upside down,i.e., the principle owed is greater than the value of the collateral. Then you've got a real problem!
I'm of the opinion that this housing bust is going to be not just a little problem, but a big one.