And the rates keep rising

Looks like Greenspan's given the go-ahead, despite fears from some that Katrina might've driven in part of the U.S. economy.

But according to research I've done, most people have already locked in a second mortgage at the previous lower rates, so really it's not these would-be refi'ers who are getting affected.

Instead, it's those seeking loans for other purposes, such as home equity or debt consolidation, who might take these heightened rates into account.