A study looked at how borrowers who owe more than their home is worth (underwater) might be limited in their ability to move because of their housing situation. This can perpetuate a high unemployment rate if homeowners can’t move for economic reasons. The report’s authors found that “house lock” definitely decreases a household’s mobility options, but in aggregate has had a negligible effect on the nation’s unemployment rate.

A recent study looking at the six New England states’ home lending activity between 2006 to 2010 shows Vermont compared to neighboring states. Some highlights are: