Key Questions:

1. How at risk is Essex, New York to the subprime mortgage crisis?
   1. Subprime loans taken out by home owners in Essex, New York were meaningfully less than the national average in 2006. That is to say, Essex, New York will likely be less affected by the subprime mortgage crisis in years to come as a lesser percentage of all mortgages in Essex, New York - 10.5% versus 12.0% - will reset to higher rates in 2008.
2. How stretched will home owners in Essex, New York be in paying off their mortgage?
   1. Homeowners in Essex, New York borrowed an average of 1.38 times their annual income for their mortgage. This compares to 1.83 for all of the US. Based on the national average, there will be a normal risk that Essex, New York homeowners will default on their mortgage payments in the coming years.
3. Who are the leading lenders in Essex, New York?
   1. The leading lenders, by market share, are Beneficial Company Llc, Countrywide Home Loans and Citizens Bank, N.A.. Do you have the best rate possible? Get quotes from mortgage lenders.
4. How likely are the owners of homes in Essex, New York to actually live in them?
   1. 84.0% of home owners in Essex, New York that applied for a mortgage in 2006 live in their homes versus owning them as an investment property. This compares to the national average of 89.0%.