Mortgage Fun Facts and Surprising Statistics

October 1, 2024

Mortgages have become a cornerstone of homeownership in America, but how much do we really know about them? Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or someone just stepping into the world of real estate, it’s always fun to uncover some surprising facts and statistics about mortgages. Here at Eagle Mortgage, we love helping people navigate the mortgage process, but we also enjoy diving into the numbers and history behind it all. Let’s explore some intriguing tidbits and figures about mortgages that might just surprise you.


Fun Facts About Mortgages


1. The Origin of the Word “Mortgage”

Did you know that the word "mortgage" is derived from the Old French word “morgage” or "mort gaige," which translates to “dead pledge”? It sounds ominous, but the meaning behind it is quite simple. The “pledge” dies either when the debt is fully paid off or when the borrower defaults on the loan. This medieval term stuck around and became synonymous with the loans used to buy homes.


2. The American Mortgage Has Evolved

Today, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common option, but this wasn’t always the case. Before the Great Depression, mortgages were much shorter in term, often requiring high down payments, and were typically renegotiated annually. Modern long-term, fixed-rate mortgages only became popular post-Depression, giving homeowners much more financial stability.


3. Painting the Door Red

In Scotland, it’s a tradition to paint your front door red once you’ve paid off your mortgage. Imagine the sense of pride that comes with a bright red door symbolizing your debt-free homeownership! Perhaps it’s a tradition worth adopting here in the U.S.


Eye-Opening Mortgage Statistics


1. America’s Mortgage Debt

Americans owe a staggering $12.14 trillion on 84 million mortgages. This averages out to $144,593 per person with a mortgage on their credit report. Mortgages account for an impressive 70.2% of consumer debt in the U.S., showing just how significant home loans are to the economy.


2. Interest Rates in 2023

If you’ve been house-hunting or refinancing recently, you’ve likely noticed the fluctuating interest rates. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in 2023 was 6.79%, with rates ranging from 6.09% to a high of 7.79% throughout the year. Although rates have risen compared to historic lows, they are still manageable, especially compared to the 20% rates seen in the 1980s!


3. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)

In addition to mortgages, Americans also owe $349 billion on 13.1 million HELOCs, averaging $26,702 per account. While this represents only 2.0% of U.S. consumer debt, it’s a popular way for homeowners to access their home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses.


4. Mortgage Delinquency and Foreclosures

Although most mortgages are in good standing, 1.2% of mortgages were seriously delinquent or in foreclosure as of August 2023. This translates to homeowners being 90 days or more past due. While foreclosure rates have dropped significantly in recent years, there were still 144,880 new foreclosures reported in the 12 months leading up to September 2023.


5. Mortgage Debt Across States

The size of mortgages varies widely across the U.S. The average home purchase mortgage through the LendingTree platform in 2023 was $224,398. However, this number is much higher in states like Hawaii, where the average loan size is $464,994, compared to West Virginia, where it’s only $150,245.


Final Thoughts


Mortgages are more than just a financial tool—they come with rich history and surprising facts that many of us may overlook. Whether you’re just learning about mortgage basics or you're an experienced homeowner, these statistics offer a deeper understanding of the mortgage world.


For more fun facts, mortgage tips, and industry insights, don’t forget to follow Eagle Mortgage on social media. Stay updated on the latest trends and financial tips to help you on your homeownership journey!


Follow and Like Our Social Media Accounts for More Mortgage Insights!

By Liz Gibbs July 23, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 20 minutes 10 minutes 30 minutes Ingredients 3 oz prosciutto ⅓ cup pine nuts Salad ingredients 3 yellow peaches (medium-size) 8 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese (large balls) 2 oz fresh basil shredded Dressing ⅓ cup balsamic glaze or reduction (see note below) US Customary - Metric Instructions Cook prosciutto - Preheat the oven to 350 F. - Spread Prosciutto in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. - Toast for about 10 minutes or more until crispy. Remove from oven. - Toast pine nuts - Toast pine nuts on a separate baking sheet for about 5 minutes in the preheated oven at 350 F. Watch the nuts carefully to make sure they don't burn. How to prepare peaches and slice them into rounds - Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't need to peel the peaches. - Hold the peach down on a counter (not in the air) and use a small knife to cut down into the flesh until it hits the pit (starting at the top of the stem where the natural indent is). Continue to cut all the way around until it reaches the other side. Set aside the knife. - Hold each half of the peach with your hands and move each half away from each other gently, twisting, until the 2 halves are separated. One of the halves will have a pit attached to its center - remove it with your fingers, using small motions. This is why you want peaches that are somewhat soft. Peaches are soft, so you don't need a super sharp knife. Be careful and don't cut yourself. Don't cut peaches while holding them in the air. Hold them down steady on a counter with one hand, and use the knife in the other hand. Be aware of your fingers and don't' cut yourself. Once you have 2 pitted peach halves, slice each half into rounds. Some rounds will have a hole in the middle. Prepare Mozzarella Slice fresh Mozzarella cheese into rounds or slice them into squares to fit the peach slices. Assembly - Layer rounds of peaches on a large plate or on several small serving plates. - Top with rounds or squares of sliced fresh Mozzarella cheese. - Top with shredded fresh basil on top of the Mozzarella and around the peaches. - Layer crispy prosciutto around the peaches. - Sprinkle with the balsamic glaze or reduction. - Top with toasted pine nuts. Notes Note about yellow peaches. Make sure to purchase yellow peaches (not white) as they make a beautiful presentation. Choose peaches that have a soft texture (but not mushy) - peaches should be soft and have some give to them. If peaches are too hard, they will be difficult to slice. Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. Grill peach halves if you like for more flavor and a beautiful presentation! Homemade balsamic glaze. Make the balsamic glaze by cooking down the balsamic vinegar together with a small amount of honey or brown sugar until the mixture reduces by about half. For example, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar + ¼ cup of honey or brown sugar and cook it down. Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick. Use store-purchased balsamic glaze. It is sold in the same aisle as regular balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil. Drizzle with a very high-quality aged balsamic vinegar made in Italy. Aged balsamic vinegar is often sold in specialized stores or sections of foreign foods at some grocery stores. It has a thick, syrupy consistency, different from regular balsamic vinegar. Just use it as is. And, you don't need to use much. Or, use your favorite balsamic vinaigrette-based salad dressing.
By Liz Gibbs June 27, 2025
Prep Time: 30 Min | Inactive Time: 2 hour | Total Time : 2 hours and 30 minutes Ingredients 2 - 12 oz bakery pound cakes, cut into one inch cubes 1 - recipe homemade glaze (recipe below) or 2 - cups store bought strawberry glaze 1 - 16 oz container fresh strawberries, chopped and separated 1/2 - pint fresh blueberries 1/2 - pint raspberries Homemade Strawberry Glaze 2 - cups sugar 2 - cups water 6 - tablespoons cornstarch 6 - tablespoons strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) Cream Filling 4 - ounces cream cheese, softened 1 - 16 oz container heavy whipping cream 1 - teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 - cup powdered sugar Instructions: If using homemade strawberry glaze, prepare the glaze first so it has sufficient time to cool. If using store bought glaze omit this step (I used homemade glaze). 1) Cut the pound cake into one inch cubes and arrange in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. 2) Add the strawberry glaze over the pound cake and spread evenly. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries over the glaze. 3) Prepare the whipped cream filling, by whipping the heavy cream slowly until the cream is lightly thickened and soft peaks start to form. 4) In a seperate bowl, add the softened cream cheese and whip until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and mix to combine. 5) Add the cream cheese mixture to the heavy whipping cream, and continue whipping until the cream forms semi stiff peaks. 6) Drop the whipped cream mixture by dollops over the strawberry glaze and spread evenly to cover the glaze completely. 7) Add the fresh blueberries, raspberries and remaining chopped strawberries. 8) Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. To make the Homemade Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat until it boils and thickens. You will know the mixture is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove glaze from heat, add gelatin, and mix to combine using a wire whisk. Cool glaze before using. To cool the glaze quickly I place the whole pot into a bowl of ice water and whisk until it cools down and thickens.
By Liz Gibbs June 4, 2025
Prep Time: Total Time: Servings: 15 mins 15 mins 8 Ingredients: - 1 cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup white sugar or to taste - 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar - ½ teaspoon dried dill weed - ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste - 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced Directions: Stir mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and seasoned salt together in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Stir in cucumber slices, tossing to coat. Nutrition Facts (per serving) 237 22g 11g 1g Calories Fat Carbs Protein
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