The housing boom in the US saw rapid house price increases and more mortgage options for lower credit borrowers. The collapse that followed raised questions about how house prices and borrower types affected mortgage choices. A study found that rising house prices made some factors less important in mortgage decisions. Low credit borrowers were more influenced by house prices, but still considered important factors like loan terms and interest rates. Low credit borrowers were more likely to choose adjustable-rate mortgages due to credit risk factors. Overall, borrower credit risk played a bigger role in mortgage choices than just financial knowledge.