Why Does Bernanke Want Mortgage? Low Rates and Tax Breaks

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Ben S. Bernanke says he can’t refinance his house. With his book advance and speaking fees, why does the former Federal Reserve chairman even want a mortgage?

Even for the wealthiest Americans who can afford to buy their houses outright, mortgages come with a double benefit: interest rates low enough that returns on investments can beat them, and a tax subsidy that covers nearly half the interest cost.