_Getting Graphic is a semi-sort-of-irregular collection of our favorite BIG semi-real estate-related chart(s)._

Since real estate purchases evolved from “saving for the down payment” to “making the monthly payment”, the rise in mortgage rates over the past 9 months (except for the past 6 weeks) has helped speed new products to market, namely [the 50-year mortgage [CNN/Money]](http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/10/news/economy/economy_mortgage/index.htm).

However, what good is a mortgage with such a lengthy term to a lender if the mortgagor isn’t around to make the payments? Of course, this is pretty theoretical since only a small percentage pay off their mortgages. Most refinance periodically or sell to cash out.

The average life expectancy is rising as discussed in the article [Living Large and Healthy, but How Long Can It Go On? [NYT]](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/health/30ageside.html?ex=1155182400&en=8ab991f131cdc605&ei=5070).

_Seems like the same question we were asking last year about the housing market._

So a 50 year mortgage doesn’t seem quite so out of the ordinary compared to _50 years ago_ (of course you’d be debt free right now).

_Thanks LS!_