题目选项分析

For years, Pleasanton was a commuter community to industries in Middleburg. The close of several factories in Middleburg has set in motion a wave of mortgage defaults: citizens of Pleasanton are foreclosing on their houses in significant numbers. Many of the mortgages were held by local banks, and these adversely affected banks have been under pressure from their boards to offset the banks' losses. One principal means to recoup these losses is for the banks to raise interest rates, including mortgage rates. If those owning property in Pleasanton continue to default on their mortgages, then the mortgage rates offered by these banks will continue to rise.

Which of the following, if true, best supports the conclusion that mortgage rates in Pleasanton will continue to increase?

【选项】Many current homeowners in Pleasanton, in reaction to increased interest rates, have put their homes on the market and are looking for homes in other areas.