The government shutdown could go multiple directions, according to a writer with The Los Angeles Times. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impact.

If it is a short shutdown…

But a short government shutdown should cause only small headaches, because most loans close at the end of the month and take up to 60 days to do so, said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH.com, which tracks mortgage rates. Lenders are still taking applications, Gumbinger said, expecting the shutdown will end soon.

If it is a long shutdown…

An extended mortgage market freeze could further stall a housing recovery that has cooled after rapid price increases earlier this year. The threat comes just as mortgage rates are falling again, which normally would entice buyers. Rates have tumbled for the third straight week, with Freddie Mac pegging the 30-year fixed loan at an average of 4.22%, down.