I read this article and I once again must express my thoughts that until the government is out of the housing sector we are only making the market conditions worse. We need to reach rock bottom to build the values. Every time the government starts to poke around it only makes matters worse.
Too many Americans purchased housing using aggressive low down payment mortgages with teaser rates that even two income households struggled to afford during the boom years. The predictable disasters have now been well documented, but apparently the government still clings to the illusion that home ownership is worth pursuing for the marginal borrower. Freddie Mac is continuing to advertise down payment assistance for “responsible borrowers” who nevertheless lack funds for conventional down payments and closing costs. Through a bewilderingly array of grants, second mortgages, tax credits, and other programs, Freddie Mac is encouraging marginal borrowers to purchase homes that they cannot clearly afford.
At a time when home prices could very well decline further, it seems irresponsible for a government controlled agency to promote home ownership for anyone who cannot come up with a traditional down payment. However, now that the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers has expired, it appears that government is doing what it can to continue propping up activity in the sector rather than allowing market prices to fall to a natural equilibrium level. This will only prolong the pain in housing in general and expose more Americans who probably should be renting to the loss of employment mobility and potential for losses that low down payment mortgages create. via Seeking Alpha
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