Don't blame banks, brokers or lenders

[Rich Rifkin]

I know it sucks but there's really nobody to pin it on. Unfortunately, current market conditions are the result of false stimulation of the economy through lowering rates. Why is lowering rates so important? Because propery values have "appeared" to appreciate at a ridiculous rate over the last 10 years.

In other words, a lower loan amount with a higher rate is mathematically equal to a higher loan amount at a lower rate. The difference is gain in equity. The problem therein occurs with cashing out of equity and reinvesting this "false income" (passive, and non-taxable with the right CPA) is controlled by inexperienced investors. How many investors were geniuses when the market was good yet are "victims" now that the market is bad?

Moreover, the rules of the game have changed but only the real players adapt.