I probably overvalue mobility, since I never actually move frequently. But I like to think that I can. I hate the idea that i would ahve to bring money to the table to leave the house with my credit intact. Realistically, assuming things continue to fall or level off, how far out is a reaosnably expected break-even point? If I stayed 7 years, would i be pretty safe? I believe i and my strange pack of offspring probably wouldnt bring down the neighborhood values, but some people I’ve lived near might disagree.

TG, it’s not justa car payment to me… i haven’t had a car payment since 1993 and I still own and use that same car as my primary vehicle…. I do not like debt. I am the inverse of the fearless buyers who took on extraordinary debt to buyu housing; I’d be afraid to even take ona little debt to buya car. not completely rational, I know, but that’s how I function.