[quote=waiting for bottom][quote=JohnAlt91941]
The problem with that thinking is that prices are partially dependent on interest rates. Rates go up, prices go down.

If a hypothetical 20% additional drop in prices was just caused by higher interest rates, your argument would be valid. But many think prices still have a way to go down independent of interest rates, with higher rates just making it more so. And in that case your payment would NOT be the same.
[/quote]

You are mis-interpreting me. I agree those two are mostly independent. I’m just saying that we don’t know what rates will be when/if a 20% decline takes place. If they happen to be 7.5%, I’m in the same place as I was before the 20% happened.[/quote]

I think in most areas there is still much falling to do, and higher interest rates would just accelerate it. I think the threat of higher interest rates is partially responsible for this spring’s “rally”.

I also disagree that you’d be in the same place if your payment was the same. The person who bought at a lower principle and higher interest rate would benefit both by lower property taxes and a higher deducation.