Please remember, patientrenter, that individuals can have different motivations. My wife and I bought about 2 years ago “on the way down” and were very happy with our new home. 8 weeks after closing on our house, my wife lost her job. Fortunately, her former employer offered a great severance package. This, coupled with the fact that we put 25% down on our purchase, and that we have always been prudent savers, has allowed us to stay in our home for 2 years despite her unemployment. We have savings for another year, but then might be forced to sell. We don’t want to sell, but I track the market value of my house because I would also hope to minimize our loss on the house. So yes, I cheer when prices rise, even though I hope to never act upon that increase in value.