We did it because we didnt like our neighborhood in SD and didnt fancy spending 10 years trapped in such a parochial place. If our equity was vaporized we would have been forced to stay for the best years of our lives.
Since selling we have been renting a nicer place in a better location for about 40% less than we were paying before. We have saved up a lot of money and will buy somewhere better one day when the time feels right (less risky).
So we missed and potential upside if it turns around, but we have an increased quality of life and much less risk.
If you can afford to get out for a profit, I would do it in a heartbeat. If it will ruin you to sell you might as well take your chances and stay put (if you can afford to).
