There are hundreds of new homes being planned for construction in my area, and I know this isn't the only area around the country that is the case - as I've shouted on here countless times, real estate and construction are local and trying to extrapolate them to the national picture is at best an echo of reality.

I'm already seeing new type of financing available for homebuyers in response to interest rates - think seller carry, Australian mortgages, and yes ARMs. Life finds a way and the market responds to keep deal flow going. The past few years were very special in history, and today's 5.5% 30-year fixed is still easy money by comparison.

re: That's cute but it's true - there's always someone looking to make a return. There's always someone who wants to start a business. You and me - we may not have money in our pocket, but there's a lot of money in the world and there's always someone who sees opportunity where others see danger and who will move money around to the corners that are generating a return.