While it is one of my experiences. To merely brush it off as "Fiscal Ignorance" doesn't help the conversation move forward. Sounds like you have expertise in the field - offer that rather than dismissive post.

I'll admit their are several ways buying a home could go both positive or negative. I merely offered a contrary viewpoint to help the original poster consider all possibilities. Housing drops in general are not a once in a life time event, they go up and down all the time, people make money and people lose money all the time (this was not exclusive to the housing bubble).

Many so called "professionals" are usually overly optimistic and are in the business of encouraging people to get into the market even when it may not be in there best interest, that's how they make money. Now, I get why you are quick to claim a post as "Fiscal Ignorance" in order to dismiss it - your livelihood depends upon it.

I'll reiterate the reason for my original point - make sure you go in knowing all of the implications.

My belief is there are tons of investments one can make with their money (i.e. stocks, bonds, treasury bills, CD's, even real estate). They all have benefits and downfalls. In general buying a home to live in is considerate by most professionals a long term investment because the money isn't overly liquid and the nature of the loans with their associated fees, don't make it worth it unless you own the home for a longer period of time.