Grrrrrr every time I see or hear a story on the media that trashes mortgage lenders as a whole and completely exonerates the people who got themselves into crazy loans, I want to scream! I grant you some lenders do prey upon unsuspecting home buyers who could not buy a home other than through predatory lending practices; however, by far the majority of homeowners who are feeling squeezed got themselves into home loans that did not realistically meet their family's budget.

So...what should they do now:

• Get on a realistic budget
• Look to refinance to a more conventional fixed rate loan
• Sell the house if you can't afford it.

Now, those folks that are preying on unsuspecting home buyers? String them up by their toes (in a manner of speaking!) Understand; I believe that it is our moral responsibility to assist home buyers by explaining the various of financing options and help them understand when looking at a mortgage and the payment, that they must consider it in light of their realistic monthly budget.

Interest rates are a heck of lot less today, than I went into the business in 1982 -- they were over 16% at that time. Housing prices have skyrocketed for most of the US. Interest rates on home loans are comparatively reasonable and choices for housing must be made with a reasoned discussion of all the facts.

We know that real estate is a long term investment in their family and their family's future. Please help home buyers and sellers to see the reality again.