[FairOpinion]

In tough times you may not get the best price for your house. Also, if you have the money, then you can get through the tough times AND keep your house.

[bootless]

Speaking of hedging your bets against the possibility of losing your job: how about taking out a revolving line of credit guaranteed by your mortgage while you're employed, DON'T TOUCH IT (unless you're able to pay it off before interest starts accruing), and keep it as a safety net against it. You're already qualified, and it will be there in the event of a between-job-drought.