[Alberta's Child]

That's an excellent point. It's worth noting, however, that being "upside down" is not a problem in most cases like that. A car is not an investment -- it's a piece of machinery that provides the owner value beyond what it is supposedly "worth" to someone who estimates these things for Kelly Blue Book.

Most homes are the same. If someone can afford their mortgage payments and they have no intention of leaving anytime soon, then the "book value" of their home is almost meaningless.

[LomanBill]

[If someone can afford their mortgage payments and they have no intention of leaving anytime soon, then the “book value” of their home is almost meaningless.]

Yep. I was taught that a house is a place for your family live and feel secure; not a cash cow.