[turbo6bar]

When has any politician or government official underestimated the cost of a program/bailout? $700BN is jthe first wave. Remember these financial companies sold off the best packages of securities and held the dung in house. Look at DSL and FED. They couldn't sell the risky Alt-A garbage, so it stayed in the portfolio. Same story elsewhere. Paulson will be buying the worst of the worst from US and foreign financial institutions.

Dan, a real American would take the 20% down payment and buy one primary residence, one vacation home, and at least 3 additional flip houses. You would stimulate the economy and bring great wealth to your name. If you're not averse to foreclosures, I have seen marked weakness in foreclosure pricing. The banks are starting to get aggressive with pricing. There are definite deals in the foreclosure and retail market. Find one you like. Find one you can live and grow in for a while. Buy it and enjoy. If you're a number's guy, there is not much downside to waiting. Prices surely won't explode upwards overnight.