As a mortgage broker for the last 15 years and 20 years before that as a banker, I have heard from many people over the years who say they are tired of renting. A common statement is “I can easily make a mortgage payment because I am paying at least that amount in rent but I don’t yet have the down payment”. These days, in an economy of uncertainty, for some, it is often a struggle to meet ones monthly financial obligations, so where can additional funds come from for a down payment on a home purchase?

Definition of a decision- A choice made between alternative courses of action in a situation of uncertainty.

Even with 35 years of mortgage experience, I am confused as to how to answer this question because the economists seem to all have different opinions about what is going to happen with the rates and let’s face it, no one has a crystal ball.

For many people, getting into the holiday spirit means digging out all of your sparkly Christmas decorations, attending parties filled with food, drinks, friends and family and piling up stacks of gifts for loved ones under the tree. Sadly, after all that fun, there is a good chance you’ll come out on the other side with a holiday hangover in the form of debt.