On Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:47:58 -0400, Wayne B wrote:

On Sun, 24 Jul 2011 06:15:23 -0700 (PDT), John H
wrote:

Eliminate all mortgage interest deductions. That'll do it better.



At least it would be fair across the board. Might not be popular and
might have a somewhat detrimental impact on the housing market. It
would probably help the rental market though.

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Home ownership has always been part of the American dream and the
interest rate deduction is a tacit reaffirmation of that goal.
Without question home ownership leads to a more stable citizenship and
increased two parent family formation. Those were worthwhile goals at
the time and still are.

I'm not knocking home ownership. I think it's great. But, if the mortgage interest deduction were
removed, I still think people would want to buy a home. I don't think that would change. However,
for many people, the cost would have to come down far enough to offset the lack of the interest
deduction.