Apparently, we need more renters than homeowners. The idea that everyone deserved to own their own home didn't work out too well for us last time.
Ah-yup. Can't argue with you there. But we ain't talking about offering $300,000 mortgages to someone who makes $10 an hour -- if he's employed at all. Short story time.
Mrs. E worked with a guy once who was (like her) probationary -- meaning that he was making $1,500 per month which had to be paid back after the first year of employment -- if he survived. It was a strictly commission kind of arrangement in recruiting.
Anyway, the guy didn't even have enough money to afford a car. He had to get a ride to work, which was sometimes iffy.
Yet the sumbitch managed to qualify for a $300,000 mortgage.
THAT kind of shit is beyond the pale. But for somebody whose income is sufficient to qualify for a reasonable loan within their means, hey, that shouldn't be beyond that person's reach.
(The guy bailed after about 4 months. I think he bought, and promptly lost, that house.)