US Business Booms and Depressions Since 1775 (1943)

Re:US Business Booms and Depressions Since 1775 (1943) by Aloha on Tuesday May 21, 2024 @08:16PM (#40435903)

Based on prior experience? No, I dont think so - interest rates go up, and they go down. I look at all the folks who bought houses in the early 80's between appreciation and inflation they won in the end.

This also works out for unsecured debt too largely.

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Re:US Business Booms and Depressions Since 1775 (1943) by mitthrowaway2 on Tuesday May 21, 2024 @09:28PM (#40436403)

But surely you notice that when interest rates go up and down, that movement is tied to changes in expectations of inflation?

The '80s homebuyer did great on their purchase, but not because borrowing at 20% was such a steal. They profited because their home subsequently went up in price faster than inflation did.

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Re:US Business Booms and Depressions Since 1775 (1943) by anon7725 on Tuesday May 21, 2024 @11:51PM (#40437143)

Everything else being equal, you almost always win when buying a house in inflationary times. Even if you pay a high initial rate you can always refinance to a lower one later. If rates stay higher for longer than anticipated your income is most likely rising as well. In either scenario your debt service expense is trending down as a percentage of your nominal income, and your asset is trending up with inflation.

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