CheckPoint: A New House—Risks and Benefits
NEED: AUGUST 8th; by 1:00am EST

The government and the fiscal policy it implements play a large role in the housing market. In this CheckPoint, you examine how government policy has consequences for you and the decision to buy a house. This helps you consider situations and alternative decisions in your final project.
? Resources: http://www.realtor.org, http://www.nahb.org, http://www.mbaa.org
? Due Date: Day 5 [Individual forum]
? Assume for this CheckPoint that purchasing a new home would be a major decision requiring a substantial financial outlay where the wrong decision would have long-term financial consequences.
? Evaluate the health of the housing market for the next two years by researching forecasts for mortgage rates, housing starts, and housing prices. The following Web sites provide a starting place for your research:
o Mortgage rates: http://www.realtor.org
o Housing starts: http://www.nahb.org
o Housing prices: http://www.mbaa.org

? Submit a 250- to 300-word response addressing the following questions:

o Which government bodies influence national fiscal policies that would potentially affect the housing market?
o What are some national fiscal policies that can affect mortgage rates, housing starts, and housing prices? Be sure to provide specific examples.
o What is your recommendation as to the risks and benefits of purchasing a home based on these considerations?