Recently, our city newspaper has been running all sorts of news stories about homeowners who are facing tough times because of their mortgage payments. Many families took advantage of the housing boom and bought big, taking out variable rate or interest only mortgages that are now about to change, increasing the mortgage payments far beyond what the homeowners may be able to pay. And they are panicking. While family size is decreasing in general, the size of houses are actually increasing. McMansions, one of my friends calls these places, seemingly complete with enough square footage to shelter several families. We … Continue reading →