yeah I don't think the housing market was hit so hard in europe. Even with unemployment on the rise in countries like spain people still keep their houses. Not to mention when I hear the time it takes to pay off a house in the us I'm surprised. Still in Poland the avg. pay is 1k$/month and a 60m2 flat like mine 15-20km from the city center is worth around 120k$. Do the math.dunno what the housing market is like there, but in the US, there is a ridiculous opportunity for immediate equity if you buy a short-sale or foreclosure, AND if you have 20% down(critical, PMI is a no-no) and great credit. you would have to literally be retarded to NOT buy a first home now, or in the past 1-2 years.
Though overall I don't like obligations that tie you down for longer periods of time. In the current job market mobility is an important thing to have.