I think we're real close to a depression. People aren't able to hang on to their homes. The subprime market is caving and that's going to trash home prices so people will be upside down on existing home loans. The glut of foreclosed homes on the market will drive down prices and halt construction. People in construction trades will be the first to lose homes because of unemployment and being unable to sell. This will really kick off into other industries and the ripple effect will spread to commercial real estate. Apartment communities will have a tough time trying to adjust rents down in response to the declining real estate market because of their own real estate loans.
I know where the blame lies and it isn't just an illuminati. It's a greedy group of people and as soon as our nation wakes up, we'll have a better understanding of history and past villains will become heroes again.