Sometimes we can't help think of the closing line of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: “Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink.” The line relates to the frustration of floating thirsty on an ocean of undrinkable water.

We say that because we feel a similar frustration at times: There is plenty of money everywhere, but not enough is being lent to worthy borrowers. The Federal Reserve reports that if underwriting standards were closer to 2003 levels and home equity wasn't an issue, an additional 2.3 million homeowners would have been able to refinance last year, a 50-percent increase above the 4.5 million borrowers who were able to refinance.

Fortunately, more people of influence are becoming sympathetic to our frustration. Eric Rosengren, CEO of the Boston Federal Reserve, recently said that he supports policies that would allow homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages to refinance. That's a good start, but there are also plenty of people living within their means with dinged FICO scores because of the recession who want and are deserving of a home and a loan.

If there is one cause we can all get behind as we head toward 2012, it is to support policies that allow us to lend to worthy credit risks and to people who would help generate the demand housing is sorely missing.

Courtesy of Jessica Regan.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

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If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.