"underwater" mortgages

[jinx]

The predators bear most responsibility.

I disagree. The predator might be morally wrong, but the responsibility lies with the one who will suffer the consequences, and I'm not just talking about mortgages here but pretty much life decisions across the board.

Seriously though, how hard is it to know how much of a mortgage payment you can afford? How much are you paying in rent? Add in any additional expenses not covered by your rent (taxes, hoa fees, trash, whatever) - there's no magic to it. If you don't know for sure you'll be making more money in 5 years, then Mr. Banker sure as hell can't know that either. I don't get it...