America may be an “ownership society”, but for many families, homeownership has become a trap instead of a step toward the American Dream. Enticed into buying a house by easy money and pro-ownership policies, many now find themselves locked into spiraling cycles of debt as they struggle to manage their mortgage, maintenance and all the hidden costs of ownership. Today, with foreclosures at record levels, its time to reconsider the wisdom of a “homeownership at all cost” housing policy. For many families, leasing makes more sense.