Not quite. The prime rate isn't set by the government but by the federal reserve which should be mostly independent from the government. Propping up house pric

Not quite. The prime rate isn't set by the government but by the federal reserve which should be mostly independent from the government. Propping up house prices was done through the bailout by helping banks with the mortgage backed securities, sometimes helping underwater mortgage holders and through fannie mae and freddy mac. Also the equity on my house will be just a small part of my retirement savings. This part should cover housing during my retirement. I also expect to need food and such.