Headline from a perpetually surprised AP

U.S. home sales, which were expected to rise, sink 2.2 percent despite help from federal tax credits – AP

In which collapsing economic universe did the AP expect home buyers to put their financial lives on the line because of a tax credit?  People know their taxes will rise, people know their health insurance rates will rise, people know their fuel costs will rise, and people know that the Democratically run federal government will self-destructive with its spending binge.  And they’re going to plunk down money for a house?!