I am European but have lived in California for some time (in your neck of the woods as a matter of fact!).

Hi guys,Some of my thoughts.If 2% loans exist in Japan that is grate for them, but it worthless for me.If I were offering to refinance my house for example with some European bank with 0% interest, I would think twice before I do so.

I am not comfortable owning something that, because of something that happened over night in the Japanese or European markets, is worth 25% less today then yesterday.

Tim W. was calling this "European wood floors":http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/47534-trying-painting-floors-will-let-you-know-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/15148-best-way-to-rehab-a-wood-floor-on-a-rental-to-behttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/53707-what-is-the-most-tenant-friendly-flooring-?

The competition here are mostly South American or European investors looking to park money.

I understand the arguments and feelings about those programs designed as a safety net and then become a crutch for many but if we are to continue to press for an economic system that leads more strongly to a free market capitalism and less to a socialistic European system we need to provide a safety net for those who through no fault of there own fall on hard times.

Four mostly European banks who have operations in the US but more in the secondary market or through specialist lenders.Chase the deal but expect you might not find an inside track.John Corey

On the bright side, Canadian investors and Europeans are enjoying incredibly strong currencies right now.

I agree that the value doesn't appear to be there when silver was at $7 just 10 years ago, but it's also difficult to ignore the spending by the administration and the answer to the American and European debt appears to be print more or raise revenue, instead of cutting spending.

I also just removed all the doors from a house and took them to a cabinetmaker I have used and he bore holes for European hinges.