[palotasb]

One thing I haven't understood yet: After I've bought a house to live in, why does it matter for me whether housing prices go up? Does it matter even if my $X house is worth $3X ten years from now? I assume that I must live somewhere, and any any money I'd earn selling the house, I'd lose buying a new one.

[rootusrootus]

You can borrow against equity and that might work to your benefit without selling. Or you can move to a less expensive location. E.g. if you live in the Bay Area and retire to the midwest, your home equity could be your entire retirement fund.