There are lots of decisions you regret. Something you shouldn't have said. Someone you shouldn't have "consorted" with. Something you shouldn't have eaten. The one that really hurts though is something you could have afforded if you had only purchased it a few years ago.
Owning a home is part of the whole american dream mythos, and just 5 years ago, they were actually affordable. I really don't understand how people manage now, unless you had a home to sell that you are using the proceeds from to get another one. I guess there is the debt option. I've heard of people with 50 year mortgages(crazy talk!).
In my situation it's particularly galling because I wanted to get a home back then and in my community could have afforded something on the water. Everyone, including my partner, was very against it at the time (for somewhat valid reasons) but now, it's no longer an option. I mean it is, but it would be stupid to pay what people are asking, despite whatever you economist wankers have to say about equity and tax benefits.
Renters of the world unite!