The news today that new home sales have fallen to their lowest level in more than 50 years is really no surprise to most home builders. The market stinks. That's in large part because people who want to buy new can't sell the house they already own. Not everyone is going to roll over and play dead - yesterday I got a note from a Twin Cities-based builder who says that he'll buy your old home when you buy new, or he'll guarantee the rental of your home for up to six years.

Sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it? Have you found your own clever "trading spaces" solution to the housing log jam? Tell me about it by sending a note to me at jbuchta@startribune.com