The banks don't have enough worthless real estate on their hands just yet. The country has been in a foreclosure cycle for a while now, just not enough of one.
The worst of all blows to one's security has to be losing your home. Keeping people in their homes will do a world of good for the country and people's peace of mind. People need something to hold on to.
Here's a bit of speculation: Watch the Republicans trot out Bush again for another inspiring press conference with a variation of "my friends, we have nothing to fear but fear itself".