all true; but how come these people do not (or did not) take the time to study some history? this could not be easier with the internet. as part of a family who invests (besides actively trading both short and long) in real estate both commercial and residential; we have had to sit on properties for 15 years before they could be sold at profit. those of us who are successful should be glad that there are many who do not have half a brain.
EXCELLENT COMMENTARY ALL ............................................................................................. Jficquette wrote: Best thing we could do is get rid of all government that can be privatized and make all people taxes, not just the top 1% who pay 40%. Bottom 50% don't pay any fed inc taxes, and no, SS tax is not fed income tax although it is spent as such. We have no accountablity in government because half the people, the socialist democratic voters don't pay any taxes and they get the free ride. John ..................................................................................................... A change in structure should be one that would create tax revenue from an increasing base...and not increase taxes on a dwindling base... .................................................................................................... In order for the hard assets to re-appreciate...one cannot just change interest rates back to where they were...as if it were a short term treasury bond...albeit very helpful... The tax base needs to be cured..and procured... ...................................................................................................... Eliminate the IRS...establish a consumption tax Eliminate legal largesse on all business...large and small.... Equity is going to play a larger role if interest rates are going to be at Japanese levels..... All electronic stock exchanges are quickly moving towards just becoming commoditized computer banks...and can be housed in any country.... The US needs to make the US the most attractive place to list and domicile for all the best companies in the world...and let equity play its biggest role...non obligatory interest free loans... .................................................................................................. Put key projects in place...mandate them ...build them... ie.. All electric cars in cities.... Mandate solar, hydro, and non fossil forms of energy.... Projects that replace US infrastructure... Eliminate the oil mandates that are obviously in place....ie today record Exxon revenues.... Mandate low cost ...equal... internet based education.... Mandate an open...internet based government...ie people vote categorically where tax revenues go...how much debt is allowed...etc... etc...etc...etc.... .................................................................................................. Basically eliminating unecessary legal expenses, tax expenses, and making the US the best place to do business and get educated in the world...... CAN BE DONE....
How old are you? Back in the late '80's early '90's RE values in some parts of Calif dropped as much as 40%.
I purchased my house in June 1997 with 25% down and my monthly payment was very close to 8K per month.