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To: Lizzie Tudor who wrote (4669)	9/22/1998 1:18:00 PM
From: Les H	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 67261

Prop 13 also takes supply off the market since people who might otherwise sell will hold onto their homes due to property taxes. Especially those on fixed incomes. Sort of like a rent control for established homeowners.

To: Lizzie Tudor who wrote (4669)	9/22/1998 3:17:00 PM
From: mrknowitall	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 67261

Michelle <<OT>> re: Sweet deals. Perhaps you resent these people for having "been there" in the right place at the right time. No one is asking you to pay more for something because of your age. Your age is entirely irrelevant. It is an interesting matter of circumstance but has no causal connection. The effect is equal across buyers, not an age group. But, could it be that you or others working in the area have been the beneficiaries of one or more "sweet deals" in your lives? Deals not everyone got? Perhaps you had a lower-than-market-rate student loan? Those haven't been around forever. Did your father serve in the military so he was able to participate in a VA program? You finally admitted that the tax situation in California is the root cause of the problem, but you are still blaming the original victims of an even worse situation. Have you given some thought to WHY the prices have gone up so much? Could it be that the law of supply and demand is working against you? Are those people responsible for the lack of management foresight on the part of companies who decided Silly Valley was mecca and they just had to be there? If the companies think it is that big a problem, let the free market control the situation. If they want workers where they want them, let them subsidize the housing or distribute their workforce elsewhere. I'm not trying to be obstinate, but I have a problem with anyone who covets something someone else has. Mr. K.

To: Lizzie Tudor who wrote (4669)	9/23/1998 12:57:00 AM
From: Zeuspaul	Respond to of 67261

OFF TOPIC >>But heres the issue: You are asking me, and the people that work for me, to pay more for something simply because we are younger than you<< You did not read my post or you did not understand my post or I was not clear. I am 48 years old and walked into a real estate firm three years ago and bought a house. Anyone could have done the same thing. I pay the full tax rate as valued in 1995. I do not get any break what so ever because I am 48 years old. Of course the tax system has an affect on the value of a house as do interest rates and location and... If Prop 13 created million dollar houses then all of California would have million dollar houses. Why is my house only worth $300000? The same tax law applies and the majority of owners are original owners and would be considered elderly. You have a unique situation. You have a housing shortage. I would not spend a mil on a 2000 SQ FT house. I think you are wise for not doing so. It sounds like the houses are way over priced. If they are over priced do not buy. In the last 10 years houses have been a bad investment for most in California. The reason I support prop 13 is because I believe it is good law. I have twice experienced arbitrary real estate tax law. Once in California and once in Massachusettes. Tax assessors play games. Politicians play games with percentages of assessments. There was nothing straight forward. They take what they want. In each case my taxes tripled within a year. I did not know what my taxes would be the next year. I dont know if people that support prop 13 think my generation is stupid I think you do not understand that the alternative is worse. A wildly fluctuating tax assessment can reek havoc on ones finances. We are in this together. I pay the same inequity that you are talking about. My taxes are $3000 per year and my neighbor's are $1000. I am willing to pay $3000 because I think it is a good deal. I was able to buy the house because I knew the taxes would not be $9000 next year. One percent of the value of the property is reasonable. Next year they can only raise my taxes by two percent. I looked at my own situation, my own finances and did not concern myself with my neighbors good fortune or lack there of. Is it unfair? yes. Would I change it? No. Regards Zeuspaul