patrick.net

Goran_K says

That's how I'd see it. I think the U.S tax system is overly complex, wasteful, and just enlarges government.

What do you guys think?

Absolutely agree.

Corporations and individuals that own single family homes for rental should not be "protected" under prop 13. That was not the intent of the law.

There is a blight of neglected rentals all over the bay area. Landlords just collect rent and do minimal maintenance. Tenants don't complain because someone else will pay more for less.

I was driving through Alameda (the island city) the other day and saw block after block of glorious old victorian houses. Restored jewels here and there but many were in states of disrepair from faded paint to nothing put curled paintchips on bare weathered wood.

Slumlords don't need taxbreaks. Neighborhoods need pride of ownership.

willywonka says

You see, without Prop 13, Granny, who owns her home outright, and may live for another 10-20 years, can't afford to pay taxes on her million dollar crapshack. If only she knew about home equity loans.

Granny should move someplace with a lower cost of living. I doubt that the move has to be all that great either (1-2 hour drive from previous location for most people). I can't comment about CA, but if it were DC, there is affordable housing on the Delmarva peninsula, West Virginia, Southern MD, and I'm sure in places in VA too, just not near DC.

Ca is fubar. Supply very low, demand through the roof.

zzyzzx says

willywonka says

You see, without Prop 13, Granny, who owns her home outright, and may live for another 10-20 years, can't afford to pay taxes on her million dollar crapshack. If only she knew about home equity loans.

Granny should move someplace with a lower cost of living. I doubt that the move has to be all that great either (1-2 hour drive from previous location for most people). I can't comment about CA, but if it were DC, there is affordable housing on the Delmarva peninsula, West Virginia, Southern MD, and I'm sure in places in VA too, just not near DC.