patrick.net

OT, but relevant to the thread from a few days ago. Regarding Aus-UK and its comparison to US. Got this from Ben's blog, mentioned by GetStucco.

http://economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7891311

Sorry if this was already pointed out.

Good questions and the sort of questions that Americans seem to avoid.
I suspect Hubbard prefers the 3rd alternative a la Singapore, though American morality tends to mess up that sweet arbitrage/exploit 3rd world women gig.

I personally think firefighter/policemen jobs are overcompensated. However, given the nature of policemen jobs, we probably want to keep their wages high - to minimize police corruption. So essentially, they're being paid for what they don't do every bit as much as for what do. (This is also true of lawyers, accountants and government officials, all of whom are paid relatively well considering their education costs and the level of work). But damn if you can get anyone with authority to admit to that.

Why don't we all live in some sort of high strength styrofoam housing? That would be light, provide good insulation and presumably involve comparatively little energy.

the contingency being that they may have to knowingly put themselves in danger? In the US, that particular danger is already covered by the generous death and disability benefits for harm incurred on the job. What ordinary policemen do is not very different from what security guards do for 1/3-1/2 the pay.

I've dropped by at the Hebel AAC distributors not long ago. They've backed away from making decorative mouldings in the end, altho they trialed some and they're certainly lightweight...

why is aluminium required in the manufacturing process?

Why don’t we all live in some sort of high strength styrofoam housing?

well, apart from proposed cardboard houses, these fibre cement boards have inches of EPS attached, which then get screwed to studs. you gyprock inside as usual, and cement render the outside. clearly someone could otherwise just cut their way in... but they offer superior thermal and sound insulation... need to look into a 'reverse masonry' concept with it as well...

hmm, i'm getting to be known as the robert coté of conspiracy theorists elsewhere
oh, sorry robert... :P

attaching the 2400x1800 EPS sheeting and rendering is all done on site, as tho it was a normal construction job... one interesting application i'm looking at is resheeting existing clad homes to improve appearance and increase sound and insulation properties -- removing asbestos fibre-cement ('fibro') or plastic/aluminium sidings...

they insourced some chinese workers on temporary work visas to build a tissue paper mill. why the hell can't they source local workers with 5% unemployment to do this sort of work? that's just bullshit...

'Australian workers on the site said none of the Chinese workers could speak English, read safety signs or follow emergency procedures. Many had to be trained to perform the most basic tasks.'

One guy was about to wash his hands with hydrochloric acid because he couldn't read the sign...

Foreigners found lacking in safety skills

the over-generous pension scheme encourages them to behave themselves while still on the job

yeah, i think it's something of a one-off that's drawn the wrath of the union and local subcontractors -- clear case of undercutting local labour prices. and howard carried on about the loss of jobs when 'baywatch' filming was rejected at avalon beach...

however, i know that 8 times out of 10, the 457s are dodgy, there is somebody local who can do the job, it's just employer preference...

what happens to the aluminium? it remains in the AAC as an aluminium oxide residue? that would be impossible to ever recycle, unlike aluminium frames etc...

oh, yeah, most plentiful metal in the earth's crust, etc, i remember now. i did a year 8(!) paper on aluminium, it was a while ago... still, it's better to recycle refined aluminium where possible, i guess, rather than starting with bauxite...

Will you guys have a south-of-the-equator blog party?

Will you guys have a south-of-the-equator blog party?

hmm, i would do it as a political stunt for the press and starving TV media. especially given that at least the US has congressional hearings about the problem, whereas other countries' govts are completely laissez-faire...

we will order the t-shirts from HARM. there could well be a revolution once the guns, i mean, t-shirts get here...

heh

We watched an interesting show on the History channel last night about plumbing.

hmm, fascinating... ;)

Because obviously if they build a 100 story skyscraper in Oz, the terrorists may show up in your hood, DS.

i haven't dared mention that one in meetings as a minus, but i had thought of it... (100m, only 33 storeys...) there WAS a grollo tower proposed in melbourne at 680m to be the world's tallest building (about 230 storeys) - now proposed in dubai???
Grollo tower to go ahead, in Dubai (includes picture)

Doug H,

Obviously hardball is your game!

I have the cash to buy the house with (because I "stupidly" put all my efforts into paying off the mortgage on my first house) so I have financing lined up as you say. I do not think the fruit is quite ripe yet, next summer may be the time to try your ideas. It will be a more target rich environment.

Headset,

Yeah buddy! I like Doug H's approach. It's totally professional and he's nailed down many of the things we "flirted" with earlier. (I kind of wonder though if it wouldn't be better to make your offer just before the next payment is due?).

Without having to think about it a whole lot I'd have to say this type of offer should become the standard for all bubble-sitters. I'm not big on getting attorneys involved but given the straightforward nature of the document this sounds do-able. I agree though, I'll look forward to a more "target rich" environment!

newsfreak,

I for one would love to think that such an "educational tool" could be developed. The sad truth is that when people have lost money, they want to make it back.....and fast!

Folks that bought in 2004 (expecting huge gains) are finding they no longer have the commanding position the had imagined! They listed for X (and had to accept Y) just to get the deal done. They just now realize that YOU ALWAYS MAKE YOUR MONEY ON THE BUY! They were willing to take the hit just so they could get back into the buyer role/mode!

Shopping is FUN. (selling is HELL).

Anyone can BUY something (especially when it's done on credit!) now selling? That's a different matter. These people bought at a time when ANYONE could sell! Now that they have finally realized (through personal experience) that it's better to be a buyer they want over to that side of the transaction in the WORST way.

in this city, they still conceptualise planning as brown paper envelopes under the minister's door... forget smart growth, it's random growth and 100m towers for land owned by party donors...

I'll be very eager to hear the comments from the Senate Hearing taking place today.

With Dave Seiders (NAHB) and Tom "the tool" Stevens in attendance! Thankfully reps from OFHEO and FDIC will be there to provide some semblance of balance? Anyone that's read any of Tom Stevens comments realizes this guy is somewhere between David Lereah and Gary "in the bag" Watts when it comes to credibility!

Will anything of substance take place here (as in a stern @ss chewing to get their house in order) or will this be more dignified begging and stumping to start the rate reduction cycle?

DinOR,

One thing I’ve learned over the years is to network the market by adding to my knowledge base of what works with tried and true tactics others have used. In any negotiation, you must tailor your approach to the existing set of circumstances and conditions. My “hard-line offer” is what I call the “nuclear option”. In a hot seller’s market, they don’t concern themselves with the wants or needs of the buyer so why shouldn’t a buyer have the same consideration in a hot buyer’s market? It’s simply turning the tables on the folks who came up with this type of transaction to begin with……

Why just after the seller wrote the check instead of before?

Others have worked this long before I latched on to it and have determined it’s a stronger approach because there is hope a more acceptable offer will come right up to the deadline. The money is still in the bank, and while it makes no difference in the actual time line of selling the house, it does make a psychological impact. After mortgage payment time, the money is gone, the balance is low, and the pain continues, as they have to deal with household budget demands.

Remember this the final approach to a long-term process you began weeks ago. You’ve already qualified yourself as a SERIOUS buyer, you’ve had the Listing Agent present when you toured the property so he picks up on all the subtle signals you’ve sent about how the house isn’t worth the asking price. You’ve submitted your questions….lots and lots of questions…in writing so they have to respond…and so forth. Most listing agents still believe their job description is driving their Benz and blogging about their success. When the market shifts, so do the existing paradigms, so it’s going to take a while for you to teach them they really work for you and you decide what they do and don’t do. LOL

The absolute bottom line is the seller wants YOUR money more than they want their house; otherwise they would not offer it up! The only question is the dollar amount that’s going to change hands. If you’ve done your job up to this point, the seller will believe your offer is the LAST one they will ever get!

newsfreak,

Yeah, I do kind of beat that one (among others) to death but it's just the truth. Hell, this is America and anyone can pay anything they see fit. If you're not into "hardball negotiating" that's fine! If it's just too stressful, don't worry. If the possibility of "looking cheap" in front of others makes you uncomfortable go ahead and pay full asking! (A lot of people do).

But don't look to unload it at a profit any time soon! Look, even if you're not interested in turning a quick buck we still owe it to ourselves to get the best possible price on "the buy" if for nothing else than from a pure balance sheet perspective!

Doug H,

Can I call you "Marshall Duncan" or what!

Some time back we ran a thread regarding neg. tactics and sure could have used your input back then! Your comments are most appropriate and welcome! Do tell more!

DinOR

Tom "the tool" Stevens' home has been on the market for a year! He's now going to take his agent's advice and lower his asking price!

"Which one you gonna kill first Marshall"*

Shorty, in High Plains Drifter*

Newsfreak,

DinOR is absolutely correct and his statement should not get lost in the present conversation as it is THE MOST important financial principle in the book and step number one in making money......

I'll paraphrase and say it again; it's that important!

Profit is made on the buying side
Profit is realized on the selling side

All you are doing when you sell is protecting the profit you made when you bought.

Doug H,

It is SO refreshing to hear your well chosen words! I preach (what to me are very rudimentary principles) and yet these basic concepts have a tendency to somehow get trampled in the process. We should start every thread with this "team prayer"!

Marshall Duncan was Clint Eastwood's character in High Plains Drifter. At the start of the movie he fades in on his trusty steed as if a mirage. At the end of the movie he fades out in the same manner. (In between a lot of people meet their end). I make a lot of "spaghetti western" analogies. I have a firm belief that just as in business the plot is really no more complicated. I like you though, steer clear of negative tactics.

SFWoman Says:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers will question some leading government and industry economists about the perils of a possible ‘housing bubble’ in a Wednesday hearing.

I'm picturing something like the Congressional hearings in Godfather 2:

Tom Stevens is testifying, saying how there is no housing bubble, "we just sell olive oil and run a few casinos in Vegas." Then David Lereah testifies, about to spill the beans about the housing bubble and RE cartel, and his long-lost brother from the old country shows up in the audience. Days later, Lereah slashes his wrists in a hot bath.

HARM,

I realize you have an actual job but when you get the chance can you re-post the link to our Negotiating 101 Thread? This way Doug H can pick it apart for us with his "red pen"?

There's a new Sheriff in town!

skibum,

Yeah, given the "cast" I was wondering what kind of a dog and pony show this was going to be anyway?

When the NAR Chief's home has been on the market for a YEAR and he says he should've listened to his agent for a price reduction I think they've already sent what little of a msg. they could.

With gas prices sliding I think the consumer will be focused on holiday shopping (not house hunting) hence Robert Cote's Fall Maul (TM)!

SFWoman Says:

Apparently, things are going swimmingly, here as in Afganistan.

Janet Yellen seems more and more out of touch each time I see a quote from her. How do seemingly well-educated and intelligent economists come off as so clueless?

DinOr,

I hope that with gas prices falling, we do not see a resurgence in SUV orders (or "crossover", or whatever tactic is used to get around CAFE).

But this time no HELOCs to buy them with!

Oops!

http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/13/real_estate/foreclosures_spiking/index.htm?postversion=2006091311

If you guys want to see the current NAR spin on the housing market (ala Blanche Evans, that insipid hosebag), check this out:

http://realtytimes.com/rtapages/20060911_narexpects.htm

It seemed like a painful defeat when the National Association of Realtors issued its projection last week that home sales would be lower than previously thought, but Chief Economist David Lereah worried months ago that housing would be in trouble if short-term interests rates were taken higher by the Federal Reserve. Luckily for housing, the FED decided to pause at 5.25 percent, but it may have been too little, too late, as Lereah feared.

Whether it was the unseasonable heat across the nation or the desire to see home prices fall along with interest rates, buyers stayed home in droves.

Yes, Blanche, let's blame the Fed, fussy buyers, AND the weather!

Yeah, Blanche Evans........

What can I say? After all, 6 1/4% on a 30 FRM is pretty freakin' high. I just know that Dave Seiders and Tom "Can't Even Sell His Own House, The Tool" Stevens are breakin' out the "knee pads" at this hearing!

These people have tapped out every legitimate home owner and "qualified" every GF they could get their hands on and now they need "The Great Free Money Bird" to return to re-ignite sales!

O.K, we'll turn the spigot back on AFTER you open MLS de-regulate commissions, cease and desist your cartel practices and Oh Yeah, get DOM back up!

My mother lived in a little castle in Scotland with thick walls, and it was about 60 degrees in it year ’round. With the heat full and all fireplaces going it was 60 degrees. In a baking, 72 degree day in early September it was 60 degrees inside. I see why the castles are so inexpensive up there.

I love 60 degrees inside. Can it maintain 60 degrees when it is 105 outside?

It was 109 up there this summer, and I turned on the air conditioner because it was 81 inside and I am supposed to run the air condioner at least once or twice a year.

81 is still too hot. 75 is my limit. 65 would be just right. Perhaps I should move to Scotland. :)

NAR Chief testifies before Congress and informs them there is no RE bubble. What a tool. Then afterwards Dianna the CNBC reporter (and yet another byproduct of their evil eugenic breeding program) jumps him with a question about why his own house has been on the market for over a year.

Mr. Stevens' answer: "[smirking] well, I haven't been home very much...I haven't even been there at all for the past 6 months so it's a challenge. People need to listen to their agents."

His home is $1.45M in formerly red hot Virginia/DC.

Hey, Mr. Stevens: I'll offer you $449K right now, sight unseen. lol

Prefab homes intrigue me. If you are subject to floods, hurricanes,etc seems perfect answer. Do these homes meet US building code? Anyone with US experience?

You can also design for passive cooling, utilizing air flow - Draw it in to the building at ground level (ideally below ground level) and vent it from the apex of the roof. There is a little more to it, but thats the basic technique.

Excellent.

Prefab homes intrigue me. If you are subject to floods, hurricanes,etc seems perfect answer. Do these homes meet US building code? Anyone with US experience?

Prefab homes are NOT mobile homes. Prefab is just a building process.

http://www.mkd-arc.com/

Peter P,

Michelle is actually addressing the AIA here in Portland tomorrow! I wish I could take time off to hear her! I really like the "Breeze-house". The Glide-house is cool don't get me wrong but I really like the idea of basically having "two" houses. With the center breezeway/enclosure dividing down the center it lends itself to privacy as well as a shared space.