patrick.net

Yesterday, I tried for the first time Walu Sashimi… Butterfish Sashimi at Sushi Groove in Russian Hill…. AWESOME!

MP, do you know where I can get blowfish in the Bay Area? I heard that it is available in NY.

MP

Please look at the context of the post and the language. I said if.

New thread: Sustainability of lifestyle

The chronicle article (that MP couldnt handle) had substantial facts to back up the RAMEN anectdote.

It is amazing that people are willing to go so far. Mania is all about misguided expectations.

Gabby, I’m sorry your friend had such a bad experience in moving to Kentucky. I have this theory that Californians (and I do love CA and the people here--don’t get me wrong) get spoiled by living here. The nice weather, the diversity, the landscape--everything is a little easier. And so when uprooted from here and presented with unfamiliar difficulties--some errant raccoons, slack-jawed yokel “religious fanatics”--it becomes an excuse for high-tailing it right back to CA. :-)

A year or two is hardly a fair amount of time to decide if one can truly be happy in a place or not. My husband and I have to move every 1-3 years, and I’ve noticed over time that it takes at least a year or two to start making *real* friends and finding the local rhythm of each place. I think it takes quite a bit longer to form deep and lasting relationships--the kind that make you never want to leave a place.

And it takes an open mind to learn to appreciate people who are different from what you’ve grown up with. I really don’t believe people are “less stimulating” in any part of the world. People are people, simple as that. It’s all a matter of the preconceived notions we have, and how open we are to accepting that our way isn’t necessarily the right way or the only way to be.

All that said, when we're not tied to a place by either stimulating work or family/friends, there's really no point in being there if you're not enjoying it. It's too bad there was a financial loss for your friend in the process.

MP
No. I’m shit out of luck. Instead of complaining, I am just happy with what i have.. a modest home, in a great location.

Well, I'm glad you have a home you enjoy. And, it wouldn't be "negative" at all to suggest our money might go farther on housing in the future...

Anecdotal evidence is fine…. but until you get knee deep in the evidence, the whole pictures will never be revealed the way it is revealed to me (oh the arrogance!).

Well, I seem to recall posting a LOT of hard data on this site, besides anecdotes. I'm not sure what the "knee deep evidence" is you speak of, unless you're referring to MLS listings/sales in your selected area. There's also the issue of rising inventory; I think data's been posted on that too. It's easy to find, in any respect.
But--if I can perceive a fundamental difference here: if you're looking at current sales figures, and projecting from that, while others are seeing flattening sales (or slacking sales in Marin for instance), while at the same time--rising inventory...we're bound to come to a different conclusion. So we're looking at different data sets--and coming to different conclusions. If "bears" can back their cautionary opinions on data, "bulls" should as well. Those with the most compelling data should have the best argument for their case. After all, it's the bulls who are currently investing and putting themselves at greater fiscal risk. For that reason, I actually expect more proof from the Bulls.

peter… never had blowfish! good?

Never had blowfish either. Wanted to try. Chef must be licensed though.

MP, have you looked into another market segments (i.e. sub-prime properties)? You may not care too much about living in them but they do affect the overall market.

Presidio Heights is AWESOME.. but i won’t be able to afford a house there any time soon!

If you continue to pull in great revenue for your employer and if market conditions allow, I am sure you can afford a house there reasonably soon. :)

You will have big name neighbors then. (How much is a house there? 30M?)

I can risk sub-prime, and rent to sub-prime tenants.. but i prefer not too.

I remember seeing 5-unit apartment buildings in Marina for under 2M recently, would you look at those? But they may be rent-controlled though.

Just curious, how do you know your tenants income?

When I rent, I had to present W2 and pay stubs.

really? i think thats illegal in NY.

I don't know. I always volunteer as much information as possible. If I were the landlord, I would wish for a bit of assurance anyway.

Rick - It’s a thorough process. I required the last 6 months of pay stubs, a letter from their previous tenant, and a chat with their company HR!

Well, I would rather have no tenants than bad tenants. Have you watched the movie Pacific Heights? :)