San Diego Housing Bubble News and Analysis

In the larger scheme of things, I see nothing they have to be ashamed of offering free financing for 6 mos. It would be better if they offer to do free fireproofing though. So many people now have experienced their second fire loss, it is going to be traumatic for them.

How is this a shameless act by Barratt? If you are working full-time, do you think that you are going to rebuild your home in your free time?

Barratt is a highly respected homebuilder with the staff and buying power to help people rebuild their homes. Yes, they have a profit motive but they are offering a needed service to people who will be overwhelmed by the process.

How many people on this website have any idea how to start the process of rebuilding? Which architect do you hire? Which fees will be owed to the City/County? What is the time frame for constuction? What will it cost to rebuild? Can I rebuild for the amount that I am getting from the insurance company?

sandiego
100% correct. People are exhauseted. They need help and assistance with the process. What's shameless about saying that "we are a well respected builder and we are looking to see if you need someone to speak with." Resources over the next several months are going to be stretched extremely thin. I think it jsut makes business sense to reach out.

Additionally Home Depot advertising 0% credit makes sense aswell. Credit conditions have changed and there are less of these offers going around.

It would be really good if the SBA had as much advertising for their programs as there is a lot of federal money that is being provided to rebuild. Fixed rates on up to 200K for under 3% on 30 year loans. For business up to 1.5 million at fixed rates of 4%. If I were a homeowner or business owner affected by the fire I wouldn't mind a call on this. I wouldn't call it shameless.

I think what Alex_angel might have meant was that, people suffering from the trauma of losing their home may feel it's a little soon to be the target of campaigns. I can empathize with people who may feel opportunists are a little insensitive in trying to cash in on their misfortunes so soon after the event. However, I agree a more charitable angle would take the edge off it.

I was amazed that there were prime time ads appearing on TV, saying 'now is a great time to buy a house,' right in the middle of a natural disaster, where hundreds of homes were being burnt to the ground, moreover, when there is also clearly a downturn in the market. That is plain stupidity.

Yes, if someone is truly thinking about taking advantage then it is too soon. I think that Barratt and Home Depot have the brand name and the clout to make a difference in this case.

It is never too soon if the intentions are good. I imagine that several people have had sleepless nights over the past week wondering what to do next. If these companies can provide some level of help (peace of mind), they are providing a much needed service.

The intention is to build "good will", brand and business, helping is likely secondary. That might be considered shameful. But who cares if the end result is favorable. These businesses are competing for dollars and that is a good sign for consumers. If it is because of the housing environment the price benefits are going to keep showing up for those not affected by the wildfires as well.

Alex how is this exploitation or shilling? Is there a set grace period where there should be no contact to people at all?

I didn't see any victims with a gun held to thier head that said they had to take this deal. Seems like they are still free to shop around and do whatever they want.

SD Realtor

Every disaster is a chance to make a killing(Pun intended).