In regards to buying a home that doesn’t have a mello roos, I know that I’ve had that mindset as well. When you look at pricing, particularly in 4B$ ranch, those homes are typically priced HIGHER than comperable homes in RB without MR, which is mindless. Ones purchasing power is increased significantly by seeking the non-MR home.
Example
16683 Deer Ridge Rd San Diego CA 92127 is or sale for $619K (good luck with that, BTW). A $619K home in 4S brings a carrying cost of (assuming 20% down) @$3200 PI, and you’re looking at 2% for taxes (@$1K per month). So, minus insurance we’re trying to swing a $4,200 mortgage note (fixed).
You can damn near spend an extra $130K on a non-MR home and have the same fixed costs. Not to mention a little bit larger tax deduction as well.
