I think that Rich did a fine job. He looked older than his picture.
However, I think that Lee did a better sales job. It's like he were trying to convince someone to buy a house. He's saying, yes prices are high but I can help your find an affordable house.
Next time, rather than talk about data and economics Rich might wish to talk to the audience. Say give an example of a young professional in UTC and compare his rent and mortgage payments. Tell them what happened to a particular buyer who bought in 2005 and sold in 2006. Show them the amount of money he lost.
The public is "hopeless" because they want simple answers. Talk to them in terms of monthly payments to make them see that houses are simply not affordable. Tell them to look at zip realty and look a prices for at least 3 months before they buy… Tell them to look at San Diego Market Monitor. They need to see specific examples to understand. Tell them to not fall in love with any house… Most of all tell them to budget their payments on paper for 5 to 10 years so they can clearly understand their financial commitments.
