The moral dilemma is mostly being responded to by profiteering, on the part of sellers and builders. Don’t get caught in their “taking advantage of the tragedy.”
The 2003 fires aggravated an already-tight situation in San Diego’s real estate market, where nearly every decent home had several offers when it went to sale.
The 2007 fires came just as the market is beginning to fall apart. While there might be some delays along the way, the trend is clearly down, and the fires will be forgotten soon enough.
“Hurry up and buy” is a desire that you simply have to resist. If you need a place to live and will live there most of your life, then buy already, and don’t sweat it.
But if price matters, 2008 and 2009 will almost surely be MUCH more attractive to buyers in San Diego / RSF than 2007.
