[citydweller]

kev374, I think one point you’re missing is that most of these loans are for more than the house is currently worth. Also, even a 5% 30 year fixed monthly payment is probably higher than the original teaser rate payments that a lot of these people started out with.

[citydweller]

kev374, I think one point you’re missing is that most of these loans are for more than the house is currently worth. Also, even a 5% 30 year fixed monthly payment is probably higher than the original teaser rate payments that a lot of these people started out with.

[citydweller]

Thanks for all the comments and links. I’ve been reading this blog for several months, and this is the first time that someone I know has been seriously thinking about buying a house. I feel a little uncomfortable advising someone on such a big decision, so I’m glad I was able to pass on these informative web sites. Ultimately, the decision is theirs, but at least if they check out these websites they’ll have a better idea of the downside of this market (as opposed to the optimistic spin they are probably getting from those in the REIC)

[citydweller]

Thanks for all the comments and links. I’ve been reading this blog for several months, and this is the first time that someone I know has been seriously thinking about buying a house. I feel a little uncomfortable advising someone on such a big decision, so I’m glad I was able to pass on these informative web sites. Ultimately, the decision is theirs, but at least if they check out these websites they’ll have a better idea of the downside of this market (as opposed to the optimistic spin they are probably getting from those in the REIC)

[citydweller]

Thanks for all the comments and links. I’ve been reading this blog for several months, and this is the first time that someone I know has been seriously thinking about buying a house. I feel a little uncomfortable advising someone on such a big decision, so I’m glad I was able to pass on these informative web sites. Ultimately, the decision is theirs, but at least if they check out these websites they’ll have a better idea of the downside of this market (as opposed to the optimistic spin they are probably getting from those in the REIC)

[citydweller]

Thanks for all the comments and links. I’ve been reading this blog for several months, and this is the first time that someone I know has been seriously thinking about buying a house. I feel a little uncomfortable advising someone on such a big decision, so I’m glad I was able to pass on these informative web sites. Ultimately, the decision is theirs, but at least if they check out these websites they’ll have a better idea of the downside of this market (as opposed to the optimistic spin they are probably getting from those in the REIC)

[citydweller]

TemekuT, where is Northwood? Is that in Temecula?

[citydweller]

TemekuT, where is Northwood? Is that in Temecula?

[citydweller]

test

[citydweller]

patientlywaiting, good catch on the time difference. It was unintentional but I failed to mention that even when I had a car I very seldom drove on the freeways (too fast and crazy), so to get to Hillcrest I would drive via Pacific Highway to Washington Street. The bus I now take is an “express” which means very few stops and also it gets to Hillcrest via the 163. So honestly, If I had driven the same route the bus takes I probably would have gotten to work in less than 10 minutes.

[citydweller]

The 7 minutes were included in the 18. 7 minutes to walk to transit center, 10 minute bus ride to Hillcrest, 1 minute walk to office.

And yes, I have tons of free time, which I used to spend zoned out in front of my TV. I much prefer to spend it walking around our beautiful city.

I have my PO box downtown for 2 reasons. I love having an excuse to go downtown twice a week. Also, I got the PO Box 17 years ago when I moved back to San Diego. I have moved 5 times in those 17 years but have not had to go through the change of address hassle in all that time.

I have been a mass transit rider since May and have not yet had to deal with rain (which is quite unfortunate, I love rain!) Once we finally get another rain day (possibly as soon as this Thursday) I will dust off my umbrella and use it as I walk the 7 plus 1 minutes from home to office.

Again, please realize that I am not trying to convert anyone to my way of life. I understand that we all have different circumstances. I am just trying to convey that anyone who WANTS to use public transportation that that option is available to them, and I am more than willing to share my experiences with them.

[citydweller]

I went to an open house at Escala about 6 months ago. The agents car parked out front was a Toyota Camry. I thought to myself “Now this is an agent I could trust”.

The new Beemer or Lexus out front is always a red flag for me.

[citydweller]

My take on public transportation is that if you want to make it work you can, but it would require that you live AND work in a place that makes it feasible. If this is not something that you STRIVE to do, then no, it will not become feasible.

I live within a 7 minute walk of the Fashion Valley transit center, I work in Hillcrest and can take the 120 express which stops less than 1 block from my office. So, I can be at the office 18 minutes after I leave my house. When I had a car it took me 14 minutes.

Last week, after I left work I wanted to go downtown to check my PO box, but as I walked toward the bus stop the bus was pulling away. So, I WALKED downtown. It took about 25 minutes, but SO WHAT? It was nice out, and I didn’t have anything else to do. I got to the post office, got my mail, and took the 120 express home, which took another 20 minutes. I lost about an hour, that I would have spent in front of the TV anyway, so I think I came out ahead.

I know a lot of people have filled their lives with so many things to do and places to be that they cannot imagine “wasting” 25 minutes to get anywhere. But c’mon, life is short, stop and smell the roses…

[citydweller]

Mixxalot, a possible solution to your date in Del Mar is FlexCar. I have not yet tried this, but they have cars that can be rented by the hour, scattered around town. According to their website there are about 80 of these cars in San Diego, they are concentrated south of the 8 and north of the 94 and west of the 15. There are 29 of them downtown, from pickup trucks to mini coopers, to 2-seat convertibles (that should work well in Del Mar). There are several in Hillcrest and the beach areas as well.
There is a $35 annual membership fee, then it starts at $7 per hour, or cheaper if you pay for a monthly plan.

[citydweller]

Peace, I don’t think public transportation should be free, but I do think they should have a “Free week” at least once a year, just to give people who wouldn’t normally try it a chance to check it out.

If they can increase the ridership, and hopefully the revenue, they could also increase and improve the routes. I’m already quite happy with the current system, but if they put in a trolley to the beach and the airport I would be in heaven.

[Author]

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