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We’ve lived on the coast, in CV–and now, in RSF–which is not far from 4S/Black Mtn Ranch.

Temps do rise the further east you go, but we enjoy having more sunny days than we did when we lived on the coast or in CV–for a difference of about 5 degrees–especially since we can still be at the coast/beach in about 10 minutes, so it’s all a matter of preference.

I don’t commute on a daily basis, but if you do, you might also want to factor that aspect into the equation.

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[quote=scaredyclassic][quote=flyer]As has been discussed, the prosperity gospel is definitely big business but, according to the terms of most organized religions, you don’t receive the benefits without complying with the terms, so, per that premise, taking advantage of the benefits may or may not work out work out for those who don’t comply with the terms.

Personally, I find no reason or need to argue about it one way or the other–as none of us will really know until after we take that last breath–and, perhaps, not even then. In the meantime–enjoy![/quote]

I don’t know. it’s pretty risky to not believe…

“Pascal’s Wager is an argument in philosophy presented by the seventeenth-century French philosopher, mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal (1623–62).[1] It posits that humans bet with their lives that God either exists or does not.

Pascal argues that a rational person should live as though God exists and seek to believe in God. If God does not actually exist, such a person will have only a finite loss (some pleasures, luxury, etc.), whereas they stand to receive infinite gains (as represented by eternity in Heaven) and avoid infinite losses (eternity in Hell).[2]

Pascal’s Wager was based on the idea of the Christian God, though similar arguments have occurred in other religious traditions. The original wager was set out in section 233 of Pascal’s posthumously published Pensées (“Thoughts”). These previously unpublished notes were assembled to form an incomplete treatise on Christian apologetics.

Historically, Pascal’s Wager was groundbreaking because it charted new territory in probability theory,[3] marked the first formal use of decision theory, and anticipated future philosophies such as existentialism, pragmatism

The Wager uses the following logic (excerpts from Pensées, part III, §233):

God is, or God is not. Reason cannot decide between the two alternatives.
A Game is being played… where heads or tails will turn up.
You must wager (it is not optional).
Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate these two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing.
Wager, then, without hesitation that He is. (…) There is here an infinity of an infinitely happy life to gain, a chance of gain against a finite number of chances of loss, and what you stake is finite. And so our proposition is of infinite force, when there is the finite to stake in a game where there are equal risks of gain and of loss, and the infinite to gain.
But some cannot believe. They should then ‘at least learn your inability to believe…’ and ‘Endeavour then to convince’ themselves.”[/quote]

Great quote, and no worries, scaredy. We’re believers, but we just don’t find the need to debate our beliefs publicly. Interestingly, from this discussion–it’s clear there are many viewpoints on this topic–even some that appear to be argued from conflicting perspectives.
(Not really clear as to how one can be an atheist and a believer.)

Conflicting perspectives seem quite common though, since, from my experience, it appears most Christians don’t believe Catholics have the answer to eternal life and vice versa etc., etc.–but my previous point was that the big business of the prosperity gospel that has been discussed, may present a false sense of entitlement to the benefits of a belief–without having to comply with the terms of that belief. That’s a nice selling point–but, as you mentioned would be considered “risky” from the viewpoint of those who believe the terms precede the benefits.
In the meantime, we’re loving this life, and wish the same to everyone.

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As has been discussed, the prosperity gospel is definitely big business but, according to the terms of most organized religions, you don’t receive the benefits without complying with the terms, so, per that premise, taking advantage of the benefits may or may not work out work out for those who don’t comply with the terms.

Personally, I find no reason or need to argue about it one way or the other–as none of us will really know until after we take that last breath–and, perhaps, not even then. In the meantime–enjoy!

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scaredy–as long as what you believe works for you–that’s what matters.

Whatever each of us believe, the bottom line is that all of us will eventually cease to exist in our present form, so, imo, although none of us really know what (if anything) lies beyond this existence, fully embracing the present is the greatest gift this life has to offer.

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[quote=zk][quote=flyer]”Different times call for different explanations.” That’s exactly why my wife invests in films she believes in. Well put.[/quote]

Fascinating.

Is that also exactly why you believe in your particular god?[/quote]

Thanks for asking, because I do so value your opinion, but I’ll just leave it at fascinating.

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“Different times call for different explanations.” That’s exactly why my wife invests in films she believes in. Well put.

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Could be the next “Theory of Everything”–or the next great video game. Perhaps both.

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Read a recent Pew study citing that while fewer and fewer people participate in religion per se, more and more believe in afterlife. The authors noted, that might be part of the growing entitlement mentality that you can get something for nothing.

One thing is certain. Everyone will take a last breath on earth. After that, some believe they know what lies ahead, others don’t–to each his or her
own–and enjoy the magnificence of our current abode.

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Have seen quite a few boom and bust cycles in my 25+ years of investing in San Diego as well as real estate in other locations, but the extreme lack of inventory issue does put a different spin on things. Will be interesting to see what the next decade holds.

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A sense of loving life is different for everyone. We’re just glad we’ve found what works for us, and hope others do the same.

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Imo, these types of discussions are really First World problem issues. Whatever we choose to believe the source of our excellence (tongue-in-cheek) to
be–random chance, brilliance, God, luck, etc.–most of us have tremendous advantages in life compared to much of the world, and whether we feel thankful/grateful or not for those advantages is simply a personal choice.

In the final analysis, thankful or not, there is a 100% probability that our lives on earth are temporary, so enjoy while you can.

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We own several coastal properties, and, by nature, they can require a lot of maintenance, but, since we bought them long before prices soared, they were all well worth the investment.

That said, in today’s market, you have to ask yourself if the home is really worth investing whatever it takes to address all of the issues you’ve mentioned or not–because, from what you’ve said–that sounds like what it’s going to take.

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We all only have a limited number of great years on earth, so, as long as you have the necessities covered–as you most definitely do–we’re all for living to the max, so, imo, you and your wife should do whatever makes you happy.

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Great to hear about your son, and that he is debt free. We made sure our kids were debt free after college also–one all the way through med
school. We (and their grandparents) feel it is one of the greatest gifts we could have ever given them, so I completely understand why you are very proud.

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Many people have these questions when it comes to buying property here, and, in your case, as a young family, some other factors you might also want to consider wrt choosing a home with Mello vs.no Mello, involve your choice of school districts, as well as how much time you want to spend commuting.

We have some rentals in Carmel Valley that have low or no Mello, so they do exist there, as well as in some other extremely desirable locations of the county, and any realtor should be able to provide you with that information.

Right now, it’s a huge challenge to find a home in the most desirable areas of the county, but, believe me, it’s worth the effort trying to find the home and location you really want–vs. settling for less–especially if you’re here for the long haul.

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