Comments on: SF: Are Renters Less Educated? http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html Redfin Bay Area Sweet Digs Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:59:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: James http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4660 James Fri, 23 May 2008 07:34:18 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4660 infuriating!! infuriating!!

]]> By: anna.hibble http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4382 anna.hibble Tue, 06 May 2008 18:24:34 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4382 sorry Jerry: You've a right to your opinion, but your logic fails when you realize that many renters here could afford to buy elsewhere, but can't afford the standard they wish to live in as an owner in this particular city(thus they rent instead). Others make a better return on investing money and living in rent conrolled apartments, having done the math and knowing for sure they are better off renting. As Ron said, in a city with prices like SF, these "all renters are lesser" generalizations don't work. Only an elite percentage can afford to buy a place they actually enjoy living in without any thought, worry, or regret. If you believe then that such a small percentage are educated and optimistic in this city, why live here at all? sorry Jerry: You’ve a right to your opinion, but your logic fails when you realize that many renters here could afford to buy elsewhere, but can’t afford the standard they wish to live in as an owner in this particular city(thus they rent instead). Others make a better return on investing money and living in rent conrolled apartments, having done the math and knowing for sure they are better off renting.

As Ron said, in a city with prices like SF, these “all renters are lesser” generalizations don’t work. Only an elite percentage can afford to buy a place they actually enjoy living in without any thought, worry, or regret. If you believe then that such a small percentage are educated and optimistic in this city, why live here at all?

]]> By: JerryC http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4374 JerryC Tue, 06 May 2008 13:36:11 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4374 Renters are usually always less wealthy, and less educated than homeowners. Renters are also more pessimistic in life I find. If I was Adam at SS, I'd be so depressed living in the same condo as when he was 30, as now 40. He already stated he pays $3,000/month in rent. That's $5,000/month in gross income that gets flushed down the drain. Meanwhile, Pac Heights properties are on fire! Adam is a sucker. After 18 years of spending $500,000 on rent, he's got nothing to show for. Meanwhile, mortgage payments stay the same, and rents go higher. Good job Adam and other renters! :) Renters are usually always less wealthy, and less educated than homeowners. Renters are also more pessimistic in life I find.

If I was Adam at SS, I’d be so depressed living in the same condo as when he was 30, as now 40. He already stated he pays $3,000/month in rent. That’s $5,000/month in gross income that gets flushed down the drain. Meanwhile, Pac Heights properties are on fire! Adam is a sucker.

After 18 years of spending $500,000 on rent, he’s got nothing to show for. Meanwhile, mortgage payments stay the same, and rents go higher. Good job Adam and other renters! :)

]]> By: Ron http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4343 Ron Sun, 04 May 2008 23:50:18 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4343 Any argument that ascribes lower status to some who rent rather than own, especially in San Francisco, makes as much sense to me as the question, "Where's your flag pin?" Any argument that ascribes lower status to some who rent rather than own, especially in San Francisco, makes as much sense to me as the question, “Where’s your flag pin?”

]]> By: David http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4326 David Fri, 02 May 2008 23:46:49 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4326 I've owned in Chicago. Chicago is far more livable than SF. Period. If the weather bothers you, well, the summers here are horrible. As I say, to prefer the weather here, you have to hate winter more than you love summer. Me, I like to actually be able to eat outside without a parka during long summer days. It's also nice to not freeze at an evening ball game. But to each his own. I've also mentioned Chicago on various posts on gov't waste, because, again, Chicago has FOUR TIMES as many people as SF (and significantly more schoolchildren, parks and oh, yeah, that snow plow thing), yet has a similar budget. And it's not like Chicago is run by "clean" politicians, i.e. there's plenty of waste to keep the piggy pols fat and happy in Chicago, how much waste must there be here?! I brought up Chicago again on another post, because it has a large publishing industry and is far cheaper to live, if you're set on buying. Heck, Chicago even has a neighborhood with some great condos called "Printers' Row." The other major publishing center is NYC. 'Nuff said on the ability to buy. Finally, just looking at the last bust and this current bust, THEY'RE THE SAME (except this one is bigger). What does that mean? The last time, just like this time, the "marginal" areas (Oakland, San Leandro, El Cerrito) went up far more on a percentage basis, and went up first, compared to SF/Peninsula. Then what happened the last time? The outlying areas blew up first, SF seemed immune...for about 2 years. Guess what's happening now? East Bay is blowing up, and everybody's talking about how SF is "special." You're going to be burnt if you buy in SF now. If you want to buy, buy a house at 50% off peak pricing in the East Bay. I’ve owned in Chicago. Chicago is far more livable than SF. Period. If the weather bothers you, well, the summers here are horrible. As I say, to prefer the weather here, you have to hate winter more than you love summer. Me, I like to actually be able to eat outside without a parka during long summer days. It’s also nice to not freeze at an evening ball game. But to each his own. I’ve also mentioned Chicago on various posts on gov’t waste, because, again, Chicago has FOUR TIMES as many people as SF (and significantly more schoolchildren, parks and oh, yeah, that snow plow thing), yet has a similar budget. And it’s not like Chicago is run by “clean” politicians, i.e. there’s plenty of waste to keep the piggy pols fat and happy in Chicago, how much waste must there be here?!

I brought up Chicago again on another post, because it has a large publishing industry and is far cheaper to live, if you’re set on buying. Heck, Chicago even has a neighborhood with some great condos called “Printers’ Row.” The other major publishing center is NYC. ‘Nuff said on the ability to buy.

Finally, just looking at the last bust and this current bust, THEY’RE THE SAME (except this one is bigger). What does that mean? The last time, just like this time, the “marginal” areas (Oakland, San Leandro, El Cerrito) went up far more on a percentage basis, and went up first, compared to SF/Peninsula. Then what happened the last time? The outlying areas blew up first, SF seemed immune…for about 2 years. Guess what’s happening now? East Bay is blowing up, and everybody’s talking about how SF is “special.” You’re going to be burnt if you buy in SF now. If you want to buy, buy a house at 50% off peak pricing in the East Bay.

]]> By: david gordon http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4316 david gordon Fri, 02 May 2008 09:10:05 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4316 @ Seeitdoneit, Yes, I have owned 2 properties in SF (see my 2nd comment on this thread). Bought/sold in 03/05 and then 05/07. I don't hide that fact. Not sure what your point is though. I am a voice against BUYING right now in SF, not necessarily owning. If you already own, hold it. If you don't own and are renting, hold out longer. It's really that simple. I would love to own a home in SF again someday, but at a price I am happy with and can justify. Unless I find another rocket-ship appreciation scenario and ride the wave again, but that ain't happenin any time soon. @ Seeitdoneit,

Yes, I have owned 2 properties in SF (see my 2nd comment on this thread). Bought/sold in 03/05 and then 05/07. I don’t hide that fact. Not sure what your point is though.

I am a voice against BUYING right now in SF, not necessarily owning. If you already own, hold it. If you don’t own and are renting, hold out longer. It’s really that simple. I would love to own a home in SF again someday, but at a price I am happy with and can justify. Unless I find another rocket-ship appreciation scenario and ride the wave again, but that ain’t happenin any time soon.

]]> By: Seenitdoneit http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4315 Seenitdoneit Fri, 02 May 2008 08:40:05 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4315 Um, I believe David G. has been an SF homeowner, no? And the other David, always bringing up Chicago by comparison? As if Chicago and SF have some commonality? See one Midwest winter, you'll know they don't. Frankly, not sure why you two are the voices againt owning in SF. Um, I believe David G. has been an SF homeowner, no? And the other David, always bringing up Chicago by comparison? As if Chicago and SF have some commonality? See one Midwest winter, you’ll know they don’t. Frankly, not sure why you two are the voices againt owning in SF.

]]> By: david gordon http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4309 david gordon Fri, 02 May 2008 04:00:01 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4309 @ Bob. I'm sure with the success of SocketSite, Adam isn't too worried about renting right now. He is probably waiting to buy at the bottom like the rest of us. Hopefully you don't focus only on "failures" (everyone has missed out on opportunities at some point, but hindsight is 20/20 now isn't it?). @ Bob.

I’m sure with the success of SocketSite, Adam isn’t too worried about renting right now. He is probably waiting to buy at the bottom like the rest of us.

Hopefully you don’t focus only on “failures” (everyone has missed out on opportunities at some point, but hindsight is 20/20 now isn’t it?).

]]> By: David http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4306 David Fri, 02 May 2008 02:48:13 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4306 What could he have bought 10 years ago in Pac Heights for less than $3,000/month PITI? A 2 br condo in Pac heights cost ~$400K in 1998, at least, and interest rates were 7-8%. Never mind rent control. If he stayed in the same place for 10 years, his rent is probably $1500/month. Can you imagine not buying AOL in 1994? Hansen's soda in 2003? Are you reminded every day of your failure? What could he have bought 10 years ago in Pac Heights for less than $3,000/month PITI? A 2 br condo in Pac heights cost ~$400K in 1998, at least, and interest rates were 7-8%.

Never mind rent control. If he stayed in the same place for 10 years, his rent is probably $1500/month.

Can you imagine not buying AOL in 1994? Hansen’s soda in 2003? Are you reminded every day of your failure?

]]> By: Bob http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html/comment-page-1#comment-4305 Bob Fri, 02 May 2008 02:38:33 +0000 http://blog.redfin.com/sfbay/2008/04/sf_are_renters_less_educated_.html#comment-4305 Can you imagine being Adam at Socketsite being a 40 YEAR OLD RENTER though? I would hate my life if i could have bought 10 years ago, and now just rent a condo for $3,000/month in Pac Heights. Every time he walks out the door, he is reminded of his failure. Can you imagine being Adam at Socketsite being a 40 YEAR OLD RENTER though? I would hate my life if i could have bought 10 years ago, and now just rent a condo for $3,000/month in Pac Heights. Every time he walks out the door, he is reminded of his failure.

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