awgee_IHB
New member
My take is that our economy is about to be engaged by severe price inflation caused by severe monetary inflation that has so far been channeled into different asset classes rather than consumer prices. As the latest asset bubbles deflate, consumer prices will finally reflect real monetary inflation. Presently this is reflected in an astounding jump in commodity prices which will continue. As consumers find they need to spend more for basic necessities, they will have less to spend on anything other than basic housing. Real estate prices will continue to fall, and housing will become less and less affordable because we will have to spend more of our income on non-descretionary goods.<p>
A house in Irvine will "cost" 2/3 less in 2012 than 2006 irregardless of the price. If Mr. Buyer can afford a $1,000,000 house today, he will be able to afford a $300,000 house in 2012. And it does not matter if in dollar terms that house is $300,000, $1,000,000, or $2,000,000. One must understand the difference between cost and price. In the long term, affordability drives the housing market.
A house in Irvine will "cost" 2/3 less in 2012 than 2006 irregardless of the price. If Mr. Buyer can afford a $1,000,000 house today, he will be able to afford a $300,000 house in 2012. And it does not matter if in dollar terms that house is $300,000, $1,000,000, or $2,000,000. One must understand the difference between cost and price. In the long term, affordability drives the housing market.