What's the latest in people's lives?

[Lt. Staplic]

he's so helpful isn't he.

[Mikey]

Congrats, Tsu - and props to Grandma for twisting your uncle's intentions.

I do hope that works out for you, although I have to admit I don't know what you're describing - by me, $250,000 is entry-level (and I do mean that emphatically.)

Renters are a nice way to add some income, but go in with your eyes open. There are a lot of things to take care of and watch out for, much less liability issues.

[Tsukiyumi]

I do hope that works out for you, although I have to admit I don't know what you're describing - by me, $250,000 is entry-level (and I do mean that emphatically.)

Around here, houses are generally not too expensive during the best of times; I'm looking at foreclosures that were $135,000 last December selling for $65,000 now. They're all fairly old (1979 etc.), but for that kind of money, they're great as starters.

Plus, they're all one-stories I'm looking at; I don't do stairs all that well.

[Captain Picard's Hair]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe my parents got our current place for about $120,000 in 198(5? 6?). What it equates to in current dollars IDK but we are the first owners of this house. Judging by this home's construction, though, I might hope those places are a bit sturdier. To give an example, these walls here made of this cheap-o paperboard material crumble into dust from little more than an angry stare. Once I flung a pencil over my shoulder in the middle of the living room, to find it lodged half it's length into the wall behind me!

[Mikey]

To give an idea - I bought my house in 2000 for $170,000 - I can sell it now for $350,000, and that's erring on the side of caution.

[Captain Picard's Hair]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe my parents got our current place for about $120,000 in 198(5? 6?). What it equates to in current dollars IDK but we are the first owners of this house. Judging by this home's construction, though, I might hope those places are a bit sturdier. To give an example, these walls here made of this cheap-o paperboard material crumble into dust from little more than an angry stare. Once I flung a pencil over my shoulder in the middle of the living room, to find it lodged half it's length into the wall behind me!

Then again, it might have been our home's current value as of when I heard that. No idea what it's worth now, but it's certainly 6 figures.

Of course, the NY area tends to exist on a different monetary scale then the rest of the country (in living expenses just as much as income)

[Grundig]

erring on the side of caution = a good idea these days. Glad to hear you're in good shape equity-wise.

[Mikey]

I didn't say that. I've since re-fi'd the mortgage plus opened a home equity line. The good news is that we bought more than we were looking for at the time, so the imminent second child doesn't mean we have to move.

In fact, relating to another thread as well, I intened to be buried under the swing set in the backyard.

[Tsukiyumi]

To give an idea - I bought my house in 2000 for $170,000 - I can sell it now for $350,000, and that's erring on the side of caution.

And my Grandparents' house that's likely to sell for $160,000 here would sell for over $1,000,000 in Newport Beach. Location, location, location.

[Mikey]

Yeah, my $350,000 house would sell for $750,000 - $1 mil about a half-hour up the Parkway.

[Tsukiyumi]

Well, my temper almost got the better of me a few minutes ago. The apartment workers have been hammering and banging and stomping away upstairs since 8:30 AM (they're still at it); when I yelled outside for them to keep it down, they got even louder. So, I called the office, and told them "I know it's the workers up there, but they've shown no courtesy whatsoever", and about ten minutes ago, a fellow from the office and one of the security guards banged on my door. I asked through the door "Can I help you?", and they gruffly asked me to "open the door".

So, I open the door a crack, and say "Wait, I'm the one that called to complain", and they grin and say, "We're working on the unit". I said, "Yeah, I know, they've been at it for six or seven hours now"

To which they say, "We're working on the unit."

No apology for the noise, or failure to notify me in advance. I felt like saying, "No joke, huh? Good thing you repeated it; I didn't hear you the first time with all the banging."

And what the hell is with bringing the security guard like I've done something wrong.

Gah. I can't wait to get out of here. Let these scumbags have the shithole.

[Mark]

At least you didn't go to the door armed.

And the last time somebody said to me "Open the door!" I asked if they were the police. They said "No, security." So I replied with a very polite "Fuck off"

[Tsukiyumi]

At least you didn't go to the door armed...

[Mark]

NICE!!!

[Tsukiyumi]

Hey, I don't even go to the bathroom unarmed here.

Anyone who feels safe in this neighborhood unarmed is either stupid, naive, or a combination of the two... After I leave, the only reason I'd ever come back is if I became Batman.