Realtor Lobbying Clout Overrated Housing may enjoy its share of tax breaks, incentives, etc., but that’s likely in spite of — not because of — realtors’ lobbying clout. Locally, the deadline for paying annual dues to the board of realtors is Dec. 1. As part of their dues collection campaign, the board implores its members...Read More
Successors to “T.A.R.P.”:“B.A.R.F” and “H.U.R.L.”Given the evolving nature of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”), and the *Federal Reserve’s penchant for appending the term “facility” to all its financial rescue efforts, it may be timely to give TARP a more accurate — and descriptive — name. My suggestion: Bank Assets Relief Facility, or “B.A.R.F.” In...Read More
“In the long run we’re all . . . broke?” *Until recently, the standard for futility was the Cal Tech football team (“we may be small, but we’re slow”). Now, however, it’s many long-term stock investors. Really long-term. Pick an investment, and, if you’re brave, glimpse at how far prices have been rolled back. The...Read More
Strib’s Buchta Dissects ForeclosuresThe Star Tribune’s Jim Buchta has a nice piece in Wednesday’s paper titled “Foreclosures Not Dwindling” (Star Tribune; 11/12/08). Interestingly, the same piece online today is titled, “Bits of Good News Surface for Twin Cities Housing Market.” http://www.startribune.com/homes/34308234.html?elr=KArksUUUU Buchta notes many of the points I made in my Oct. 30 post, “A...Read More
Only One Bird in the Bush — or None?Floyd Norris notes in his blog today that Intel shares are now back to where they were twelve years ago (“Approaching New Lows”; The New York Times, 11/13/08). Tell me about it. Here’s what I posted on his blog in response: Intel shares I purchased in the...Read More
