Location, Location, Location

I recently sat down with a friend who loves real estate and looked over places out here (Marin County).  Phew, expensive.  Then, just for fun, we looked up the going rates for some places where I grew up in Texas.  It was an unsettling moment.  

Me: "Okay, the Zip code is 78212"

Her: "This is where you grew up?"

Me: "Yep!  It's a great old neighborhood with wide streets and beautiful homes."  

Her, pulling up a picture of an amazing Craftsman house: "This one is 5,000 square feet.  For   $500,000.  What's wrong with it?"

Me: "Nothing" 

Her: "Nothing?"

Me:  "Maybe this isn't a good idea.  Let's just close up the computer and..."

Her:  "And this one is 4,000 square feet with a pool!  For $400,000!  That would be $4 million out here."

Me:  "Okay, let's just close up the...No, I wouldn't, okay, umm.  No don't...!"

Her:  "This one is new!  It's enormous.  It has hardwood floors!  Are they kidding with these prices."

Me: "No.  Anyway, if you want the prices, you have to live in Texas.  No ocean view.  Lot's of humidity.  Very, very hot.  Let's just close up the...um, no more typing."

Her:  "Ooh, look at this one..."

Me: "Just repeat after me, Location, Location, Location."

Her: "Location, Location...5,000 square feet!"

Me:  "Okay, I'm done, just call me from Texas to let me know you made it okay."