Who Wants These Dull Boxes?

Americans bought new homes in September at the fastest annual rate in 16 months, according to government data released Thursday. There are so many caveats that I hesitated to even write these figures up. This series is very volatile, and the only reason last month's 738,000 pace counts as the briskest since May of 2023 is because July 2024's pace was revised sharply lower. Of course, September's data (i.e., this data) will be revised too so... why are we even talking about this? (Don't answer

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7 thoughts on “Who Wants These Dull Boxes?

  1. So what happens to the overall economy if Trump wins and interest rates end up rising as a result of his plans?

    Does that bring a recession that lowers interest rates, or (in this scenario- which I am not saying is certain to happen) does the economy hold up in spite of the high interest rates but sales of existing homes go from freezing to becoming, in John Facenda’s words, Frozen Tundra?

    1. You want me to raise prices for everyone to cover that revenue stream or just on you?

      (Also, join the rest of humanity and install and ad blocker. They’re free.)

      1. Wait, there are advertisements here? I literally had no idea. (The promo for HR swag doesn’t count, obvs).

        Who knew ad blockers were so effective? Can you believe they’re free?!

      2. I have a great ad blocker. Only trouble is that when it blocks ads on this site, it blocks my comments. Besides, one of the things I like about this site is the great ads. The container house ads really bring back memories of Peter Seeger covering his friend’s song about “Little Boxes.” One of my favorites.

  2. Jack again, I have no problem with swag. Automobiles seem out of place. You boast of your wealth. Then why litter a remarkable financial site with “Container Houses $15K Max.”

    I don’t expect you to publish this part of message. I love your work. By your I mean all the people at Heisenberg. How many of you are there?I can’t see how a single individual can cover all duties of running the site, research, writing, banking, and all the day to day stuff 7 days a week. Never go to the doctor or dentist? As a self described loner, I’m one myself, I can’t see you working with others at this point in your life. Therefore advertising is for covering payroll. Our secret. If I’m wrong I hope you find time to tell the world how you pull it all off. Keep up the excellent work people.

    1. Well, Jack, five things.

      First, there’s just one person here. Me. I don’t care if you believe it or not, it’s the truth. Full stop.

      Second, I don’t “boast of my wealth.” There’s no “wealth” to boast of. There’s money, sure. And some measure of it. But it isn’t “wealth” on any truly wealthy person’s definition of the word. I can personally guarantee you there are subscribers who have more “wealth” than I do.

      Third, the way I “pull it off” is that I have some kind of undiagnosed disorder which makes me obsessive. I do normal things — go to the grocery store and for runs and to the dentist, to use your example, but what I don’t do is trouble myself with interpersonal relationships of any kind, nor vacations for meaningless “holidays” and when I have to go somewhere I write a couple of articles and schedule them to post while I’m gone, so as to give the appearance that I’m still at the desk. When I go shopping in another city — as I did in August — I simply take my laptop. In short: I “pull it off” because I’m crazy. Fortunately for all of you, that craziness is, at this point in my life and for the remainder of it, being channeled to something productive for humanity. I’m obsessively dedicated to this site. Nothing comes before it.

      Fourth, do you imagine all of this — the web hosting, the upkeep, the payments processing, etc. — is free, Jack? Do you have a Bloomie? If not, and you don’t know how much one costs, look it up.

      Fifth, the ads are targeted and tailored by Google’s algorithm. So, if you’re seeing an ad for “Only the best shovels!” have fun digging your holes.

      In the future, if you have questions about the site that don’t pertain to the articles, you should email me directly.

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