What specific houses are selling for today and what they sold for 5 years ago courtesy of the Star: http://www.thegridto.com/life/real-estate/houses-that-were-loved-and-left/

I am very curious to hear your thoughts on the above as well CG.

That is an amazing rate. I understand why people are buying and locking in. I just hope those that are not over stretching themselves.

Thank you. So we agree that in the current market there are no deals that make financial sense. With that said, it is hard to criticize people for sitting on the sidelines in the current market.

If you have to put more than 25% down to realize positive cash flow than it is a bad investment IMO.

How can anyone not be speculating in this market? Do you see any reasonable deals to be had? Something where the mortgage would equate to 3-3.5x the average household income assuming a 25% down payment? I don't. So you can go on and on about how people shouldn't be sitting on the...

http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1113760--skyscraper-boom-may-herald-economic-downturn?bn=1 Skyscraper boom may herald economic downturn MUMBAI, INDIA — A skyscraper building boom in China and India may be a sign of an impending economic correction in two of Asia’s largest economies...

Don Campbell shares his prediction for 2012. I know he's not a popular guy here, but thought I would share in any event. http://www.donrcampbell.com/2012-the-year-of-confusion-concern-and-consternation-the-perfect-environment-for-a-sophisticated-investor Here is the article:

The government went to great lengths in 2008, but how many bullets do they have left to avert another crisis? If it were that easy to avert a bubble bursting then no country would ever experience a housing collapse. No doubt, the US government tried to help the housing market. But did it...

They can do as much as the government in the US, Ireland, etc were able to do, which unfortunately was not a lot. Once air starts to escape from the bubble, there nothing anyone can do to put it back in.

Has that changed? So now even if a project is delayed infinitely you can not walk away?

It didn't fail. They barely gave the new Eatons a chance. As soon as Paul Walters left the company the new guy decided to switch banners. Had they kept Eatons (and Paul Walters) things would be so different today. Paul leaving was the beginning of the end for Sears. Edit: And I'll just add that...

It's you that is incredibly thin skinned. The mere thought of a correction in the market has you shaking in your boots and lashing out with comments like the above. You seem to resent anyone who even suggests the possibility of a correction. Disingenuous apology not accepted.

This comment as well as the comment about the bears moving into a slum in two years is uncalled for and immature. Thanks for keeping the thread on track.

Thanks, Eug. Very interesting to indirectly hear from these investors. But I still have to wonder, who do these investors think they are going to sell there investment properties to when they want/need to liquidate? If the minority rich continue to escalate prices far beyond what local wages...

These investors buying with 100% cash may not care about cash flow, interest rates, etc. However one day they will want to sell their investment property. In this scenario, who will they sell to? If local wages can't support never ending price increases, and thus locals can't afford to buy, who...

I see what you are saying, Eug. However, one could also argue that a bubble bursting in China will cause investors over there (who are forced/decide to sell) to lose a lot of money. This will in turn hamper their ability to invest abroad. One could also argue that if people begin having...