Abstract This paper explains that the condominium market is one aspect of the speculative real estate market that has contributed greatly to the bubble-like behavior of the recent housing boom. The author points out that the condominium component of the housing industry is particularly important to the mortgage loan industry and typifies the significant symbiosis that exists between the housing and the mortgage finance industry. The paper stresses that condominium developers may have a cost advantage in a significantly depressed market because single-family unit developers are unable to account for land costs across a greater number of housing units as condominium developers are able to do. The paper includes graphs.
Table of Contents:
Overview
Economics of Supply and Demand
The Price Impact on Homes
The Mortgage Loan Industry
Effect on Housing Market
From the Paper "Among the artificial forces that affect supply and demand, the first may be a private enterprise's mandate to lower the number of vacant, month-to-month temporary units by a fixed percentage point in order to control demographic development. This is not a market force but an operating decision to increase revenue on existing units on the part of a given company specializing in housing products; either single units or condominiums. To accomplish this objective a company needs to artificially manipulate equilibrium within the market."
Abstract This paper explains that the Cambodian government has begun to make vast improvements to westernize its housing system in terms of design and in distribution of land. The author points out that, while urbanization plays a vital role in free market trade and democratic governments, the lack of purchasing power, financial strength and the legal loopholes required to obtain a new home in Phnom Penh are problems for the general Cambodian population. The paper stresses that Cambodians, who were colonized by the French in the late 19th and early 20th century, are accustomed to the centralized living styles of French flats, which provide more communal areas; whereas, the American investors are insisting on implementing western style condominiums, which differ in the sense that the facilities provide more privacy and space.
Table of Contents:
Historical Background
The Need for Land and Growth
Culture and Foreign Investment
History of Housing in Phnom Penh
Cambodian Fiscal System
The Development of French Style Flats and Western Condominiums Legal Requirements for Construction of Housing
The Cost of Living in the New Phnom Penh
Analysis: French Style Flats versus Western Style Condominiums Conclusion
From the Paper "It is evident that Cambodia has a distinct disadvantage compared to the rest of the Asian countries. Primarily, the remnants of war has left a poverty stricken country with the responsibility of re-shaping its entire government, providing education and health care to needy families and finding adequate professional workers to maintain a new democratic system of public administration. However, there are many advantages to starting over for Cambodia, as the United Nations and the United States have taken a great interest in the rebuilding efforts. With a new, open economy and sufficient developmental programs, Cambodia stands at a crossroads for change."
Abstract The era of four decades of an industry plagued with images of overly aggressive sales people, high-pressured sales tactics, schemes and unforeseen bankruptcies resulting in the loss of investment is over. This paper shows that industry experts have seen an unprecedented turn around in public opinion and industry practices in response to a positive marketing campaign, industry regulations and the integration of major hotel company brand affiliations among its ranks. This coincides with a booming U.S. economy, which boasts tourism as the third largest retail sales industry in the nation. This paper shows how timeshare has finally matured from infancy to adolescence with promises of gaining fast ground in the $1.38 billion a day industry of tourism.
From the Paper "Estimating the value is based on how many years one plans to continue vacationing. A 40 year old person who reasonably expects to vacation for the next 30 years would divide the investment amount by 30 and arrive at a yearly average of $350. This figure becomes increasingly attractive when divided by 7 nights ($50.). Based on 4 individuals occupying the unit a daily rate per person of $12.50 is obtained. Since a timeshare is a one-time purchase, the price is frozen thereby eliminating future price increases and inflation."
Abstract This paper reviews on Social Security, Las Vegas condos, and President Bush's budget.
From the Paper "Hubbard's thesis is that the real question about the future of Social Security should be how to design a system that builds on the system's success. The basic goal of Social Security today and in the future is to provide retirement benefits especially important to low-income senior citizens. Hubbard's points include creating personal accounts. This means that such money cannot be diverted to other government funding Hubbard feels that it ..."
Tags: Social Security, privatization, Las Vegas, condos, hotel-condominiums, President Bush, tax cuts, deficits
Abstract The issue of Brownfield re-development has been one of the most significant matters to ever consume the time and attention of Toronto civic leaders. Indeed, the consensus (at least among those who closely follow the flagging fortunes of the city's waterfront) is that a failure to adequately resolve Toronto's brown field problem will do lasting harm to Canada's largest metropolitan center. In this paper, the writer explores the brown field redevelopment situation in Toronto by examining whether or not there are any differences to be found between the redeveloped condominiums built on former industrial sites and those built at other locations.
This paper examines homelessness in Toronto within the context of the different definitions for the term "community" and proposes ways to reduce homelessness in this city.
Abstract This paper explains that the homeless community can be seen as a community because they are people trapped in a common cycle from which they would like to escape, with common interests in finding shelter and adequate food, which often compels them to act in unison performing petty crime as a means of survival. The author points out that, if the burgeoning homeless problem in Toronto is not addressed, then the community of Toronto will start to see an increase in crime and movement out of the areas populated by homeless people thus creating impoverished pockets within the city. The paper recommends that funds, which have been earmarked for homeless shelters and other programs should be spent rather than be languishing somewhere because of bureaucratic red-tape. The author suggest that this money should be invested in re-training programs and the conversion of brown fields areas into affordable housing condominiums for the working poor.
From the Paper "Toronto's homeless situation can also be looked at by looking at Marxist definitions of what a community is - or, more precisely, what it is not. For instance, those academics who subscribe to Marxist theory maintain that communities are manifestations of the class dialectic; in other words, communities are organized in such a way as to ensure the exploitation of some by others at the same time as they reveal the inequalities present in a capitalist society. While this assessment of the community can be dismissed as unduly cynical and extreme, there is little doubt that Toronto is a city of extremes."
Abstract This paper explains the legal standard for eminent domain that requires 'just' compensation to owners and that the property be intended for public use. The paper shows how there is a need to redress property owners with regard to either or both infringements of the constitutional stipulations of eminent domain. The paper also discusses the Homeowners' Freedom organization that is dedicated to the assertion of property rights of owners. Emphasis is placed on how eminent domain rulings were not intended to build malls, condominiums, and saturated housing projects to feed the tax base of any community by making a few people wealthy enough to add to the bottom dollar. The paper strongly believes that eminent domain needs to be continually put in check, and individuals need not feel as if they have no power to fight government decisions or desires.
From the Paper "Eminent domain rulings are frequently minimally damaging to property owners, as only small portions of land have been seized for government use, yet there are also many cases a year where a government entity, be it state, local or federal utilizes eminent domain laws to seize or purchase property that includes domestic residences. In such cases the municipality often has the upper hand, with regard to purchase price as they can dictate the purchase price at any level the individual is willing to accept or set the rate of purchase at the tax assessed value of the property, a rate that is usually significantly lower than the fair market value of the property. Additionally, the municipality may argue in favor of a purchase price determined by the value of the land itself, not including the improvements upon it, including homes and other buildings as the value becomes very limited once the announcement of eminent domain seizure has occurred."
