$1.4 billion in housing subsidies would be well spent

Re: 'Clock ticking again on seller-funded down payments' (June 17)

Dear Editor:

In my opinion, by not allowing seller contributions towards down-payment assistance the current housing market will be hurt. In this market we need activity to keep it alive, prices strong, and buyer sentiment strong. Since the federal government has failed at regulating the appraisal process and the lending process in general, they should provide additional cushion for the blow.

By not allowing this group of buyers with good credit, stable jobs, but not a lot of cash lying around into the housing market, it will soften further, perhaps contributing to higher rates of foreclosure (dropping prices create a more drastic short-sale scenario). This will put upward pressure on rental rates and hurt the economy in general. How much is $1.4 billion in subsidies compared to our continual cost of the Iraq war?

Ben Thomas
Realtor
Century 21 Jack Associates
Montpelier, Vt.

Re: 'Please stop innovating!' (June 18)

Dear Editor:

Hilarious! Confirmation in writing that we're out of control, but helping us to laugh about it instead of panicking. I think we're far beyond multitasking and on to who knows what. …

Carol Kellogg
Office manager
Lyon Real Estate
Fair Oaks, Calif.

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