The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome: Turning Around the Unsustainable by John F. Wasik

The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome: Turning Around the Unsustainable by John F. Wasik

By John F. Wasik

An incisive examine the implications of cutting-edge high priced and destructive suburban lifestyleIn The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome, Bloomberg information' John Wasik exposes the industrial, cultural, environmental, and illnesses underlying lifestyles in suburbia. Wasik offers strong insights into how the U.S. suburban way of life has turn into unsustainable and what might be performed to salvage it. His observations are firmly grounded in unique on-the-ground study, interviews with concept leaders, and the most recent experiences and information. The bookExposes the untold truths approximately suburban domestic possession: eco-friendly is not so eco-friendly, existence is not more cost-effective after accounting for fuel, water, and taxes, and smooth suburban residing isn't really so idyllic contemplating the toll it takes on our healthIncludes particular learn and research by means of specialists within the box that debunks the various myths linked to suburban livingExplores cutting edge suggestions being built in towns around the countryThe American Dream of relocating farther from a urban to shop for an even bigger condominium and locate greater faculties has develop into a high priced nightmare. The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome examines why and what might be performed.

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Extra resources for The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome: Turning Around the Unsustainable American Dream

Sample text

The HOLC also introduced to the home market a major innovation: a long-term, self-amortizing mortgage. Now you could extend your debt for up to twenty years, which, in turn, allowed you to buy more house with a lower payment. It became the model for fixed-rate financing. During the 1920s, mortgages were typically granted for five to ten years and put the homeowner at the mercy of the bond market when they came due. This financing made possible places like Radburn, New Jersey, in 1929, which pushed the boundaries of the metropolitan area into Olmsted-like expanses of homes and parks.

Within three years, homes that once were bargains became financial burdens unless they were sold off. Those who thought they were getting the deal of a lifetime courtesy of low mortgage rates got caught in the cul-de-sac syndrome: They borrowed more than they could really afford, moved farther out from central cities, and gambled on home appreciation. Developers, elected officials, bankers, and Wall Street suffered from the same malady. They too refused to believe that these investments would ever sour.

We actually liked being landlords. We are doing better this year than last with our businesses, but every cent is going to toward our bills. I’m really tired of it and have decided to stop paying a few and stop stressing out. It’s just hard to decide which ones. Once we sell a few of them [houses], we’re going to bank our money for a while until we can buy the home we want to live in permanently and then think about our next step. I only hope we don’t ruin the excellent credit we used to have. ” Spurb Corridors The Faietas’ home and investment properties became mired in a foreclosure alley that ran from Tampa to Dade County.

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