I live right in the heart of Los Angeles and in an older section of homes. Immediately west of me is the border of homes that all run $1,000,000 +.

I just got a card in the mail advertising a home that is just one block from me. It is priced at $1,198,000. I about fainted. It is on a very heavily trafficed street. I drove by to have a look at it and it is by no means a mansion - just a lovely older home and not that large.

The ad says "Upgrades" with some pictures. The lot is a standard lot. Getting in and out of the driveway because of the traffic must be a nightmare.

I know that I could not afford to buy my home today or pay the property taxes that would go with the current market price.

I do not know how couples just starting out are ever going to be able to afford a home - because salaries will not allow house payments of $4,000 + a month plus taxes.