[eweissenbach]

When looking at homes we simply add the price of the home and the amount of the bond to come up with the selling price. Most people don't pay off the bond as they cannot really add that to the selling price when, and if, they sell. The bond is problematic in that it does not add to the home value, it carries a higher interest rate than a mortgage, and if you pay it off you cannot generally recoup it when you sell, so it is actially worse than if it were a part of the sales price. I have heard people claim it is no problem, as they pay it as part of their taxes and don't really notice it. Well, I gotta tell you, I would notice an additional $2000 or so when I pay my tax bill. I have also had TV sales people try to convince me that it really should not be added to the price of the home when considering the gross price because it is paid with the taxes and not a big deal. That is an insult to my intelligence. I understand exactly why the bond is a part of the new home purchase, as it allows the developer to finance the infrastructure while keeping the price of the home reasonable, but to think it is anything other than an additonal cost of the purchase is irresponsible.