[LS]

I agree that taxes change consumption habits, including home purchases. I think people, when it comes to homes, tend to look only in their neighborhood, and that is unfortunate because all real estate is Location Location Location.

I have a 2200 Sq. Ft. House. It is not a monster. It is exactly right for our 3-person family. This, by the way, makes a point that I seem unable to drive through the skulls of others here, namely that our "average" houses today are VASTLY superior to the "average" house of 30 years ago---not just in space, but in SOME aspects of construction; certainly in insulation and energy savings; occasionally in plumbing (although I want the "Big FLUSH" toilets brought back; in having central heat and air; in having INSTALLED appliances; and in having garages. Thus, a home today is the equivalent of a Ferrari 30 to the Chevy of 30 years ago.

[fogarty]

I would daresay that a 2200 Sq Ft home is almost too much house for a family of three. Certainly with only one child. My own house is a little over 1900 square foot, and my wife and I plan to have a couple kids. It is more than enough space, even with three bedrooms occupied.

I never understood the need or desire of people to buy or build these huge 3000+ sq ft homes. It's too much house to maintain, much less keep clean!