Scenario for possible second home in N.M.

[Devin Bent]

We had something similar in Vermont. The area where I lived, I would estimate 90% of the homes were vacant 90% of the time.

Three good things.

1. Our planned community set aside three acres totally undeveloped for every home. Thus environmental damage was lessened. Might have been considerably less damage than would have resulted from the more typical development pattern.

2. Also we paid to build the lines to connect with the nearest sewage system. Thus we eliminated the possibility of harm from the failure of septic systems

3. Those absentee owners paid property taxes and used services very little. There is some financial benefit in that. In addition, Vermont hit them with a higher tax than the full-time residents paid. In a sense then, tax policy discouraged second homes.

[mortimer]

Devin Bent posted some fine statistics:

> Here is the data ...

Thank you for the information -- all great.

> Mortimer, isn't you who occasionally publishes the ratio that 1,000 feet
> of altitude is the equivalent for purposes of temperature of 300 miles?

Guilty as charged. That is why I put the emphasis[*] around the Albuquerque because if it can happen there, it can more easily happen N of there where the elevation is pretty much always higher.

Note that I was not saying that Northern NM always or frequently gets snows Oct/Nov/Apr/May and such, I'm just saying that it isn't unheard of.

Generaly, though, it's all over but for the shouting by March, really. After that early October 10" in 1986 *in*Albuquerque* I won't assume I'm safe anywhere N of here from October 1st on.

[mortimer]

Devin Bent reported:

3. .... In a sense then, tax policy discouraged second homes.

Except that for any state with an income tax, and federally, there is a write-off for the mortgage interest.

There shouldn't be a write-off for any interest.

[Calamity]

Read with interest your posting. I have home in Fla panhandle, and, dreamed
of riding the horse in the West mountains. Took tentative trips beginning in
1997, and have not regretted the journey that included Idaho, Wyoming, and now, New Mexico. Along the way, have met many wonderful people, and made some extra special friends.

It occurs to me that some people are where they are just because they
ARE there. If, however, you have a dream of a different sort, I would encourage you to pursue. If it is really important to you, don't get caught waiting too long - our lifetime is limited, our physical ability eventually declines.....Don't let that song be unsung!

By the way, I was pleased with Albequerque shopping. Clean, nice variety,
and lots of activities. Also noted, people in Gallup,NM that are shopping in stores are courteous, clean and friendly. Surprised to see so many with their
blue jeans pressed and creased! And I always feel better to see boots 'n cowboy hats around.