They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, and cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand. They think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are because we had to discover the compensations and refuges of life for ourselves. Even when they enter deep into our world or sink below us, they still think that they are better than we are. They are different. F. Scott Fitzgerald
This historic 12,000-square-foot Marin mansion sold for 65 million dollars. It just boggles the mind. The property tax on that house alone should resolve the county’s budget issues.
UPDATE: Scratch that. The new owners won't have to worry about a tax bill. Property taxes are waived because of the historic designation. Here's the listing.
13 comments:
Property taxes are waived because of the historic designation
Maybe when you find a sweet Victorian deal you can get it designated historic. And as long as we're dreaming I'd like a solid gold toilet seat.
Since Ogg didn't call it... Murst!
Note to self: find a property with a historic designation. Then add Batcave. And secret passageways. Those are a must.
Usually the historic designation means that you're prohibited from adding a Batcave. It's not quite a win-win situation.
No Batcave allowed? Bored now.
My parents considered the historic designation on their place, but decided the various restrictions would affect resale value. If they were paying property taxes on 65 million they would probably reconsider.
In completely unrelated news, an inmate is suing the Utah Department of Corrections for denying him his Thor's Hammer, Mead Horn, drum, rune staff and sword he needed to practice his Nordic religion.
Note to self: If imprisoned, start a religion requiring me to worship with a large crew of locksmiths and submachine gun toting priests.
I don't suppose a Nerf sword and hammer would suffice.
F. Scott may have been corretct in the way they feel, but if the wealthy do feel that they are better than the poor it is only because they are delusional and unbalanced.
Behind every great fortune there is a crime.
Honore de Balzac
-t
F. Scott Fitzgerald was far too enamored with the wealthy to really perceive them accurately. However, "they are different from you and me" came to mind when I discovered that 65 million sale. And no fucking property taxes adds insult to injury!
As far as 19th century French literature I find Flaubert more inciteful than Balzac.
Apparently, California's 1976 Mills Act is to blame for this.
Adopted by the California Legislature in 1976, the Mills Act gives local governments the authority to grant property tax relief to owners of qualified historic properties, including owner-occupied and income producing properties. In exchange for this relief, the property owners must agree by contract to maintain the properties in accordance with specific historic preservation standards and conditions. The overall intent of the legislation is to provide an incentive for owners to preserve and maintain the community’s historic resources.
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Is a completely voluntary program.Is an economic incentive to encourage preservation of historic properties by reducing property taxes.Can be used by homeowners as well as income producing historic properties.Includes a commitment to preserve and maintain the property for a minimum period of 10 years.Is a contract between the City and the owner of a designated historic property.
EXPECTED PROGRAM BENEFITS
The Mills Act serves as a financial incentive to owners to preserve and maintain their historic properties for the benefit of the entire community. The preservation of important resources and neighborhoods would havebeneficial indirect effects on local contractors, businesses and community pride. Recent studies indicate that ongoing maintenance to maintain the integrity of historic homes increases both property values of the structure and the historic district in general.
DOES YOUR PROPERTY QUALIFY?
Only certain properties can use this preservation incentive. Properties listed on an official federal, state, county, or city register, including the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, the California Register of Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest and local survey listings are eligible for Mills Act contracts.
I find Flaubert more inciteful than Balzac.
You slammed my balzac!
@Edgar,
LOL - I like the word I invented too.
In related local news was this amusing article:
Marin median price of homes rises, sales slump. I guess it is generally assumed that Joe merlot remembers his annoying stats class and how sales volume affects median price - particularly if the only folks buying are in the high-end market.
@ Edgar:
You slammed my balzac!
That has to hurt.
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