4 chapters across the catalog
Listeners report extreme bidding wars in the Austin housing market, with homes selling for 80% more than their 2019 prices. The hosts propose a "legislative arm" for the show to draft boilerplate laws preventing institutional investors from buying up residential neighborhoods.
San Francisco Real Estate, Median Home Prices, Income Requirements
A report from the California Association of Realtors indicates that an annual income of $303,000 is required to afford a median-priced home in San Francisco. Local realtors suggest the median price has reached approximately $1.8 million, leading to an exodus of teachers and artists. The discussion notes that while many residents are moving to Austin, Texas, that city is also becoming one of the most expensive in the United States.
Saudi Succession, Factional Instability and the House of Saud
The death of King Abdullah may lead to instability within the massive Saudi royal family, as hundreds of princes vie for influence. The hosts discuss the origins of the House of Saud, noting that the family essentially "made up" their royalty after taking control of the region. They suggest that the lack of a clear "heavyweight" successor could lead to internal friction and volatile oil prices.
Global Debt Strategy, Collateral Seizure, and Housing Market Collapse
The "Curry Dvorak Consultancy Group" presents a satirical pitch to the Obama administration regarding global debt. They suggest that countries should be forced into unpayable debt so that the IMF and banks like Goldman Sachs can seize assets as collateral. The strategy includes depressing housing prices to push people out of their homes before the banks take over the properties at low prices.
