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Small-Scale Question Sunday for July 2, 2023

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes increases the price of housing, rather than decreasing it, by increasing demand. They de facto increase the ability of buyers to pay higher prices, by reducing the monthly cost of home ownership. Ditto re Fannie and Freddie, since they have the effect of lowering mortgage rates.

The monthly cost of their lifestyle was how I interpreted the quote's point. "We (society) put our fingers on the scale to make people's lifestyles more affordable" in the context of the 2008 financial crisis it ties into housing, so I view the topic as essentially "how does society put their finger on the scale of monthly housing costs to make normies lifestyles more affordable?"

Oh I was referring specifically to "These reduce the cost of housing"

Ah I should have said carrying cost! Thanks