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Perry Cofield AIA
Design Ways & Means Architects
Arlington VA
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The system hurts more than custom architects. Here in DC, new townhouses in SE Anacostia do not appraise even close to what the builder has in them- land is expensive even in dicey neighborhoods. The real culprit is the banks. Since the banks so cavalierly wrecked the economy with their lending policies, why not require them to waive comparables as part of valuation, in certain cases? Could not be any worse than what they brought on themselves. There is great social strength to a custom house- the folk will probably occupy for a long time. And on the other hand, why continue rewarding builders for building amenity free subdivisions? At least there are services in place in Anacostia. Point is that you could begin to butress social policy with these tools. You free-marketers out there have just sighed a big ARRGGHHH, no doubt. But think about it.