I bought my first house in California in 1985 for $20,000 less than a new truck costs these days
When I bought my first truck for $10,000 in 1980 my dad said that is what his first house cost (1940 or so?).
I just heard a podcast where the guy was saying his buddy (union automaker) just got a 25% raise that was part of a new deal. “Well, good for him. I wonder where that increase will come from? I suppose they’ll have to increase the prices of cars?? But who knows???” (DUH!)
Who cares?
That was a whole lot of currency devaluation ago.
What does that house sell for today?
What was your annual take home pay in 1985? What is you annual take home pay today?
The car dealer isn't ripping you off. Neither is the realtor.
Big Government is ripping you off.