Insult to Buyers

In “Buyers vs. Builders in Down Market” (March 17), Catherine Collins, writing from Washington, either has no concept of the California real estate market or she is employed by the building industry.

I find it insulting that she can compare the purchase of a home to that of shoes or a car. And to imply that a buyer might base his decision to buy on “cocktail party boasting” is tasteless.

The issue among dissatisfied buyers is not that the builder is responsible for fluctuating values or guaranteeing prices, but that in many of these cases the builder and or his agent has failed to disclose material facts that could affect the purchase (i.e., auctions, planned price cuts, etc.).

MICHAEL WINTERHALTER

Monarch Beach, Calif.