Deal or No Deal? People hoping to cash in on inauguration.

I personally think it’s absurd to pay $1000/night to stay at a condo, house, or whatever…PERIOD.

Are you all kidding me?  Who can actually afford that?

The problem is that the people who really want to bring their families to witness history are not going to be comprised of a majority of upper class people with disposable income.

There’s a limit to charging a premium to witness history and simply ripping people off.  It’s almost ironic, don’t you think?

Excerpt below from The Washington Post…

D.C. CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Property Rules Eased for Inauguration Rentals

By David Nakamura
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 21, 2008; Page B03

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed an executive order yesterday suspending District regulations and allowing residents to rent their properties for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama without obtaining a business license.

The move, which also suspends requirements for property inspections, will be in effect from Jan. 13 through 27. It is aimed at satisfying the record demand for housing from out-of-town visitors who plan to attend the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony and parade. Some city officials said it is the first time they can remember the licensing requirement being suspended…

(for the rest of the article click HERE)

I’ve been surfing the net wondering if people are writing about how all these DC area folks are suddenly looking to make their annual salaries from renting their lived in home or condo for a few days.

The International Herald Tribune (Americas)- GOT A ROOM IN OR NEAR DC? INAUGURATION IS A WINDFALL

The Baltimore Sun- CASHING IN ON OBAMA’S INAUGURATION

The GW Hatchett- STUDENTS RENT OUT ROOMS FOR INAUGURATION

The Chicago Tribune- WASHINGTON READY FOR BARACK OBAMA’S INAUGURATION

In Shaw (a historically gentrified blog)- INAUGURATION HOUSING FANTASIES

Additionally, there’s the issue of restrooms with record crowds bearing January weather in DC.

Jaunted (pop culture travel guide)- EVERYONE POOPS

If you have managed to rent your house or condo or whatever form of sleeping quarters out, I want to hear from you.

On the flip side…If you purchased one of these high priced accomodations, I’d love to hear from you, too, and your rationale behind doing so.

Thank God, I’m originally from the area and have housing options.