In August of 2007, we calculated what it cost to prepare deeds that unambiguously describe the area that comprises properties on the surface of Mars.
The tasks associated with accomplishing this are more involved than you might realize. First, accurate maps of Mars had to be consulted. Next, a
robust database describing all of the parcels of land, their status (for sale, not for sale, owner(s), price) had to be built. The database had to
be intergrated into the website. Accounting and other financial transaction software was needed to assist with the selling process. Agents had to be contacted,
interviewed, and trained. The physical materials on which we print the deeds had to be procured. Finally, the domain was purchased, the web site built, and
the business was launched.
We carefully worked out that a single, $10.25 sale of an area of land, minus the aforementioned costs, times the (reasonable) number of sales to be
expected on a daily basis, less 20% for charity donations and commissions, would leave us enough profit that we could continue to operate the
business.
As our business expands, and we bring on more agents, have more access to the databases, need to bring on more help with the website, advertising, etc.,
our costs will naturally increase slightly. This means, with a smaller subset of property available (as more people buy), the cost associated with
a particular transaction could naturally go up.
This results in a market of ever increasing prices, but it is gradual enough to encourage people to buy at any time, it is quick enough so that it
outperforms money placed in bank accounts, and it is much safer than the volatile stock market.
Basically, it is an investment that cannot decrease as time goes on, and the value increases faster than interest accrues in other venues.
Click here to go to the next section, Can anyone buy land?
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