Hank,

When you think about it, there are many more smaller homes than mansions.  So if one can afford it, what difference does it make.  It is their money and they have the right to do what they want with it.  They are not hurting anyone, and they are employing people to take care of that home, the grounds, etc.  

Does that mean you would turn down a listing on a jumbo mansion and refuse to sell it?  LOL A

Debbie and I have downsized and love it.  We've had bigger and better and it didn't bring happiness. 

That is a personal questions limited only by one's budget and tastes. 

Many of us in the seniors age category would like to downsize and simplify life.

I had to laugh when I read your question. I did a mortgage a couple of years ago on a home that was 28,000 square feet of living space, there was 17 bedrooms. Two adults and two children living there. That was a bit crazy.

I would think these estates are more for those who can not get privacy elsewhere and prefer the seclusion?

It must be an ego type of thing.

Norm nailed this one!

Hank, I think it's a matter of different opinions and depending of the size of the Family.

"Is it a productive use of resources?" In almost all cases I would say no. Besides the environmental impact of manufacturing the materials, there are the continual effects of heating and cooling. I always ask buyers "How will you use the space?", and many realize they don't need as big of a home as they thought.

Everyone has different wants and needs.  Most larger homes in my area come with larger grounds and the much needed privacy factor.  I echo the comment above: "They are not hurting anyone, and they are employing people to take care of that home, the grounds, etc."

Those with the resources to afford the opulent lifestlye ALSO have legal and funding instruments not available to the rest of use. Remember the HUMMER spurge that was created as a economic stimulus? This folks acquired a FREE HUMMBER.

If you can hit a curve ball, you will need a place to secure your money. A good chunck of non-renewable real estate fits the bill. 

Folks who purchase the Egg McMansions do it because they can.

Those that buy the jumbo homes are buying for ego, not for productive use of resources, IMHO.

The younger the person, the bigger the ego.  The older people just want to downsize.

My hose os about 5000 sq. ft.  do I need one that big?...NO!  But some how I still managed to get one.

I don't have or want a jumbo mansion.  I might want a little larger house.  We have three kids and hopefully grands are around the corner in a few years and I'd love to have enough room for a big family Thanksgiving once in a while.

Having lived in 8' x 4' tarp shelters made out of visqueen, parachute cord and carabiners for months at a time while hiking I believe I know the lower limit. That said the old saying "If you've got it, flaunt it!" still thrives in America. We certainly don't need them Hank but there are plenty of excesses here that don't revolve around real estate. 

It is a showy thing. Drive hotest car of the year, wear a watch studded with diamond bits. Good life.  Poor taste....