No, assuming 9/99 - 9/18.

https://dqydj.com/sp-500-return-calculator/

     Annualized S&P 500 Return (Dividends Reinvested)	6.141%

But I don't know what improvements were made to the house or what they cost... also didn't calculate the ongoing maintenance costs..

Not sure on the property tax situation in SV, but a common assumption is 1% of the houses's value annually. So with that considered, it is probably close to a wash with the S&P 500. And whatever upkeep as well, as you said.

Because of Prop 13 tax increase year to year is limited to inflation or 2% increase (whichever is lower). So yes, you start with ~1% of the house value but with 7% average increase in property value and limited to 2% increase in tax value you end up banking most of that property value increase.

But also don't forget to subtract rent (the value of actually living in and enjoying the house or one of equivalent value). It'll probably work out to the same or a slightly higher ROI

No, the SP&500 has a lower rate of return from 1999 to today. With dividend reinvestment it was 6.1%.

Also you can't live in the S&P500.

It’s hard grow tomatoes in the backyard of the S&P500.

The S&P doesn't have expenses. A house does, on the order of 1% annually.

Except with property you have the utility value of having a place that keeps rain off of your head and with the S&P you have the utility value of.. getting to be obsessive about numbers on a screen every moment of every day. Whether that difference is worth the extra points is an individual call.