I do to a degree. I mean, it's been nice having a landlord to make sure things stay nice around here, but at the same time I can't help but dream of my own place where I get to make all the decorating choices (and where I won't hear neighbors through walls and ceilings and I'm not constantly worried about what might get damaged that will get me into trouble, etc.).
Plus, and maybe this is just because it is where I live, I've seen some houses that have very do-able mortgages (i.e my uncle lives in a small, but comfy, three bedroom home with a fixed rate mortgage, no down payment (it was factored in overall) and a $900 a month bill). So, for me, the dream is still very much alive. It is sad to see it is dying for so many other people, though. :(
Same. I want a place that I can redecorate and even do major renovations on, have some distance between me and my neighbors, that my landlord can't up the rent on 5% or more a year or suddenly decide to convert to condos I can't afford...
Yes to everything you've said. I think that what people are going to have to work hard not to forget is that if you don't get a fixed rate mortgage, you are liable to be screwed. Don't sign if it isn't fixed rate. Don't leave it open for a bank to up your payments to extravagant amounts whenever they feel. Also, don't try to buy a McMansion if you can't afford one. A small house IS okay. There is no need for a huge house for two or three people. Sure, it is nice, but it isn't necessary. Besides, if you get a small house with a nice plot of land, you can always renovate, like you said.
I just have to keep telling myself that it CAN be done. You have to be careful and do your homework, but it can be done. I'm holding out that hope with you, bb! The idea of living in an apartment for the rest of my days depresses me, for real. :(
I think another thing people can get themselves into trouble with is not factoring in expenses associated with setting up a house (is there a major appliance or two not included? can you not stand the carpet in one of the rooms for even 10 minutes?) and the fact they're now basically responsible for any repairs. One of my coworkers went without a water heater for months after the original broke not all that long after she got her place; she's allergic to debt. I'm not sure I'd have had the same willpower.
I really do. Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to live in a house. I grew up in a trailer, which fucking sucked because they are really poorly made and there is NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING, and now I live in an apartment, which is nice and all, but it's not mine. It's very sterile and everything is off-white.
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Plus, and maybe this is just because it is where I live, I've seen some houses that have very do-able mortgages (i.e my uncle lives in a small, but comfy, three bedroom home with a fixed rate mortgage, no down payment (it was factored in overall) and a $900 a month bill). So, for me, the dream is still very much alive. It is sad to see it is dying for so many other people, though. :(
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I just have to keep telling myself that it CAN be done. You have to be careful and do your homework, but it can be done. I'm holding out that hope with you, bb! The idea of living in an apartment for the rest of my days depresses me, for real. :(
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