this isn't a secret...

[tinpra]

...but apparently it's not something i've widely advertised. i don't particularly want to own a home. and apparently i'm a financial idiot for not wanting to do so. at the moment...i'm okay with that. someone give me a good reason why and then i'll change my mind.

Comments

[eccentrici.livejournal.com]

I think you're right. I think if you add up all the money homeowners spend on repairs, taxes, etc., you will find that you don't really save any money in the long run.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

Darla! Where were you last night when I was hashin' it out with my mother and Iowan friend?

oh and i totally owe you a revised version of Karen's stories

[nikita31j7a.livejournal.com]

After years of renting an apartment, I bought a condo. My mortgage is *lower* then my rent was going to be, I only have to pay renter's insurance since the condo people own the structure, and minor repairs are still free. I don't know what state you're in, but the only *real* expense I didn't have while renting is property tax, but after 12 years it seems like a small price to have to pay to have SO much equity (ie borrowing power should the need arise) at my fingertips. Not necessarily agreeing with mom; just my two cents.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

well a condo i think i could mentally swing. i'm even agreable to owning land...just not putting anything i must personally maintain on said land. unless it's a garden. or a greenhouse. you get the picture

[nikita31j7a.livejournal.com]

I guess it also depends on what living situation you have now. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. For me, the pros and cons of condo vs apartment were crystal clear.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

well i'm pretty sure i can't swing a condo at the moment. it's more of a long-term investment type thing...when i can afford such. but it's being shopped to me, hard, and i really really don't want to deal w/the owning my own house issues. like if it's a house vs. condo thing then the condo's winning hands down

[nikita31j7a.livejournal.com]

but it's being shopped to me, hard

Yeah, that's when you need to be careful. Buying a house/condo/whatever isn't like buying shoes you don't have to wear if you decide you don't like them.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

lol...i'll use that as part of my arguments against house-buying.

[halcyondayz.livejournal.com]

Don't know what the situation's like where you are but every property which we've bought has greatly increased in value and enabled us to move closer to our ideal house. I think we've been very fortunate as many couples/singles cannot afford to get on the property ladder in the UK now as prices have risen dramatically and continue to rise.
Having no other investments, our property is our primary asset and is well worth all the costs and bother of maintenance for that fact alone plus the compelling reason of it being our family home where our kids have built many happy memories.
Just my two cents.

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

gack....it sounds so...sensible. but i don't have an "ideal house." heck, an apartment might be my ideal house. well...and a house large enough to have a west wing. but even then, it's gotta be a stone's throw from a metropolis

[halcyondayz.livejournal.com]

Sensible? That's me. LOL. Seriously, it's a big financial commitment and if your personal circumstances and renting suit you, then why bother taking on a mortgage? Renting has never been a smart option in the places where I've lived plus kids need space! so, enjoy your freedom from homeowner woes!