But the class, which was designed to help the clueless homebuyer be more prepared for the homebuying process, and be more confident, etc., had the exact opposite effect on me.
See, everything up to and including
Home Buying for Dummies
has this effect on me.
Come on, people. Even cars have become fairly straightforward to buy without a lot of random hidden costs and bargaining. Let's get with the program.
My thoughts on home ownership: It's no longer the investment it once was. Your money will make more money in an investment account or (until lately) the stock market. So only buy if you are going to live there forever.
Also, half a million dollars for someplace I don't even want is offensive.
YO FAY!
It was John Singer Sargent's Madame X
I remember that, amy. I couldn't remember who painted it, though. Lovely.
beth, your advice and your dad's is right on.
Teppy, I'm sorry it stressed you out.
I love Sargent's work. America ex-pat. Great portraits for the Gilded Age.
I read through Homebuying for Dummies. It's too complicated and, considering home prices in the DC area, I can't afford it (that's what I get for working in the non-profit sector!). However, my paranoia about owing money turned out to be a good thing - about a year and a half ago a mortgage broker tried to talk me into an interest-only no-money-down ARM ... and I'm glad I said no!
Yes, I remember that painting! Wouldn't have been help finding it though.
I didn't own a house until I married DH#2. It never suited my lifestyle. Beth's points are right on. Owning a house sucks in so many ways. Stuff always needs repair. Endless lists. Yet it has worked out very well for me. The last couple houses I owned tripled in value, but I live in a place that grows at a crazy pace. Not all markets are the same. In most major markets it doesn't pay to own. It's close to that point here now with the real estate market depressed and taxes at insane rates. If I didn't already own my house I would probably rent some place great and not have the stress.
I made quiche at 6 this morning so when I got home from my first school run the house smelled all yummy. Belly full now. Yum. My sister is visiting. When she wakes her belly will be full too.
I'm hoping to buy this summer. Not freaked yet, but I'm sure that'll change.
For Fay, also insent to her profile addy:
Not having seen the icon in question...Perhaps this one?
[link]
or this one?
[link]
Ok. Mal killed me ded. So cute! I can't believe he's two!
Sean, I'm so glad you got the meds for S. I hope she's feeling better this morning.
Poor Steph! I think a class would do a similar thing to me too. My brother is a mortgage broker (or something like that), and all my questions go to him. He knows how answer me :). And, he gives me hope that one day I'll own...
Um...there was other stuff. Now I can't remember. Clearly I need to drink more coffee.
Belated birthday felicitations to Mal! The pictures were awesome--he's such a charmer, but I can believe he's a forceful personality. Over-his-cold-ma to him.
