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.

We have owned two homes. It was always stressful selling htem but living in them wasn't that bad. We have always bought new homes which meant that there was basically nothing to do. However, we lost out on the sort of original craftsmanship that might come with an older home. Still, new homes tend to have (in my experience) nice, efficient windows, nice fixtures, and no electrical/plumbing problems.

We now live in a rental that is 15 years old. We are always fixing stuff and it bugs me because it's not even our home.

I have a different perspective on the homeowning thing, since I bought my first house a very long time ago. I hated renting. I hated the lack of control and the fact that you had to ask someone else to fix things, and then ask them again and again and again.

It is true that a house is often a hole in the ground into which you throw money, but the reason I can have a house that is inside the perimeter as opposed to way out in soccermom-land is because I started by buying a house years ago in the approach path to Hartsfield. (Really, planes aren't that bad when you're inside.)

The equity in my house funded my transition to working for myself. I've been able to indulge my fondness for playing in the dirt and buying weird plants. Jump in, people! The water's fine except for the occasional shark.

It's so quiet in here today.

Ginger! So good to see you back!

Hi vw!!!

My homeownership is giving me complete heartburn these days, but I can't afford to rent a 4 bedroom in my area either, so someone pass the lube.

I'm at work, still feeling like utter carp. I so totally wish I were home, in bed, asleep.