I keep going back and forth with the thought of buying a house. On some levels, buying a home seems like a very smart thing to do (good long term investment, etc) but the permanency of a home purchase worries me. I really don't like Portland and I cringe at the thought of raising kids here (crime rates are higher than average and the schools have received low marks). We've looked at Vancouver (which is cheaper and the schools are better) but Vancouver is not my favorite city by any stretch of the imagination. We've dreamt about moving to Bend and Colorado and Iowa (well, I've dreamt about the last one..family reasons) but sometimes I just want to sink my roots in and not move around so much. Other times, I hate the thought of staying in one area for so long. But maybe it's time to tuck away my moving shoes and grow up a bit.
What are your thoughts? Is buying a home something we should do? Here? I need advice!
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We've been totally thrilled with our home purchase, but I think that's mostly because we feel so at home in Portland. We'd traveled enough to know that this is where we wanted to raise our family, and the market here works for both of our careers, and it was right where we were in school, so it made sense.
The comments I hear from you are so consistently varied in terms of where you want to live - it's hard to imagine being tied down to a house! My general advice (given interest on mortgages and closing costs and maintenance costs) is to buy a house only if you have 20% down and you plan to stay at least 5 years, but preferably 10.
That's all just general though! I know you and Brenden will decide what is right for you.
Thanks KK! I know, my moving heart is always looking for a new place to go! I know that Brenden and I both don't want to raise kids in Portland (the city), but Brenden wants to stay in the PNW and I support that desire for him. I dream big about living in Colorado, Iowa, Alaska, or even Europe. But sometimes I feel like I should be content where I am and start building a lasting root system here. That being said, we really like Happy Valley but the average home price is a little above our budget for a first time purchase. We both really like Troutdale and Sandy too. And Vancouver seems to be a smart option. So much to think about! We would absolutly put 20% down and that brings up another thought: should we spend all that on a house or save it for our kids needs....it's alot of money to have gone in one check. Oh man, so many decisions but it's all happy stuff!
Well, I'm an Iowan -- So I'm partial. Iowa's a great place to have a family and we're all so nice :)
The other *big* component is our cost of living is extremely low compared to other parts of the country!
I hope you consider it!
I couldn't agree with you more Tyler! My family lives in Iowa, so there's that draw too. It's flat and there is no ocean nearby but living is so much easier! It's def. something to consider!
Two af my favorite Charactures in the Bible are King Hezekiah and Nehemiah, the cup bearer to King Artexerxes of Susa. Both of these men bathed every step they took in Prayer to thier Lord. (2 Kings 19:14-19 and Nehemiah 2:1-9) Seek God in your plans and He will show you what to do and make your paths straight before you. I am praying for you too that God will guide you. Love, Your Aunt Rhonda
I just had a couple of thoughts:
1. house prices are very low right now, so most likely you would gain equity quickly if you decide to move.
2. interest rates are low so money is "cheap" now, too.
3. On the other hand, houses come with a lot more expenses, utilities, maintenance, etc.
4. How committed are you to your jobs?
We love owning, and putting money into a home is more secure than mutual funds.
Hope this helps.
David
Thanks David and Rhonda! I am so conflicted because I feel like we should buy a home but I have some serious issues with living here long term. Neither Brenden nor I want to raise our family in Portland. And I would prefer not to live in Oregon (worst state EVER...HAHA). As for our jobs, Brenden and I want something better for Brenden and we want me to be able to stay home with kids so we don't want to set ourselves up in something that would need a double income. Iowa is so tempting on so many levels and yet so not tempting on different levels. Conflicted!
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