So we haven't found a house that we absolutely love, and I'm running out of time - both mentally and physically (baby will be here before we know it!).
There is a house that we could make an offer on, but again, we just don't LOVE it. It's nice and could work, though. And one plus is they just dropped their asking price.
Then there's the issue of STILL being torn between which side of town to live on. We tend to lean toward the NE side, that's where that house is. But there's still this pull toward the NW side. We found out that one of the public elementary schools there has a Montessori program, which means we could get Kevin in at least part time to start, and Kyle could go with that Kinder program, or the regular public program. The nice thing is they're on the same campus.
So the possibility of renting came up. We could rent for a year on the NW side to see how we like it, all the while still looking for a house that we really love. But then we'd miss out on the tax rebate of $6500 that expires in May I think. However, Dom thinks house prices will drop after that rebate expires anyway.
Ugh, why does this have to be so hard? I feel like with renting we'd just be "throwing" that money away when we could actually be paying for a mortgage instead. But then we could also look at it as buying ourselves more time. What do you think? Would you rent?
I don't have a lot of words if wisdom on it but it makes me happy not to care if the roof leaks or the floor is scratched.
Or knowing that I won't have to pay for a 25k septic system.
Money aside, I am really glad we rented here first (if we ever buy again) since it showed me a lot of city things that I will consider before buying.
I'm thrilled we rented first. Thrilled enough that we may never buy again.
ITA with this. I love renting. I don't have to worry about replacing appliances if they break. I didn't have to pay for the a/c to be fixed when like 4 things went wrong with it last year. I don't have to worry about resale value or fixing this place up. I only have to take care of it like I would any house.
Especially considering that you don't know which neighborhood you want to live in - if you rent, it's kind of a "try before you buy" thing.
I don't feel like we're throwing money away by renting. We wouldn't be able to afford to buy this house or anything like it in our area, and we don't have to stress about maintenance costs and a separate tax payment. If housing prices drop significantly again, the only way it would affect us is if we found a cheaper house to rent.
Buying definitely has its merits, but renting has been wonderful for us. Our lease is up this May, and we will be renewing for the 2nd time.
A word of advice though - having rented from an individual landlord and a property management company, I would HIGHLY recommend going with the latter. Our landlord in our old house was too personally involved in the house, understandably, but it was just not a very pleasant experience. Using an agency has been great - they are responsive, professional, and don't balk at repairs.
Good luck with your decision! I hope you find a place you love!
To make things more interesting...our realtor just called to let us know that the listing agent on that house we like let her know that they received an offer. They want to know if we're in at all.
(sigh) Dom just left for Pittsburgh this morning. We need to make a decision right away.
Jo, I am sorry you are struggling with this decision!
If you don't love the house, and there is another offer on it, I would walk away.
I am all for home ownership, but I think it might not be bad to try things out before committing, especially if you feel the market will shift in your favor. ITU not wanting to let the credit get away, but in the end, you want to be in a house you love.
And renting definitely has its perks like Sonya and Alison have mentioned. With a third baby coming, not having to worry about the maintenance issues of owning a home might be a welcome change!
If you aren't definate on the area, I'd really consider renting.
In fact, I was definate at the time on this place, and by being here I learned what I loved and wouldn't change, and what I need when we go for a forever home, if I can ever be convinced to buy something else, lol.
We've decided to let the house go. We aren't in love with it, and we really both should be.
The idea of renting is becoming more appealing. We can get in to something right away, and I'm seriously in need of my own place right now. I'm finding some rental listings that look pretty good.
I think until you find THE house renting is a great option. Sure, perhaps having to move again is a PITA, but being stuck where you don't want to be isn't good either.
For us, we just know when we walk in a house if it's for us. I'm sure you will too!
Late to this thread, but, I think renting is a great idea if you havent figured out where to live. There are tons of great houses for rent from that people weren't able to sell. And since I know you want to find your forever home, or close to it, i would'nt jump into anything.
Maybe you can buy some land and build :giggle like you need something else to do. haha.
Just curious which school has the Montessori Kevin can go to?
