When it comes to making a big decision, I'm a talker. I'll talk the hind leg off a dog - and keep on talking for the other one. When I stop talking, the decision has been made... and right now, I'm dying for someone to talk to. Buying a house is a huge decision! And there are lots of things that keep me from crossing the line besides the lack of decent properties.
1. Can I commit to living in one place for several years? My friends and family have entire pages devoted to me in their address books. Since graduating from high school, I haven't kept the same address for more than two years (and that was a P.O. Box!) Granted there were outside issues - roommates, dorms, finding myself, butt-ugly apartments, bad neighbors... etc. If I do purchase a house, I can make it not ugly, kick any potential roommate out and research the neighbors. What happens when I start feeling antsy and want to move on? So far, just thinking about moving all my books has quelled the idea of finding a new apartment - what happens when I'm seriously stuck in one place?
2. Small town living - yea or nea? Small town living does have it's pluses, but there are also negatives. The shopping sucks and you have drive hours to get anywhere worth going. There are no actual coffee shops in this area. The arts are limited and there's only one movie theater. Starbucks is supposed to be coming in a few months, but the location sucks. Do I want to continue living in an area with limited entertainment opportunities? If I don't commit to living here, where would I commit? As much as I love my hometown, I hate it too! Spokane is an unfriendly town. Sure, people are very polite, but anything beyond is a no go... and most people are content to sit at home every night watching TV. Except for the rain and Target, it's not much different. Another large city? ehh... the west coast is basically one large suburb. They don't really grasp the concept of city living (except a small section of Portland) and they're constantly complaining about taxes. The east coast is too far away from family - it's a hassle every holiday.
3. There's no snow. It barely snows in western Washington, which is probably a good thing since most citizen procede immediately to panic and abandon their cars on the freeway after a quarter of an inch has fallen. I, however, grew up with long winters generally filled with snow (global warming notwithstanding). Can I commit to living to a region where you can dream of a white Christmas, but almost never actually get one? And seriously, is this even an important issue? Although I still haven't purchased a heavy duty rain coat, I find myself becoming oblivious to any rain pattern that wouldn't be describe as "ark-like."
4. What if I can't get my money out of the house? What if I try to sell in three years and the market drops? What if I'm laid off? Half of the school districts in western WA are complaining about declining enrollment... I'm pretty low on the totem pole - I could be out the door next year. However, I can't living my life wondering if I'm going to be laid off. Our district talks a good game regarding declining enrollment, but thanks to "open enrollment" for the region, we always end up with dozens more than are expected. Somewhere along the line, the school has garnered and fostered a good reputation.
I could do a Pro/Cons list - but mine always end up equal. I could say "I'm waiting for the perfect" house, but I don't think I can afford my perfect house - and I'd probably want to change every anyways. I wish I knew a good psychic.
Comments
My husband and I bought a house 3 years ago. We are still working on our 1850 Mansard roofed, 2 bedroom home, but it is worth it.
Although my plan is to move into my parents house in a few years and raise my kid(s) in my old neighborhood.
For WA state, that's pretty durned small.