Comments on: Thoughts on a possible housing revival

By: Mom

Mom — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:01:33 +0000

Hi Kacie, When we bought our first house in 1988 we got first time home buyers $$’s in the form of a tax credit that equaled 2% off our interest rate for the life of the loan. There will always be first time “home” buyers $$ available, just may have to search for it.
Do you remember the plaque the sales agent gave us as a home warming gift?
“A house is made of brick and stone, A home is made of love alone”

By: Lulu

Lulu — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:36:11 +0000

I agree with you on the house vs. home thing. I live in an apartment and have rented for 10 years since I left high school. I cannot afford a house right now but I do love my home.

I love that when something major goes wrong I can just call the office and they send someone to fix it. I love not having to mow the (very large) lawn and I love that when the tornado winds knocked off roof tiles….there was maintenance to fix it. I do dream of owning a house…but I am not in a rush to get one (especially when I think of all the work that comes with one.)

I have made my apartment my home and I love it.
.-= Lulu´s last blog ..Tracking My Finances In 2009: 17 September =-.

By: Vanderbilt Wife

Vanderbilt Wife — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:25:29 +0000

Kacie,
You are so right, as we have found out this year. We have realized rather quickly what a stupid decision financing a house 100% was–even if “everyone was doing it” 3 years ago. We will not be so hasty the next time we go to buy, and I admire you for making the wise but not easy decision.

Jessie
.-= Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..Heaven and Fall in One Little Cookie =-.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:06:06 +0000

You're absolutely right! It'll probably be another two years before we can buy a house. That's okay with me. More time to get prepared! .-= Karen´s last blog ..Necessity is the mother of frugality =-.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:44:16 +0000

Well said, Kacie! .-= Bethany´s last blog ..…on those Indiana nights… =-.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:25:42 +0000

Thanks for the mention. And I agree with your argument that owning a house should not be a goal unto itself. Make where you live your home. If and when a house purchase makes sense, go for it but not before. .-= Mr. ToughMoneyLove´s last blog ..Splashing Cold Water on the Frugal Garden =-.

By: Whitney

Whitney — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:38:47 +0000

I could not agree with you more, Kacie! Your little footnote made me smile. I’m actually watching a big discussion of this very issue on CNN right now, as they tout the 8k government tax credit, etc. The tax credit is great, but I think all too often people see the 8k and nothing beyond that. Kinda scary stuff. Great, great post :)