Want to Purchase A Home? Tips for Couples or Singles

[treblk]

I purchased my home almost 5 years ago, while single (some what single now) and it was a lot of work, but it was something I knew I could handel and if I needed help, I had good friends with contacts to contractors and what not. I went through NACA (I know folks have sited that program) and though the process was horrible in certain aspects, I was able to get great things from them.
My mortgage and other fees were tough in the first 6 months or so, but just like any routine, it got easier.

[KAPital PHINUst]

I bought my home (a new build) when I was single at the age of 27. Because it was new, I had few problems with it as far as upkeep and repairs.

The challenges was keeping the yard mowed, weed-free, and watered, as well as keeping its interior clean. Since I lived by myself, I didn't dirty up the house as rapidly as that if I had a family. So once a quarter, I would do a deep cleaning, where I would dust, vacuum, and scrub the house keeping it nice and clean.

Later I put in blinds for the sliding back door and installed ceiling fans in the main room and master bedroom.

The problem was that the property values in the area was dropping dramatically, as there was a very high foreclosure rate in the area, prompting me to sell my home. I finally did that last July, and the sad thing was, I lost money on the deal. Had I waited a month or so, I would've had a buyer (who was very interested in my house but had to sell his home in Florida first) buy my home at my price and at I would've wound up breaking even on the deal.

The next time I buy a house, I want to be married, and I want to own a home in a state with a warmer climate (I really gotta get outta Ohio).

[Still BLUTANG]

I purchased while single, and i will never do it again. For me, it was a very challenging emotional process. I never thought i'd be 27 and single. Much less 27 and single and buying a place to live. Everything has been o.k., i love the physical space, but like i said for me its more of an emotional thing.

Good luck!

[RedefinedDiva]

I'd do it in a minute! I was going to do it before I came to school, but once I was accepted into school, I no longer needed the home. God does work in mysterious ways though, because had I bought it, it would have been under about 20 feet of water within the next year.

As far as expenses, I told the real estate agent what I was willing to pay per month and she found properties within my price range. She didn't try to force anything on me and she respected my wishes. I knew how much I made, as well as how much I could REALISTICALLY pay per month, in conjunction with other bills. After I factored all things, including unexpected and incidential expenses, I was within a reasonable range and was ready to purchase. As I stated before, my focus shifted to school and I put my plans on hold. However, once I graduate and get a steady job, I am kissing rentals GOODBYE!

I think owning a home also depends on what you buy. I was buying a condo/townhouse, just enough for me. Now, I wouldn't actually buy a free-standing home all by myself because I know that I would have to outsource for a lot of stuff. While I am pretty handy and whatnot, I don't get too down and dirty, hence extra expenses for a gardner, etc. Plus, I don't need a "family home" without a family. I just want something that's mine and that would fit my lifestyle. No one wants to be a large home all alone.

If I would suggest anything, I would say start off with a condo/townhouse if you really want to be a homeowner. There is NOTHING wrong with being single and owning a home. If I had a real job, I would own NOW. I am tired of paying rent on something that's not mine. Plus, I feel that I would feel more secure in something that I had more control over.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Conskeeted7]

I bought my first house while I was married. However, I don't think that made it much easier. The only thing that was a little easier was having someone to help occassionally. But with work and our schedules, it wasn't like we were both at home to do everything necessary. A lot of the same worries and concerns are there whether you buy as a family or a single. As other posters have said, you have to pay to live somewhere, so I'd encourage you to pay into your own wealth and get tax deductions too!