I want a house

LuciaGdeLopez · #1 Apr 17, '08, 1:17 pm

I really want us to get a house of our own. Right now we live in his mother's old house and dont pay any rent just maintenance. She is now living with DH's sister cause of her age and health condition.

DH used to be determined on buying a house by the end of the year. However, now he feels "comfortable" where we are (NO RENT) and keeps telling me to leave it in God's hands. I really dont know what that means since he is not making an effort one way or another.

His mom refuses to sell us the house (she is attached since she lived in it for 37 years).

Is it wrong that I want a house to call my own?

jc-servant · #2 Apr 17, '08, 2:22 pm

It is not wrong to want to own your home. You are limited in what you can do to a house owned by anyone else. They can choose to leave it to someone when they pass and you will be out of luck. You could be building equity in something that you own right now instead of sitting in someone else's house.

If you have no rent, then save, save, save now! You will want as much money to put down on home as you can get with the tightening of lending practices.

I'm not sure where you live, but I'm a member of a non-profit group that helps people to buy their residence on a very low interest loan. They make certain that the family has been educated on the requirements for home ownership and they help you get your finances in order so that you will qualify.

The interest rates are lower than FHA and VA loans with 100 percent financing on 15 or 30 year fixed rate. If you do have extra money to put on the loan, then you can use it to buy down the interest rate because there is no down payment required. I thought it sounded too good to be true, but there are many news stories about the group and it is real. They protested and went after predatory lenders years ago before the current subprime mess hit the news. Some of their lenders are banks that were caught discriminating in their lending practices in the past. Now as part of their "penance" they have to provide millions of dollars for these special loans.

The actual loan comes from major banks that they work with, but the nonprofit does the initial approval process. There are no closing costs to the buyer and the other costs associated with buying a home are less.

They are in many major US cities, so I'll post the link so that you can look at it and perhaps discuss with your husband. I'm super excited because I will own a home far sooner than I ever expected since I won't need 20 percent downpayment or to take some crazy adjustable rate mortgage.

www.naca.com

**1ke** · #3 Apr 18, '08, 8:02 am

No, it's not wrong to want a home of your own. But, look at what a blessing it is to be able to live for free and save up money.

Perhaps your DH is a bit scared to jump into the housing market right now since it is so unstable. He may be afraid to buy something now and have it lose value. Or he may be scared off by the job market and thinking 'what if we buy a house and then I get laid off'.

If you save up and have a good down payment and good credit, you should be able to get a prime rate fixed mortgage. The more you have saved up, the better. It's not just buying the home but then all the other things that go with it-- it's a good idea to have a cushion.

Talk to DH about setting a timeframe to revisit buying a house-- say every 6 months or something.

Al Masetti · #4 Apr 25, '08, 2:45 pm

The problem with debt is that it needs to be paid back, and sometimes if your income stream is interrupted then the borrower may end up in foreclosure.

Better to buy a piece of land you can afford and then put a place to live on it. Much cheaper than going into debt. And if you do run into hard times, it is paid for and it is yours.

A used mobile home can be had for very cheap. Sometimes just of the cost of moving it.

There are any number of companies that will sell you a steel building for under $10 per square foot for the steel, another $10 per sq ft for the foundation and construction. And then you can work out the plumbing, heat, insulation and interior finish.

There is more than one way to get a house.

rinnie · #5 May 1, '08, 8:46 am

I was in the same place only opposite. My Dad and Mom moved to Fla at the time so all we had to do was live there and pay utilities, and save for a house. We were there for ten years i loved it. But DH hated it. He felt my Dad was taking care of him. I on the other hand loved my life, had money no bills ets. But I finally gave in and we bought our own house. Now we have bills, etc. But I still love it. It is our house. There is a difference. You can do what you want, when you want if you want. Right now save every penny you have. Then when the time is right it will all work out. Pray alot too. that is the secret ask God to lead you on the right path. He will. But for now enjoy the moment, no house payment, i sure do miss no house payment. I went from riches to rags! (just kidding) but just love eachother for now, live for today, but save and keep looking!

drafdog · #6 May 10, '08, 6:34 pm

You get the same answer my kids got to the "I want..." cry: "That's okay. You can want it."

Matthew

hasikelee · #7 May 10, '08, 7:04 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaGdeLopez

I really want us to get a house of our own. Right now we live in his mother's old house and dont pay any rent just maintenance. She is now living with DH's sister cause of her age and health condition.

DH used to be determined on buying a house by the end of the year. However, now he feels "comfortable" where we are (NO RENT) and keeps telling me to leave it in God's hands. I really dont know what that means since he is not making an effort one way or another.

His mom refuses to sell us the house (she is attached since she lived in it for 37 years).

Is it wrong that I want a house to call my own?

DH agreed with you, and then changed his tune. Have you two sat down for a serious talk on how to proceed?

www.marriagebuilders.com

Scanner · #8 May 10, '08, 10:59 pm

I sense there's more to this and the question is a bait.

"Is it wrong that I want a house of my own?" is like a female bait question of:

"Do I look fat in this outfit?"

When confronted with that question, I am reminded of the line from an old movie, "War Games". . ."the only way to win is to not play."

While the forum is well-meaning, I am not sure they should get in the middle of that one.

caroljm36 · #9 May 16, '08, 4:24 pm

Besides, this is a terrible time to buy. Wait a few years as the market settles. Better to buy when prices are starting to go up again than when they are still coming down. It's happening everywhere, unless you live in Beverly Hills or something. You don't want to catch a falling knife.

Go read the hundreds of horror stories around the country (and world) at the Housing Bubble Blog, including the comments, and you'll see.

Be cool, save your money and have patience.

**ProVobis** · #10 May 18, '08, 7:57 pm

Something to keep in mind when you're thinking about buying a house. You will be responsible for liabilities, maintenance of that house, property taxes which are getting outrageous, possible mortgage insurance, and optional home improvements. I've lived in the same house for over 35 years (bought with cash my wife and I saved for) and have loved it, but it has also prevented me from moving a quick move for a possible job offer I once received. There are advantages in renting and not everyone wants to buy a house and some probably shouldn't.

Oh, yes, as far as home ownership goes, you never really are a full owner. If you owe as much as a $1 on your taxes, you can get tax foreclosed, just as painful as a bank foreclosure.

jalma · #11 May 25, '08, 6:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProVobis

Something to keep in mind when you're thinking about buying a house. You will be responsible for liabilities, maintenance of that house, property taxes which are getting outrageous, possible mortgage insurance, and optional home improvements. I've lived in the same house for over 35 years (bought with cash my wife and I saved for) and have loved it, but it has also prevented me from moving a quick move for a possible job offer I once received. There are advantages in renting and not everyone wants to buy a house and some probably shouldn't.

Oh, yes, as far as home ownership goes, you never really are a full owner. If you owe as much as a $1 on your taxes, you can get tax foreclosed, just as painful as a bank foreclosure.

I'm renting and will be married by the end of the year. It's next to impossible to own a house where I live. One would have to have a tenant in order to afford the mortgage. It's ridiculous. Taxes are sky high and not mention your other utility bills and gas and food and other necessities. What does that leave one with? Nothing in your pocket. Now when you have children, that's another issue to tend to. I'm not being selfish at all for what I'm about to say, but let's face it, a couple has to obviously do wha they have to do and put a limit on having children, whether the Church likes it or not. My fiancee and I already discussed having two children and that will most likely be it. The Church has to understand that we live in a very outrageously expensive world. God understands.

margie123 · #12 Jul 3, '08, 11:50 am

Are the 7 archangles powerful to pray too. I have all 7 at home. Can you tell me how they can work good for me. Thank you.

mh2007 · #13 Jul 3, '08, 6:54 pm

If you are thinking about a house of your own, do some homework on prices, monthly payments, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and home furnishings.

You need to understand precisely what you are facing in terms of financial obligations. Understanding the money part will put things in perspective. You may discover how blessed you are to be prospering, and saving while living rent free.