Surprise Z costs

kenchan

yah, im sure there are many reasons especially with this shittty economy. i think we'd want to give the op a break and let him think things through instead of telling him what he can or can't do.

that was the real reason for the post to red_zed.

Red__Zed

I'm not telling him what to do, I think you read someone else's post....maybe these?



On the house topic, I am far too geographically mobile to justify purchasing a house. I have a condo in one state and an apartment in another, and I sleep on a jet :|

Jeffblue

if you rented for the past few years, you're way better off than if you bought.

BrianMSmith

not necessarily. I bought a house in 03, sold for massive profit in 06, bought another brand new but cheaper house with a huge down payment, I clearly saw a bubble about to burst, so despite losing 30% of the (artificially high) market value when I purchased, I was able to refi into extraordinarily low rates, under 4% on a 15yr, so I still came out way ahead of renting a house compared to renting over the same period.

SS66

I think something on you shrunk up a little? If you have a good job it is a buyers market. Plenty of foreclosures and homes on the market. Coupled that with low interest rates its buy buy buy. I agree the house etc. followed with some toys is good planning. I am sorry but their is no reason not to buy a house if you can afford it. More times than often it is good money spent over time. Right now we have a 15 year morgage at less than 3.5 percent. Crazy good! I think the original poster should look at something else. I do give them kudos for setting down and looking at overall cost. Very smart and honest assessment on his part.

kenchan

I didn't want to sound like im preaching that's all. obviously my way of life is different from others. I did however learned quite a bit along the way as I've already posted. and I'm doing pretty good.

cossie1600

If you have 20% in down payment sure. If not, you are screwed.

SMJane_Again

Cossie, you're exactly right. Home buying is a fine goal, but it certainly is not for everybody. Some markets have such a high cost of living that scraping together 20% is practically impossible. I'm fortunate enough that I got my home bought before lending tightened up, but the idea that started this thread derailment that I need to get a house before buying a car is preposterous.

OP, here's the thing. The only thing that matters when looking at a car is whether or not the purchase negatively affects the style you've grown accustomed to living in or the style you're prepared to live in. If it does to an extent that it makes you uncomfortable, hold off and look at the purchase at a later date. As the others have said, I respect you for looking hard at the numbers, that's the only way you'll truly know if you can afford it. Whatever you decide, good luck!

S.

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