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I have been dreaming of having my own space, my own kitchen and bathroom, a nice backyard, and the comfort of knowing that I can stay there long term. I have started not liking living in apartments - mostly the insane cost of rent and sharing walls.
Location is probably the biggest unknown for me. And obviously it’s just a big financial commitment as well. And safety is important to me. Side note, I have a couple of male acquaintances who bought a house and they don't have any fear of living by themselves, which I'm just very envious about. I have a couple of female friends who live in a house, but they share it with their SO, so I don't know any women personally that own their home and live by themselves.
When do you think a good time to buy a house is? For those who have bought houses, was it worth it?
I think the best time is when you can afford it. Even if you buy in a bad market, ultimately housing prices have always risen over time.
Houses that seemed outrageously expensive 10 yrs ago seem like a steal now.
Houses are an investment. You can move out later and use your first home as a rental property.
I wouldn’t buy a house until the market crashes and houses are cheaper. I’m no realtor or anything so I would start watching the market and doing research into how mortgage rates work. Right now I’m in no position to buy a home but I want to and from what a I’ve been looking at the mortgage rates are really high and houses are selling high, but it also depends on your area.
Best thing you can ever do for yourself is having your own home! I love my house. It’s beautiful in a great prestigious neighbourhood that is safe and family friendly. I decorated it however I liked and maintain it all the time. I get my brother, brother in law and my male friends to fix things for me or build things around my place. Make it your sanctuary and buy in a safe area where you won’t be afraid to walk alone at night, relax on your balcony or do whatever you want.
Even tho I got mine alongside my husband, I’m the primary co-signer on this house since it was bought with a VA loan (my own VA entitlement). He already bought another one with his own VA loan (and is being rented to his niece, a single mother who moved from overseas: she’s a cautionary tale about what a NVX can do to any of us). While FDS cautions against “50/50”, I do pay for all the mortgage of this home (and energy and water, and my pre-existing debt). However, we did draft legal papers during closing that if we split, this home will be entirely mine (just for the mere fact that I’ve been paying all the mortgage) even tho he’s on the title. But he pays for nearly everything else… so it’s more of a 70/30 that he pays vs me in the big scheme of things. Regarding chores, he does more house chores, while I do more cooking: everyone does their own laundry. Kiddo also does chores too.
Ugh, so I know the area I want to live in (for walkability and crime) and for the size house I want (not huge) with a sweet little out doors space- I will have to pay a LOT. Like. A lot. NONE OF MY MALE FRIENDS WHO HAVE HOUSES HAVE HOUSES I WANT TO LIVE IN. Bc they either pick an area I wouldn't live in long term, or they picked something that needs a lot of work. OR if I do like what they have they've inherited something/had help w the down payment. Take your time. Play the long game, don't just buy a place
Buy a house, enjoy the freedom. Just make sure you set aside a bit of cash each year for repairs as they come up.
Where I’m from home owning is the norm, so all women do it. Of course that quite often mean that after a certain age (around 25-30 when you buy) you live alone. It can get lonely sometimes, but it’s also pretty amazing to be in charge and having things the way you want. If you’re concerned about that tho, you could try and buy a bigger apartment and rent some of the rooms out to people you choose yourself? ☺️ either way it’s worth it. You gain so much more economic leverage when you own your home. And it’ll give you more freedom in the long run.
Some great advice here. My house was horribly damaged by my ex, who fancied himself a handyman, but I'm still so glad to have it (and to not be throwing away money into a rental). I've been rebuilding financially and will soon be able to have it repaired and looking immaculate. I remember feeling so scared when my ex first left- I thought I needed a man to protect me. But the fact was, the wolf was always inside my house, anyway. I did keep the sign outside that shows a stick figure family of 4, because I don't want strangers to know no man lives here. Also, I thought I needed a man for home repairs- how wrong was I about that! To be honest, even most of the handymen I've hired have been pretty terrible. I've had to learn a lot of skills on YouTube. I'm really starting to wonder... what do men bring to the table nowadays?😂
Buying a home was absolutely worth it. I’d buy as soon as you can afford to buy.
There was a post on FDS that I remember contributing to that perhaps could be reposted here. It was all about security for women living alone. A Ring doorbell is a must and some women like to keep a pair of mens workbooks near the front door.
I'm in america, bought a house 3 years ago as soon as I had the smallest FHA downpayment.
The advice my dad always gave me was that the best time to buy a house is when you can buy a house. They are investments so choose your home with the future buyer in mind.
Even though I got a bit screwed over by the sellers not waterproofing 2 major areas of the house I'm having contractors remodel those parts to be even nicer and more modern. I am hoping to sell before I pay much interest on the renovations and have a decent downpayment for the next house.
Mine came with a converted garage I was able to rent out to help pay the mortgage. Never ever rent out your rooms inside the house. Use a property management company if you have a granny studio to rent out.
I love living alone but I never really feel alone because I have a lot of pets. Guys working on your house will always ask where your husband is and if you live ne, so prepare your ice queen responses.
I bought my house 11 years ago and it was the best decision! I love not having a landlord up my butt. Not sharing walls. Having a space that is mine that i can improve how I want. I’m paying less than i would renting at this point in my city.
I bought at a good time in an area that was still not super gentrified, so it wasn’t the safest neighborhood but is way better now. I did take a risk, but it also paid off.
Off the top of my head i know at least 8 single women who own their homes. I know it seems daunting, but i always thought that too. You might have to go to a neighborhood that you think is “up and coming”. Also, research FHA loans (assuming you’re in the US). I was able to get in to my house for only 3.5% down, it’s a federally backed loan.
Start researching loans and looking at real estate and neighborhoods. And visualize yourself with the keys 🙌
The right time to buy property is always 5 years ago. Depending on your area and the impending recession, be smart though. However, if you've got the money and are ready to pull the trigger — do it. Don't be afraid of living alone. It's like renting but now everything is on you. Just make sure you save money for maintenance
The best piece of advice I read about buying a home was that waiting for a “right time” in the market is a fool’s game. Once you’ve gotten a decent down payment saved up, get looking to buy. There will never be a perfect time, you may as well get your foot in the door when you can.