Worth it to buy?

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

Wow - what a big put-down of all the SAHMs - I have been married 24 years so I guess we did not split up a couple years down the line - who are you to presume? At least my children are happy and healthy and were raised by ME - not someone paid to do it - some people are very bitter and jealous I see.

No jealousy or bitterness here. I just saw what happened to people like the ones I bought my house from. Nice Catholic family with three kids. Dad dumped SAHM for a young co-worker. Mom was then forced to move back in with her parents and the kids in another state. Was great for me, since he was eager to sell the house at a good price so he could start nesting with his new squeeze. Mom did keep an immaculate house though.

[hilsmom]

Great - the SAHM vs. working mom debate. I'll grab some popcorn.

Everyone makes different choices, and does the best they can for their families.

The horror story about a shaken baby is scary, but it is not that widespread. Statistically, I would bet more kids are shaken by their parents than daycare providers.

And not every SAHM has no marketable skills. But with 50% of marriages ending in divorce, it probably isn't the best plan to rely entirely on your spouse for lifelong financial security. Having a degree and some work experience/training is a good insurance policy just in case.

[jmking]

Originally Posted by MrsHunny

Well, we offered 5k above the seller's asking price, and our realtor said our offer was right in line with the area comparables. However, the bank wanted more $. We weren't comfortable going any higher, so I guess we didn't really "lose it."

Where is the cost of living lower, with a job market that isn't dead?

Southern Md.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by hilsmom

Great - the SAHM vs. working mom debate. I'll grab some popcorn.
Everyone makes different choices, and does the best they can for their families.

Actually, let's put the popcorn back in the pantry. Most everyone would agree with your last sentence, though.

[RamblingMan]

To get back to the OP's question:

Personally, I'd encourage you not to be in too big a hurry to buy. Even if you find the right property at the right price, be sure that you have a substantial cash cushion for house maintenance and for emergencies.

The storms two weeks ago did about $20K of damage to my house and generated another $14K of costs to clear downed trees from my yard. Most of this will probably not be covered by insurance. In the middle of dealing with the storm damage, my (just out of warranty) washing machine died. Fortunately, I have an emergency fund to deal with this sort of thing. If I didn't, it would take all the fun out of home ownership.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Yeah - I have to agree - unless your home is fairly new - home ownership is a big moneypit - and I believe home prices will go lower - so try to rent and save money and the right time to buy will come.

[mcleanexec]

TS, almost everyone has a dual income to be able to afford owning your own. Mortgage, Taxes, insurance, repairs. Like other have said, see if a family member can watch your child and pursue full time work and Job certifications to increase your income. There are some older townhomes in Manassas under 200k you might want to look into.