Opening Music: Late in the Evening by Simon & Garfunkel
Last year, I said that this year, I might "think about thinking about" moving to a larger house. So, sure enough, this year I'm thinking about thinking about it. To me, this means that I am just trying to gather information, and I may or may not make a decision sometime soon. Or, I might decide to stay where I am for another year.
In my research, I've found one local new home builder that specialises in making large homes for not much money. I understand that if you buy the biggest house for the least amount of money, there will be other hidden costs. But, believe me, we'll be wanting as much space as we can get. A lot of new homes have these fancy cathedral ceilings in downstairs rooms. On the one hand, it looks nice, but on the other, I can't help but think, "What a waste of space!".
Anyway, today we went to our third model home for this builder. Maybe a month ago, I biked to one not far from here and talked to the lady there. I told her that I wasn't interested in a house, but I like to know what's going on with new homes in the area, since people tend to ask me sometimes. About a week or two later, T and I drove out to a model of one of their largest homes and checked it out. I also told the salesman that we were in no hurry to make a decision.
Today, we took the whole family for a ride through an April blizzard to see another model of the design that we think we like the best. There, I guess I wasn't vocal enough about the fact that I was in no hurry (or maybe it was because of the snow that he had no other customers) but it reminded me of the one and only time I went to a new car dealer. The guy seemed to want me to make a decision right away. I guess it must work on the average customer, or salescritters wouldn't do it, but I can't stand high-pressure sales jobs: I freeze and end up not making a decision for a long time.
So, right now, I'm thinking that our current house is really nice, and there are strong financial reasons to stay where we are. Why take on additional debt?
I'd post an image, but I'm on the laptop now, I don't have the right software installed, and I'd have to find the USB port. Sorry...
Closing Music:Distant Early Warning by Rush
3 comments:
Houses seem so huge nowdays compared to when we were little. We had 5 kids under 9, and we got by in a small 4 bedroom place that is way smaller than yours Dave. But, kids sort of expect their own rooms beyond a certain age now. I got my own bedroom at the age of 21, and it felt like a real treat. Big homes just need more paint, more cleaning and more heating. I suppose, looking at your house, there isn't really a playroom/lounge (unfortunately the staircase intersects the lower floor) so I can see what you mean about running out of room. Good luck with your decision. -DFV
Boy, it must be in the air that you, DJL, and myself seem to be all searching slowly for some other house. DJL seems a bit more serious about it then us though. I have a realtor comming tomorrow night to give us a market value idea and I know what ya mean about being pressured. If this guy even thinks we are going to sign something to sell our house tomorrow he is crazy. I am sure that in the end you will make the best decision for your growing family. Good luck in the decision. ~ Your sister
I agree with DFV in that the expectation has changed over the last few generations. One sees this in Germany. It used to be quite normal for those growing up after WWII to share a bedroom with siblings of the same gender. Today, just about every child (and their parents) considers having his/her own room a God-given right. It has to do with "Wohlstand" -- that is, the fact that generally speaking, disposable income is higher or the incentives (subsidies) higher (the latter plays a huge role in Germany). This puts larger homes within reach of more people.
As for it being in the air... yes, springtime brings thoughts of buying and selling. All realtors (and Realtors) know this and are likely to try to work on (or with) you during the spring and summer, when you are also predisposed to having thoughts in this direction.
Good luck to all of you. It's an important decision and I am sure you will all think a lot about it.
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