Oolala vs. On-your-own

[Lady_V]

As some of you know, I have been looking to get out of this condo --- mostly because of the declining neighborhood.

With the increasing prices of... well... everything I am not sure which way to lean.

I am torn between getting a small house with a small yard in either the town the ex lives in (very expensive) or a bit larger house inthe city DD goes to school (bit run down, no land, mostly shared driveways)... or a condo in an upscale building in a more affluent town only 1.4 miles away from DD's school (we are 10 miles away now).

-- Low condo fee includes ELECTRIC, HEAT, AIR CONDITIONING, HOT WATER, and more. Laundry in building, inground pool, parking, extra storage, beautiful swan garden, easy access to expressways. -$404/month (before you all *gasp* we are currently paying 300/month for only heat, hot water, pool, cooking)

Cast your vote -- help me decide!

[Marie78]

I voted for the condo, because our options around here on our income would be a small house (that would still need TLC) in a decent school district and suburb kind of area, or a larger more run down house in a poorer school district- not as much of a residential feel when your neighbors house is right next to yours and the windows from both your neighbors looks into your home, or a condo/townhouse with lots of amenities and a feel of luxury and the suburbs (but the same cost or less than a small house you have to put some TLC into).

We rent an apartment right now, but next year I would like us to either rent a townhouse or consider a condo in order to have more space, a little luxury, but still pay less than if we bought a house in our price range right now.

[BetterLateThanNever]

Question for you. Do you garden? Does having land that you could do what you want matter to you? If so go for the house.

Personally I do crafts and fleamarkets and garden so having a house of my own where I could do what I pleased without worrying about a Condo Association telling me what I can and cannot do is important to me.


Do you forsee maybe turning to some kind of home based business to supplement your income? Then go for the house.


Also is there a yearly fee that you have to pay for maintainence?

[rudypoo98]

I really like having my own home that is paid for but the yard work is hard on me.Keeping the yard up is the only reason I'd ever leave here.To me if you don't mind not having a yard the condo souds nice.But if you want your own little home with yard to mow bushes to trim neighbors tree seeds taking root in it all the time.I have no trees but have to fight elm,maple and walnut trees sprouting up all the time always in a place that's hard to get to git rid of them.I have no way to haul off the stuff either.

[Lady_V]

yes, I would like a garden
yes, I would like to have a daycare
no, there is no additional fees with the condo, $404/month covers everything.

My biggest fear with a house is... everything is on ME... I haven't had to pay a seperate bill for water, sewer, heat... the rising costs of keeping the house warm is scary... It's something I know I will have to get over if I want to take the plunge from condo-owner to house-owner.

I am willing to give up the idea of a large garden and daycare (right now I have neither) if it means I can keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

I appreciate all your input... keep them coming!