What makes that first time home owner finally take the leap to buy a house? Is it the responsibility of the maintenance? Is it wanting to plant their own flowers in their own garden? Is it because they want to buy a lawn mower and sweat in the heat of mowing every weekend?
There are many reasons why someone takes that leap, and below is a list of some common triggers that I often hear that helps them make their important decision.
- Writing the rent check month after month- Instead of paying your own mortgage, you realize you're paying someone else's mortgage in addition to putting some extra into your landlord's pocket.
- Running from you Car in the Rain- Your apartment complex doesn't have covered parking so every time it rains, you sit in your car gathering everything up in your arms so you can take that mad dash out of the rain... and then you drop your books in a puddle.
- Tired of Walking up Three Flights of Stairs- Everytime you need to take the trash out or check your mail, you have to make the long trip up and down three flights of stairs, and you're just wishing you had curbside trash pickup and your mailbox was in front of your house.
- You're Tired of the drab Walls- You want to paint the walls something that matches your personality, but you can't afford to lose your security deposit if the landlord doesn't agree with the choice.
- Landlord not Returning Calls- Your toilet is overflowing or the AC is broken on the hottest day of the summer, and you can't get your landlord to return your calls to let you know how to go about fixing things. If you get things fixed without approval, you might be out extra money if it costs too much.
Are you renting and not sure if you're ready to make that leap? Have the above things happened to you that have made you stop and think about your situation? Give me a call or shoot me an email and let me know how I can help make you comfortable about buying and getting out of the renting cycle. Together, we can find the missing piece you're looking for to make the leap.
**Are You Packed Yet?**
Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.
What makes that first time home owner finally take the leap to buy a house?
$8,000?
Tom, You do have a point, however, they don't get that money until AFTER they buy, though many people think they can get it before they buy and use it as a down payment.
lol yea many of them do think that. but many people are getting loans from their parents and/or other family members for $8000 with the understanding that they're going to pay the money back next year. since FHA will now allow loans from family members for down payment, that might be another selling point.
John, They were always getting "loans" anyway, and FHA just had to accept it!
Excellent post Donna Harris. Great way to get folks thinking. ;)
OOH, Tom has a great point! Plus, they can't deduct the rent check on their taxes!
Greg, Thank you very much!
Kim, That is definitely another point.
Donna, the getting rid of the landlord reason is a BIG one for sure. Great list. PLUS, it is YOUR house.
Gary, It sure is! Those checks every month provide no tax advantage whatsoever!
Donna, these are all excellent reasons to buy a place! And you didn't even get to tax breaks!
Great post as always. All good reasons, that of course I will steal. Thanks
Pat, Thanks! And I didn't mention tax breaks, because that's not a "trigger", it's a bonus once they buy a house.
Terry, Not a problem, just put my name to everything! ;)
Good points Donna. I am going to have to share this with others.
Donna - I love this post. It covers the real reasons people get fed up with the rental and move to ownership. "Running from your car in the rain?" That's why people buy houses.
Donna, this is great. I would imagine most of us relate to running to our apartment in the rain. Good job!
John, Be my guest!
Matt, Thanks!
Teri, Yes, those were the worst days, especially with groceries and multiple trips.
Donna,
This is a great piece. a lot of people get tired of those same old apartment colors, and want to paint their home colors they like.
Thanks for your points
Susan, Thank you, and yes, the drab colors can make anyone go a little nuts at times!
How about the lowest interest rates in years. . You have good points. I just moved to Texas . i am enjoying everyday. Real Estate is very active in Texas
Rafeeq, I believe the interest rates are a benefit of buying. It's not something that triggers someone to want to buy right here and now. It's definitely a perk as well as the tax write offs of that rate.