pink_sugar Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 I agree, you need to rent for a little while before jumping straight into a mortgage. You have no idea what it's like to pay bills and feed yourself, let alone jump into home ownership so quickly. Especially since you aren't doing your own laundry or cooking your own meals...you need to know what it's like to live on your own before getting into a mortgage. It's a huge, huge responsibility to own a home. You don't even pay your own cell phone bill I am assuming. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 Tek, just to add - I don't intend to rip on you, but you mentioned a few pages back that part of the reason you decided you could continue living at home was because you felt you could learn independence at home by doing things for yourself consistently rather than relying on others. I'm wondering if you have been working towards that, or letting that fall by the wayside along with your plans for not moving out. I have already given my thoughts on buying before you've ever rented, but if you have your heart set on it, make sure you at the very least have a few GOOD and trustworthy friends/advisors to help you appraise the property, negotiate the sales, and make decisions, or you will be regretting it for the next 5-10 years. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
beautifulearth83 Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I'm in the same boat, buddy, and I am 30. It has been great to be at home and get out of debt, to have lovely meals and spend time with my family, but sometimes it doesn't feel like I have a life of my own. However, I have lived away before. In many different states. Moving and starting over has gotten exhausting for me, but I still get that itch once in awhile. My best advice would just be to focus on the practical stuff. Make sure you're balancing your checkbook and that you don't go overboard. If you feel your life has room for a girlfriend, you'll find it. Moving out can be a great experience, and if you're in the position to do it, I'd go for it. You can always visit your parents and there are PLENTY of people out there in the same boat. Link to post Share on other sites
pink_sugar Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 Gone through the thread and had a look - OP, I moved out when I was 18, now 30 (31 in a week, aaah!). I live in a pretty expensive city where buying is becoming more and more difficult. Whilst I can see the merit in saving and buying your own place, there really is an independence that comes with moving out of home that you should experience. I feel you should move out, but if you're not going to, at the very least, start acting like you have. Cook meals, do the washing, set up a budget and track your spending, and do all the things that independent people are supposed to do. And it is possible to rent and still save money and later buy. Nothing teaches you more than when you leave the parents home and strike out on your own. Frankly, I feel sorry for people who don't do it. A bunch of my friends are still at home in their late 20s/early 30s, and I listen to their stories and smile and don't outwardly judge - but they are missing out. I might not have a lot, but I have my independence and I can't put a price on that. Amen to that! Also moved out at 18! If I could go back I would have stayed home a few years longer...at least until I was out of college. My husband and I didn't have steady jobs so, it's been very tough...even at 24. I agree that you would be total realtor bait as much as much as someone who knows nothing about cars walking into a dealership. When I buy a home...which won't be anytime soon unfortunately, because all my $ goes to rent, I have relatives in the real estate business who can help me out. My dad is a broker and I almost could have owned a home here during the down economy if I had a better job. Anyways, OP, my dad has had roommates who have lived with him for a few years, because apartments are so expensive and guess what? They've moved out right after to own their own homes, because they were able to save! I respect this a lot more than staying with parents and paying nothing for your keep. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Teknoe Posted August 29, 2013 Author Share Posted August 29, 2013 Yes, I have begun to do my own laundry. Cooking comes next, as it's one step at a time. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 (edited) Happy to hear that you're starting off, Tek. More important than cooking, I think, would be learning to handle your own banking, insurance, bills, etc. You can potentially get around cooking by eating out (not ideal by any stretch, but still possible), but knowing how to handle your own finances and other essential paperwork is pretty essential if you don't want to get screwed around. Edited August 29, 2013 by Elswyth 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 Good point. Excel spreadsheets are your friend, for keeping track of budgets and money in/money out. Eating out might be a lot cheaper in the US (I assume that's where you're from?) than it is here in Australia. Cooking is essential for saving money, if you're going to be paying a mortgage... Interesting. I've heard from reliable sources that you can get a decent dinner in Melbourne or Adelaide for $8 (rice + veggies + meat). Not to derail Tek's thread though... Link to post Share on other sites
ThaWholigan Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I'm edging closer to being more self-sufficient - to be honest it is only financial problems giving me trouble. I have been doing my own laundry and cooking etc since my teens - my mother would scream at me constantly if I didn't I hear you though, it's difficult when you leave it a little late to cultivate the habits that help you become more independent. I've just turned 25 now so I need to get on my bike a bit now myself! Link to post Share on other sites
pink_sugar Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I'm in Sydney, there are plenty of cheap eats, but overall, it really is cheaper to cook for yourself. Not to mention healthier. OP, if you're after some budget recipes, I can oblige. My friend runs a great website with loads of cheap recipes, and I promise, think eat like a king. Yeah, eating out occasionally in the U.S. can be cheap if you know how to do it. For many single individuals, buying take out that you will eat makes more sense sometimes than going out and buying a bunch of groceries that may go bad before you finish them. The big grocery chain stores mostly cater to feeding families. I know how to keep it cheap when buying groceries and eating out. Link to post Share on other sites
running4timing99 Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 times are hard.alot more people live at home with college loans and finding a job. just set up a goal date when you'd like to move out. Save money. A room mate would save on the cash. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
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