One of my goals is to eventually be able to purchase a house. Many of my nursing colleagues are purchasing homes that are worth $450,000, $500,000 or even more. Sadly, my budget is about half of that or even less, which means the houses I have to choose from are not appealing. Most of them are small, old, or both.
I am just curious how other nurses manage to purchase decent houses? I've been looking through my income, and I just can't find a way to make it possible to incorporate such a house into my budget. I am salary, so there are no opportunities for overtime.
What are other nurses' experience with buying houses? How did you make it work? Did it require switching jobs? Inquiring minds want to know!
I hadn't read this thread in a while. Wow! Well, SilverBells, I'm glad you switched therapists and are now looking at homes in your range. Good luck in both aspects!
Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.
On 4/29/2021 at 2:46 PM, SilverBells said:
OK, good to know. Is it usual to only have one appointment every 3 months? Just asking to make sure I don't have any unrealistic expectations. And I do agree about boundaries needed. As a nurse, if you get too involved with any one particular person or case, it gets to be a bit much and/or leads to imbalance of professional duties, so I get it. Needs to be a balance that doesn't result in either over or under involvement.
Therapy is often individualized based on need -- I've had everything from 1-2x weekly for 60 minutes when things in my life were more intense to 30 minutes every few months to just "touch base" with a therapist. If you need to be doing more intensive work now that can't be done in brief sessions that are far apart, ask your therapist to increase time and/or frequency to better meet the level of support you currently need and the intensity of work you want to be doing now.
One question I do have is: How big of a deal are cracks in the foundation/basement wall? One place I looked at actually seemed like it might work, but I'm a bit unsettled by the cracks in the brick foundation. Worried this could mean leakage or other structural concerns that could be quite expensive to fix...if that's the case I'm more inclined to wait for a place that is built better. However, someone I consulted with stated it's more of an aesthetic issue than a structural one, but not sure. Any thoughts?
Cracks in the foundation are very problematic. As the homeowner, you are resp for any repairs, and cracks will predispose the house to various problems. And even if you don't experience any problems yourself, the next buyer will see the same cracks as negative, and you can kiss your chance for resale goodbye.
A GOOD consultant should be raising red flags, not commenting re aesthetics. What else is amiss??? Get a further inspection by a qualified professional who is there to protect you from making a BIGGGGG mistake.
They can be expensive, but it's WORTH EVERY PENNY!
One question I do have is: How big of a deal are cracks in the foundation/basement wall? One place I looked at actually seemed like it might work, but I'm a bit unsettled by the cracks in the brick foundation. Worried this could mean leakage or other structural concerns that could be quite expensive to fix...if that's the case I'm more inclined to wait for a place that is built better. However, someone I consulted with stated it's more of an aesthetic issue than a structural one, but not sure. Any thoughts?
Horizontal cracks in a basement wall are very bad. There may also be bulging, even worse! This is a sign of water and foundation problems that are very expensive.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
3 hours ago, SilverBells said:
One question I do have is: How big of a deal are cracks in the foundation/basement wall? One place I looked at actually seemed like it might work, but I'm a bit unsettled by the cracks in the brick foundation. Worried this could mean leakage or other structural concerns that could be quite expensive to fix...if that's the case I'm more inclined to wait for a place that is built better. However, someone I consulted with stated it's more of an aesthetic issue than a structural one, but not sure. Any thoughts?
Ask for the building inspection. Beware of any contract that states the property is as is.
Someone else put in an offer that it appears was accepted. Missed out on this one, but I figure there was a reason I was hesitant. Based on some of your replies, it seems as if my concerns regarding the foundation may have been legit. I'm trying to be realistic in not expecting to be able buy the nicest and newest out there, but would at least like something with a good foundation
Someone else put in an offer that it appears was accepted. Missed out on this one, but I figure there was a reason I was hesitant. Based on some of your replies, it seems as if my concerns regarding the foundation may have been legit. I'm trying to be realistic in not expecting to be able buy the nicest and newest out there, but would at least like something with a good foundation
The only homebuying advice I can give is, buy within budget, as in don't max out on the loan just because you can unless it's a home you really love. Buy a home that suits you, with the exception of decor and paint. You can always change a room with something as simple as paint and decor. However, it will be hard to change layouts of fixtures and floorplans so choose a home that speaks to you (if that makes any sense). When you're viewing homes, picture your furniture in that space or think of how you would add your own style to a room.
Also, if you put an offer on a home and there are issues with the home inspection, know you don't have to move forward unless there are major flaws in the home. If they're flaws you're willing to work with, fine. In this case, you can also request the seller to correct the problems. If they say no, it won't hurt, especially you were fine with them anyway. Won't hurt to go to ask.
Also, especially if you live in one of the states where people are leaving at a high rate (think New York or California) it is likely that prices will improve dramatically once interest rates start increasing even a little.
Someone else put in an offer that it appears was accepted. Missed out on this one, but I figure there was a reason I was hesitant. Based on some of your replies, it seems as if my concerns regarding the foundation may have been legit. I'm trying to be realistic in not expecting to be able buy the nicest and newest out there, but would at least like something with a good foundation
When it's the right time & place, you will ABSOLUTELY know it!! Like the heavens will open up and the sun will blindingly gleam thru as a chorus of angels start to sing 'halleluiah'!!!!
Seriously, when you find a place you really like and have no doubts, you'll will know it and jump on it. That was my experience and I'm still in my condo 30 yrs later. I smile each time I put my key in the door to say 'I really like my place'!
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
6 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:
The only homebuying advice I can give is, buy within budget, as in don't max out on the loan just because you can unless it's a home you really love. Buy a home that suits you, with the exception of decor and paint. You can always change a room with something as simple as paint and decor. However, it will be hard to change layouts of fixtures and floorplans so choose a home that speaks to you (if that makes any sense). When you're viewing homes, picture your furniture in that space or think of how you would add your own style to a room.
Also, if you put an offer on a home and there are issues with the home inspection, know you don't have to move forward unless there are major flaws in the home. If they're flaws you're willing to work with, fine. In this case, you can also request the seller to correct the problems. If they say no, it won't hurt, especially you were fine with them anyway. Won't hurt to go to ask.
Yes to all this, especially the part I bolded. We were approved for 200+K more than we actually paid for our home 15 years ago. Just because we could did not mean we should, max out the loan approved. Years later, we have equity and a home we love, that we can afford. And we re-financed and shortened the terms so we will pay if off soon!
NurseBlaq
1,756 Posts
I hadn't read this thread in a while. Wow! Well, SilverBells, I'm glad you switched therapists and are now looking at homes in your range. Good luck in both aspects!