Replies

Correct, too many long term homeowners stress out over what their house is valued at. I remember a family member that was very distraught that his house dropped about $100K in value. I think that was around the 2008 debacle.

He still lives in that same house today so all that worrying was for nothing.

With real estate, buying low and selling high is hard to do because you need a place to live. So if you sell your house at a high price, chances are you will also pay a high price for your new home. So it all sort of balances out.

Agreed. Unless you are willing to live in a cardboard box under a bridge after selling your house and waiting for the market to tank before buying a new one, then trying to play the housing market with one house is very difficult.

Correct, too many long term homeowners stress out over what their house is valued at. I remember a family member that was very distraught that his house dropped about $100K in value. I think that was around the 2008 debacle.

Unless you're planning on selling soon, you want your assessment as low as possible. Means you pay less in property taxes!

I can honestly say that I have never considered a house as an investment. It is to live in and enjoy. It needs to be warm in winter, cool in summer, dry in the rain, safe, solid and in an area relatively free of crime and blight. Though not an investment there is no sense being stupid and losing money. What others think of the amenities is of no consequence to me. That it has curb appeal and is marketable is important. I don’t want any millstones when I get ready to move. These have been my criteria for nearly 50 years through 7 houses and have always served me well.

To each his own but the current trends in ever more outlandish houses with all manner of fru fru such as coffee bars, iceboxes in the pantry, outdoor kitchens (nice but not essential)are just cost.

Houses are seldom an investment to be happy with but there are exceptions. Not many things have been good investments of late except betting on failure.

Realtors have done a remarkable job of building a myth that they make a handsome profit from

Always living below your means will generally serve you well.