RE: $400,000 house

I was just reading some posts and I was suprised to see what a few people said about $400,000 house- My husband is 35 and had bought a house for $140,000 when he was 26 - we sold it last year - we were hoping to find a home in the $250-$300 range - well you will see when you start looking (that is hard to find in the Nassau area) Anyway there is a big difference between the age 25 and 35 - you will see. In ten years from now you will be selling your house (that you paid $200,000 for for $400,000 - Just an example (we looked at a house recently for $400,000 - they paid $215,000 5 years ago - therefore you can see wheat you could buy for $200 5 years ago is now $400,000

RE: $400,000 house

You are absolutely right that good houses in the $250-300k range are hard to find in Nassau. The point that I made in my post was that you can get a $400k house on Long Island, but you can get a LOT more house for your money outside this area for $400k. I wonder when the market will normalize to reflect the true value of the homes here. Somehow I am losing hope...

DianaL

So am I - I never thought I would be looking at $400,000 that is insane - But... my point was that people shouldn't commpare themselves (I know it's hard not to) I too can compare myself - I'm out there bidding on these homes and I get beat every time by a higher bidder. - I wish I had more too - There are people who I know who could buy the house and then re-do the kitchen,bathroom whatever they want - now I could compare myself to them (but I don't) - I won't even have money to buy furniture once I buy the house - you have to be happy with what you have and never compare yourself to someone else -

June Bride

There are bidding wars in our neighborhood where the houses are going for well over a million dollars and in total disrepair! I don't know what these people do for a living, but they move in and redo everything from roof to basement and landscaping. BTW: the house we live in is owned by his mother, just so people don't get the idea that it is mine outright. I wish.

June Bride

my cousin (lives in Westchester - same problem) and I were just talking and she said when half a million dollars starts to sound good to you, you know youre in trouble.. good luck to all..

RE: $400,000 house

Hi. I am going to butt in here. I just want to say that you should not have to apologize for being able to afford a $400K house. Bravo to you if you can afford it. Just because someone else is jealous, or unhappy with their own situation is no concern of yours. Live your own life, buy whatever house you wish and be happy. Good luck in your house hunt!

You don`t have to explain

Anyone who made any mention of it was only trying to commiserate with her or help her in some way. It`s human nature to see what others are doing and at least, for a moment, think of your own situation. As long as Melissa or anyone else doesn`t dwell on these thoughts and instead puts things in perspective (ie: age difference, more time to save, had a house before) it`s fine. Like I said, perspective really has helped me to get over wanting a house ASAP and to understand that it will come in time.

You don`t have to explain

You do not have to explain why or how you can afford a house. I own a one-bedroom condo and was very proud that I purchased it on my own without any help from parents, a guy, etc.. Living on Long Island is very expensive but you can buy a home for less than $400,000, even $200,000. It all depends on what you want, and where you want it. Most people buy a starter home and then upgrade (like JuneBride). Also, some people get money left to them, get a huge promotion etc.. Comparing your situation to someone else does not do any good. You have to make the most of what you have now and save for what you want.

You don`t have to explain

I agree with you 100%. I was only trying to be compassionate towards Melissa's situation, while also offering words of advice. That's what we're all here for.

RE: $400,000 house

I have to agree with Kris. Comparing yourself to someone else may make the other person feel akward and bad. Everyone has a completly different set of circumstances surrounding there lives and we can`t judge our lives next to someone`s elses.