Reply to Anyone else who will likely never be a home owner?

Forum Index » Real Estate

Reply to "Anyone else who will likely never be a home owner?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I mostly agree that the key here is putting up with a commute in order to buy. I saw an earlier poster say that they didn’t want to live a commuter lifestyle in their 30s. Obviously a personal choice—but truth is most people/parents who work in DC but can’t afford to buy what they want super close in have a commute and get along just fine.

I’m more familiar with Maryland so I’d recommend looking at areas close to a MARC. In particular, there are some affordable areas near BWI, which has some of the most regular train service and can really make for a pretty easy commute as long as you can commit to the train life. Is it 20 minutes? Well, no. But you can certainly make it in an hour-ish, notably less depending on your specific start and end points and if you can get on the express MARCs or Amtrak trains. We have friends in Catonsville who do that commute 2-3x a week and don’t mind it, while also enjoying Catonsville’s overall sort of quirky vibe.

I recognize that if you both have to go in 5x a week and have little kids that necessitate pick-up/drop-offs that may not be a trade-off you’re willing to make. If that’s the case, then I’d look for other avenues to invest your money. Homeownership isn’t everything and you can make a lovely home in a rental. [/quote]

Also many jobs have embraced telework. The feds are the most noteworthy. Putting up with a commute once or twice a week is tolerable, even if it is 1.5 hrs one way (and that's an extreme). Besides near BWI, there is upper north MoCo (Poolesville, Boyd, Clarkburg, etc.) and then lower Frederick County (Urbana, Frederick city, Myersville, etc). Everyone can't afford Arlington, Bethesda, Alexandria, and Rockville but there are options. Yes, there will be a commute but imo anything under an hour one way is tolerable; especially if you don't have to do it everyday or you can rely on public transporation.

I also agree that owning isn't for everyone. Renting has a place. Keep the rent low and max out retirement, make 529 contributions, invest in stocks and bonds, etc. Make it work for your situation. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics