What about something like a duplex where they would be on one half and you would be on the other?

This is how the rest of the world lives. It would be great to make it happen. Best of luck.

I think the key to making this work is privacy. You need to give them a space that is theirs. You also need your own space. Do you have a basement? An attic? Some area that is just tucked away? I don't think it has to go bad if you talk it out and test it out. Invite them to visit. If you can't stand them for a week then a year would be a nightmare. It's less about your brother and you and more about the spouses. Does everyone get along? Who is footing the bill? Do you have a job and contributing towards this or is everyone leeching off your spouse? Are you actually in DC because having extended guests gets complicated with the very favorable "renter" laws. A lot to think over but I would do it in a heartbeat if I had better relatives.

I'd do it if there were a finished basement apartment so each family could retreat to their own living space when they need a break. Maybe have a common family/play room of some kind.

Closest I came to this was living in a different apartment but same building as a sibling and family. It was great, but probably close enough.

Anonymous wrote:OP - Sounds like you will be using them.

It sounds like Op will be basically supporting them until they get on their feet. That is very generous. What will Op be expecting in return - housework? yard work? childcare? cooking? laundry?

Do two houses next door to each other (or close, but next door is best--share the yard and leave back doors open etc)

But I also want to check my assumptions--OP you are his sister, right, or are you his brother?

And how does your DH feel about this (or DW?)

OP - Sounds like you will be using them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, that could quickly become unmanageable. Money management will be a PITA and will likely damage your relationship.

If you are close with family, buy a house near them. I don't mean the next house over, just something within a short distance however you define it.

+ 1000000

X2. We did this and the other family was a couple of blocks away. Still close enough to visit often but far enough away to maintain privacy. This also allows for flexibility in the future to sell, rent or have your own children live their as adults.

Most likely if they move here, for at least a little while, they are not going to have the money to buy a house. Even a nice apartment will be a stretch for them if it's in a good school district. They have little in savings due to their early career choices, but now have much better earning potential than before. It will take then a while to realize it, though. I guess we'd be subsidizing them a little, but I do see upside to us, as well. We also come from an area where living in close proximity to family isn't unusual, though maybe not as close as I'm thinking! Maybe we will just offer them a room for a short period while they figure out where they want to be. It's going to be a harder transition, though, since there daughter will be school aged by the time they are looking to move.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, that could quickly become unmanageable. Money management will be a PITA and will likely damage your relationship.

If you are close with family, buy a house near them. I don't mean the next house over, just something within a short distance however you define it.

+ 1000000

X2. We did this and the other family was a couple of blocks away. Still close enough to visit often but far enough away to maintain privacy. This also allows for flexibility in the future to sell, rent or have your own children live their as adults.