Here we are at the helm of July pushing closer and closer to our September move deadline without a home in sight, though its not for lack of trying. The economy is topsy-turvey which means prices are down, interest rates are down, and foreclosures are up. Good for us. Then consider those people who can no longer afford their homes for these same reasons....those people who are in such dire straights that they're snatching up appliances and flooring and outlets and copper piping for Goddess' sake! And the banks who can't decide what a "fair" market value is. Taxes are down, does that mean they'll go up? Do we buy because the interest rates are <5%? Do we negotiate the "perfect" home for months on end with a bank? Will prices go up in 3-5 years so we can sell for profit? These are the questions and issues we're dealing with.
Recently, there's a break in the clouds, a light at the end of the tunnel, a clairvoyant vision :: what about renting? Craigslist please be our friend! So far we learned are that 95% of the people on craigslist are (nicely put) scammers. Also, that a rental home, with a pool, that will allow our 130lb, 10-year-old Mastiff child to live with us are far and few between. BUT a rental means no upkeep, no taxes, and no ball and chain if the going gets tough. It also means a slightly higher, albeit fixed, price tag.
In mid-July we'll revisit Vegas for our 4th house hunting expedition. To gamble or not to gamble, that is the question.
