decisions, decisions
OK, so on the plus side: the apartment was even more beautiful in person, and its location is perfect. I could walk to the grocery store, the train, the entire cute downtown. Add to that the all-new kitchen, the enormous walk-in closet in the bedroom, a fully renovated bathroom that looks like a page from a designer magazine and parking space that’s included, and this apartment is my dream come true.
Of course, there are negatives: Though parking is included, it’s a bit of a walk from this unit, which would be a pain on cold days or when carrying packages. I hate the idea of climbing up and down three flights of stairs to do laundry. It’s not the top floor (like I thought I was) and might be noisy with hardwood floors in a vintage building. Most of all, though, this place is at the highest price I could afford, and it doesn’t include electric, cooking gas or cable.
I’m nervous about not having a cushion in my budget. The smart, frugal, pf-blogging side of me says: wait for something about $200-$300 less. This smart side has found and contacted another unit owner in the building about a possible rent-to-own option. This smart side hates the thought of throwing $13000 away when I don’t have to.
But the fun-loving, wouldn’t-it-be-cool side says: go for it! You’ll figure something out, even if it means eating less or living without cable.
Decisions, decisions.
Filed under budgeting, buying/renting |
4 Responses to “decisions, decisions”
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It’s such a difficult decision. My situation was different because I bought my apartment a year ago (a small studio), some of the thought process was the same. I could have gotten more space or paid less for the same space if I choose another neighborhood, but for me the convenience, neighborhood, and apartment itself won over. I love my place and my neighborhood, and while I hate sending in those big checks for me it was worth it. Good luck with your decision!
i think your housing arrangement is your biggest expense and has a great deal to do with how happy you are.
i agree with miss noodle. if you were a student like me, i would caution you, but it seems you are at a point where you can spend more for the finer things, and this apartment sounds awesome! at the same time, i know the more PF-sound thing to do would be to settle for less, so the future may be a bit more better. but you can always find ways to cut corners on your other set expenses - like you said, eat less, save on bills…. it’s doable! trade-offs are inevitable. but it sounds that you have a lot of deal-makers in that apartment, and all the rest sound like deal-breakers.
good luck with your decision! it sounds absolutely gorgeous!
Would you consider a roommate? You can probably find a 2-bedroom with the same features and rent it for less than $1,100 a person. I have a roommate and my rent is like 14%-15% of my income (and I live in a very HIGH COLA). The low rent has been a god-send for my investing goals. But you’re pretty ahead for your age, and I get that you might want your own space after living with the parents. If you truly love this place, you can cut the corners elsewhere. So… I say… think carefully, but go for it if you love it!