The housing market has rebounded, renting is getting more and more expensive by the day, and you’re just over here wondering if it’s time to take on the title of “homeowner.”
But if you’re honest, this wasn’t a part of the plan. You always assumed you’d be making this purchase with a spouse. Okay, so it’s not how you planned it. But even if you overcome the fact that you’d be buying a house solo, there are other important factors you need to take into consideration before buying your first home.
SingleRoots Writers Say…
For wise counsel, we asked some of our SingleRoots alumni writers to weigh in on the matter. Here’s what they had to say:
“Absolutely! But only if you are financially ready to do so. I waded into those exact waters a year ago and it was scary yet truly exciting. I am a mid-30s woman who was ready to be in a home, and after praying about direction and feasibility of affordability I found the perfect place for me. Talk with friends who have bought homes recently, do your research (I have my own pinterest board of websites on buying a home) and get a great realtor who is in your corner, not looking at a profit off you. Explore areas that you feel safe and there’s a community to be a part of. But also don’t jump into this if you’re not ready to take responsibility for fixing (or paying to fix) things that arise. I had a toilet leak early this spring that I researched how to fix and invested several hours and trips to Home Depot into taking care of it myself. But I am also paying someone to clean out the chimney per the home inspector’s suggestion. You don’t have to wait for a family in order to make it a home but you do need to consider your ability to maintain a home reasonably while also not being a slave to an over-budget choice.”
:: Sara Stacy, author of We’re Not Made to Be Alone
“If you can afford it, absolutely! Why throw away money every month in an apartment when you could be building equity in a home? If the interest rates are good and you are wise in the home you pick (not a money pit or a home larger than you need or can afford), you are being a better steward of your resources by investing in a home.”
:: Stacy Conville, author of What If There’s No Expiration Date on My Singleness?
“Not if you don’t have a plan, like an emergency fund. Things will go wrong. You’ll need a new hot water heater or the air conditioning will break in the middle of the summer. That stuff ads up and you need to be prepared to pay for it.”
:: Sundi Jo Graham, author of Are You Settling for Less?
“Buying a house has less to do with your marital status and more to do with your season of life. Major deciding factors should be things like if you are financially stable enough to make that type of purchase, if you plan to be in that geographic area long-term, and if you consider a house a worthy investment.”
:: Katie Axelson, author of When Singleness Hurts
“I can’t answer this from experience because I’ve never bought a house. But my husband owed a home when we started dating, and I can tell you from my perspective that there were no negatives attached to the fact that he owned a home. Don’t delay buying a home because you are concerned what a future spouse will think about it. Buying a home, like any major decision, should be weighed based on it’s merit – whether or not it’s a good investment.”
:: Jacque Isaacs, author of Are You Chasing the End of the Rainbow?
Explore the Topic Further…
For further discussion on home ownership as a single person, check out these posts:
Buying versus Renting :: 5 Questions to Consider – “As I approached 30, though, I started to get the house itch. The thought of going to look at homes on the weekends excited me, and the homeownership bug had infected me big time. But before I took the plunge, there were 5 questions I asked myself to ensure I was making a wise decision versus just getting caught up in living the American Dream.”
All About the Benjamins :: Making ‘Em, Saving ‘Em, and Spending ‘Em – “We thought it might be helpful for y’all to know that there are personal finance bloggers and experts out there who are dropping pearls of wisdom to help you get a firm handle on your money situation—and they’re doing so from a Christian perspective.”
When the Dream Comes Before the Husband – “For so long, I used my singleness as an excuse to not follow the big dreams that God has placed in my heart, putting life on pause because I wanted a husband by my side. I acted as though the God who gave me those dreams wouldn’t be able to carry me through them.”
