Nice video. I am a first time home buyer (hopefully this week), and have just been all over the place with my realtor and really nervous about picking a house due to the classic “what if something is wrong” but just hearing you say that something IS in fact wrong, helped me to make my decision better. Thanks!!
Gah, I love the enthusiasm in your videos, it really makes for an enjoyable viewing experience. You should totally think about doing a series of videos similar to this, like a Hewlett's Tips & Traps: Parenting/Auditions/Plastering/whatever you have advice on. I liked the format of this particular vid and would definitely be down for more in this style! Cheers :)
Thanks, David Hewlett. I'm buying a home next year, and all advice is taken to heart. A few others I've been told: Always meet the neighbors, check ISP/Utility options before making an offer, and check public records.
I've never bought, but after my last rental, this: look out for sources of noise. Everything seemed pretty good about this place. Location, amenities, cost. All good. Then the first night...TRAINS! Squeaking horrible train noise that ran through the night, every night. Lesson learned.
I bought my first house when i was 23, and i was like what the hell have i let my self in for. My top tip 1) is pay for an independent financial advisor to help make sense and explain all the mortgage options, tracker, fixed, interest only [...] They will also find the best mortgage option available that best fit your personal circumstances. 2) Do your home work, research the local area you're wanting to live in, ask a few of your potential new neighbours 3) Never pay the list price always try and negotiate a better deal. 4) Be prepared to walk away and look for another property. There are a few of my top tips :)
Terrific points! I've never owned a home, and never will, but I've always believed that your house should be your home. I often ask people that when you think of "home" what do you think of. So many times it has been not only a particular house, but also the location. Whether it's a city or rural, the feeling of home always seems to encompass that aspect as well. And for folks that have had many homes in life, there always seems to be one that they are particularly close to.
I completely agree with all of these while I am still very young and have not purchased a house yet several of my friends are in the process right now and they are experiencing these and they are all valuable.
That's helpful information. Going to keep it in mind for when, if, I ever actually buy a house rather than renting apartments. My brother and his girlfriend went in and bought one late last year. Few problems noticed when they were touring it but fixable, then came a few weeks later after moving in. Some how their back yard becomes a pool of water /slush dirt/grass due to the pipes of their neighbors infiltration of the ground. Both them and their neighbors are trying to work that out it is one of those things that can be quite costly from digging up the land, laying new pipes, and all that related contracting work. So for now they are making due with it.
The two things I think is really important you already mentioned :-) There is always another house, and there is always something wrong with the house. Also we bought our house in the middle of winter, when the garden was covered with snow and everything was dark and gloomy and we still loved it. I think it's easier to fall in love with a house during the summer time, and you might be easier persuaded to overlook its flaws and then regret it later.
All great tips and traps! I bought my house at what in the UK would now be considered quite a young age, back in the early 00's and it's only gone up a little bit in value, but it's *home*. Though I am hoping to make a new home, having completed today on a house near to where i work now. I think it's really important to think about your lifestyle when looking for a house. Although i love my home in the midlands, I bought it with a possible future in mind (married with kids) which never materialized, instead of buying something that was more suitable to my needs then, it's really far too big! I'm hoping that the house i've just bought will be more in-line with me! My top tip: if you are in the UK and buying a house with someone you are not married to, for the love of pete make or update your will and get a Deed of Trust!
I couldn't agree more with your 5 home buying times...specially buy a home not a house, a house is impersonal and a home is here we feel really good to be after a long day's work.
There was a house called "Hopefield". I wanted it, so I kept my eyes peeled. By the real estate agent, in I was reeled. To follow my heart, I wheeled & dealed. When that didn't work, for God I kneeled. My prayer was denied, so over I keeled. And 20 years later I STILL have *FEELS*
These are five excellent points, doing research about the area is important (says someone who was paddling through six inches of water in her back garden after heavy rain) and meeting the neighbours. I have great neighbours in close proximity but can image what it would be like if they weren't! Just wish I could relocate from the UK to Toronto, I recently visited and loved it, such a great city with wonderful people.
Hey David, you are definitely right, there is always something wrong with a house, my family got a house, and there were water issues, and also electrical issues to boot.
Oh my. Yes..Buying a Home...Not a House. My tips: 1 Look at more than one house at a time. 2. Don't shop for a home (if possible) with a time stamp on it...give yourself time to really look around at what is out there. 3. Don't feel pressure to purchase because other people are looking at the same houses you are. 4. Remember that not all sales are final....you can put in thing on the agreement of purchase (such as items that remain on the property like sheds, septic being flushed out by previous owners, etc) 5. Play it safe and check for fire hazards, poor wiring, bad steps or safety rails...take your time to really look at outlets, furnaces, any pumps, etc...just a really good idea.... Gratz again on the house! Great tips! And as always...Hug to you and yours from us in NY.
Our current house in on a corner lot. It's 4x more snow shoveling then a normal lot. Our drive way is a steep angle, didn't even noticed, but once you load the van with stuff, you scrap your way across the sidewalk. (city of Oshawa agrees it's to high, and are willing to fix it, at 70% cost to the home owner). Tree location on the property, tree roots run up to 2x the full leaf width of the house (not the pruned version you likely see) the roots can and will get in to the foundation and the drains.
"McKay's ZPM - Tips & Traps" Hello Atlantis, I, as you know, am the infamous Dr Rodney McKay...not that I'm better than any of you, I mean, I am but...I'll shut up now"
***** "The cynic would say it's because of the food, but my dog, see, I truly believe he enjoys my company. There's something very comforting about coming home from work at the end of the day and having a familiar face waiting for you, you know? Still, I digress. Where was I? Uh…right. ZedPMS - Tips & Traps".
Having written an Atlantis script, I've gotten to know Rodney's character rather well. I did start writing a second one before my laptop clonked out. It's safe on an external hard drive however.
I'm glad you added the "home" part. I've never owned a house, but I see it all too often that people think of their house as an investment first (and sometimes the only way they view it.) They only do modifications that will increase the value. To me, you might as well just go live in your bank, because that's not a Home.
This man, i mean wow! I could just sit there and talk about random shit that interest me and it seems that you like those things too, its pretty cool if i may say so myself. Hats off!
D33VIL Thanks so much...it is all a bit random, but I'm trying to put together a few scripted things to keep my creative juices flowing...just finding this all very exciting and almost therapeutic right now!
Random is awesome! As i see it, your random is holding such a high quality, so why fix something that ain't broken? :) That said, i will never dislike someone that is polishing up their work. :) so keep it up! i love these videos!
I've never bought a home (and probably never will), but have always had an interest in home building, architecture, repairs and such (including taking things apart and reassembling them-computers, guitars, a rifle when I was 12-and love building things too. So, when I saw this link in my twitter feed I came right over. Besides, I thought it might be funny. Nice presentation. On point, succinct, easy to remember and humor too. If you painted that room green you could drop in a nice background and make these sort of videos for lots of other stuff you know. Or you could make a living acting. Whatever.
Guitarrgirl I was great at taking things apart...not so much the putting back together! ...and thanks for the career advice, my wife keeps pushing me to do some more acting too! ;-)
Here on the old continent we used to build our houses ourself... Work at the week, build at the weekends. At least it used to be. Nowadays everyone can take up a credit and it's nothing special to own one. Tip #1: Don't build/buy the more expensive house if you can choose from two. If you urgently need money and need to sell it, noone will pay you the difference just because it looks better, Tip #2: Never build next to a highway. You're gonna regret it, permanent noise, smoke, etc. Tip #3: Live near the next city if you want to have a job in biotech or some other rare jobs. Commuting like 1 hour per way may sound ok at first but on the long run you'll regret living so far away. Your days could be 2 hours longer else. You would have to buy less fuel or could even go to work with bike.
Haven't had a chance to comment till now, great home buying tips, very good advice, you do have a lot of experience at it and are giving folks very practical advice in my opinon. Although you can loss money during market fluctuations a home investment over a long period of time is still usually a good investment generally over all, (30 yearsor more) in many ways like the stock market is over time. Noting to add I think I'll just sit back and take notes.
Wow, eighteen. I was 42 before I bought a house. It was a combination of a lot of moving around and the fact that research and teaching don't pay that well. I have to agree with all your points, wholeheartedly. What I did was I spent a summer doing a 'mock' house hunt. I did find one amazing place. It was incredible but for the fact that you had to park a long way away. I think that would have been one of those things that bugs you at first and then slowly turns you into an axe-wielding lunatic! It also had the steepest steps to the garden. My parents assured me that there would be another house and that this was supposed to be a trial run anyway! Besides, none of the houses I saw were perfect for me. A year later I went for it for real and did find the perfect place for me. Unfortunately I only get to live in it for two months a year but that is probably why nothing about the place bugs me. :-)
Putting our house on the market soon. The dog or in our case the 4 dogs 2 cats and our 4 year old boy is the big reason for the move. A 3 story townhouse with no yard doesn't cut it anymore. Looking for a home not a house is going to help with our search! I was already thinking to myself resale value down the road when I should just be thinking what will work best for my family. Thanks for the tips! It was an honor to meet you in Chicago! My wife and I named one of our dogs Dr. Rodney McKay and he is the smartest out of the four...go figure. McKay is a Corgi mix and we got a pug named Ronan Dex and of course the little guy thinks he is the Hulk.
Very good points Mr H! I have never owned a house, and have been renting since i was 19. My partner and I would love to buy, but its really difficult to get into the market over here in the UK. Especiallly for first time buyers. The deposits are crazy!! Renting does have its up sides, like we don't have to fork out for repairs throughout our home. But then we really want to own our own place so we can be free to renovate away!! Its also hard to find nice places to rent when you have a very moulty dog, like our little pooch. Whereas buying, we could have many MANY more dogs and not worry!! :D :D Were you trying to say that your new neighbours are untidy?! haha!!! What little things have your noticed that are likely to drive you crazy?? * ^_^ *
would agree with all of these tips especially the one "there is always another house" and would add "and it is usually better". What would add to this list, before making an offer, do your research on the local area, the house might be cheaper because they are going to build a chemical factory next door or hundreds of house on the field with the great view. In the UK you should go to the local council offices and check their plans for future development. Also beware any listed building or houses in conservation areas as this could limit what you may want to do building wise and can be very expensive if you need to replace windows or that wonderful thatched roof, in some houses you are even limited in your paint choices! Finally if you are buying with someone, make sure you agree in advance what you are both looking for and what you are prepared to and not prepared to compromise on.
Not bad...but to me, unless you own it, you never know what will happen to any parcel of land. And even then, in rare cases, it can be seized by eminent domain.
Some really good tips. Just going through the process of buying a house (sorry, home) and have already missed out on three that we liked. I know something else will come up, and the ones we missed out on are already pretty much out of mind. Tough going at the moment around here in the UK. Not so many coming on the market (at least not the type we want - student town so lots of student let properties). Just have to keep looking.
Was going to say, another tip.... 6. Stick to your budget! Its too tempting to spend that little bit more to get somewhere, but once you've worked out a budget, stick to it!
I think these five tips are rather excellent, actually. The exact five things I would say myself. Maybe I would add a sixth: Don't buy a house in order to impress someone. I know some tend to go more brash and bigger than they really need all so that they can have an ego-boost, but it is fantastic to buy a house (and car and everything else) that is cheaper than what you can really afford, because then you can have money in the bank and eat steak 365 days a year and invest in rejuvenation research (see sens research organisation) and still have money left over for fun and interesting things. Between having 50k in the bank or a 50k more expensive house, I'd go 50k in the bank every time. Its way more fun, way more motivating, way more enjoyable (you can constantly dream about what you COULD buy (but won't since you can always find something better to dream about)). Also, when you have some money, getting more money is infinitely easier (you get paid by the bank to have money in the bank, and you pay a fee to owe money to the bank). Also, instead of constantly dreaming about what I could spend money on, I like to dream about what I could make money on. That is far more interesting and fun.
You never quite know what will happen. In my case, it was a layoff...four years ago. Yes, I was quite glad to have (well, more than) $50K in the bank. The only worry now is when I will work again, but I don't want for much because I had saved.
lazygamerz Great point...also you really hit on something at the end there...I also prefer to dream of ways of making money rather than on what I will do with it if I had it...in the making of money lies the adventure! Thanks!
Fanatical (David Hewlett) Sounds like a weird way to look on it :D Over the years I've accumulated an archive of biotech projects I am "going to do if I win the lottery" xD Actually, some of them may fit well as kickstarter projects, but I'm not a marketing guy at all
My girlfriend & I inherited my parents' house (GF is stilll sobbing in NOT JOY 12 years later). The last reno was done in 1972 by my DIY Dad (I loved my Dad, but home repair....not his forte). Anyway, we were in the house about 5 minutes when we discovered Dad had built the entirety of the kitchen sink pipes out of black electrical tape. Things were better in the basement where the washer was connected to the water supply by....duct tape. I saved some of the psychodelic 60's cobalt blue and seering lime green wallpaper from the bathroom walls. If that pattern ever gets loose, the apocalyse is nigh.
+Primalxbeast I've been there. Living close to beaches there's more opportunities to hang out all day without attracting attention. Also, while traveling I always slept in my car (with the two kids and a dog) at truck stops. There's lots of big rigs to park between so you aren't noticed. Plus, they've got showers just like the beach! I got around the whole "physical address" problem by getting a PO box through one of the those small postal service centers. They have an actual street address and your box number "looks" like just another apartment or office suite when it's added to the street info. I had no trouble at the DMV and lots of other places that don't accept PO Box addresses, including buying via internet. I'm now set with my SSDI and living with friends, but it can be hell for the growing millions without shelter, health care, dental and vision care, etc. Yeah, this is America, baby! Geez, don't get me started.
First of all, top quality video my man. Second, not financially ready to get into the property market yet - although very recently moving out and living on my own sure feels like I'm on my way. The apartment has its quirks like a TV that's too high but then again it was fully equipped when I arrived. One thing that really brightens my home is a jukebox I bought from Aldi for a steal. It's got the flashing LED version of neon plus I have music in house and it was worth the number of days I had to tighten the belt. What is the music situation like at your new home David? :)
Lucas Kussowski I'm thinking of going Sonos with the place, but it's expensive! The house has speaker and security wiring hanging out of every wall, so perhaps I'd be better to take advantage of that...but it would need to be switchable via wifi...suggestions would be welcome if you've got 'em! Thanks!
Fanatical (David Hewlett) If you can do it, if you can't - go with the next best thing. Totally agree on the wireless and if you can integrate with what you've got - do it. Sooner you can crank up the volume on the Stargate SG1 and / or Atlantis theme the better, first test I did with home theatre system was the key sound from 2001: A Space Odyssey - EPIC!!! :)
Fanatical (David Hewlett) I think it's time you launched that Assassidate website! You would be a fantastic dating counsellor. You could even do videos to share your best dating tips with us...("Leadership"). NightSkies Dark Dating, houses... what's the difference really? You end up hitting a brick wall with both anyway.
I sold my first car for the same price I bought it hehehe I had it for 2 years... little things are always .... well not little so I agree with you, little things will drive you crazy :)
When we viewed our house there was a row of hedge trees on the side that gave our front yard a cozy courtyard fell. When we came home after the act of sale, they were cut down.Not Kidding! They were the neighbors and out of the blue she just cut them down leaving us looking at the side of her house, the gas line, water hoses, and trash cans. Then she put up a basket goal and her son and his friends play at all hours and constantly run in my yard. They have even hit my front door and car with the basketball. Thankfully as the years have gone by they have stopped playing, but I still haven't planted any trees to improve my view. Maybe this year for sure. On the other hand she has to deal with the constant remodeling noise we are doing and the yelling my husband does when he hits his, head, hand, foot.....SAY LA VEE
Wow, you bought your first house at 18! That's incredible!! The younger generation, at least out here in the UK, can only dream of that. Literally in their daydreams. Everyone I know rents.
***** No. But then again some of my friends are engaged and want to have a family, so a van/motorhome might give them the space they require anyway. Though it is a cheaper option. I do know someone who rents a boat though. :)
VintageRomana While boating does give you freedom, renting is horrible. I really can't be bothered to find someone and start a family, I prefer to be separate, different to other people. That way of live wouldn't suit me, I'm selfish.
***** Some of the boats you can get are huge, so it would be like having a house. On the other hand, you can never quite avoid bills. For boats you pay a marina to moor there - unless of course you play it fast and loose and little illegal and travel from place to place, mooring where you can.
VintageRomana Stealth Camping - Boating Version then? Aha - it's what this one guy does in his Westfalia Van, parks in different streets each night. It's perfectly legal but the concept is still the same.
I am going to make a video of my house for you I love it even though it is old and not in the best part of town and I am an eclectic soul and I have a hodge podge of things this house fits me .I will make video this week so look for it on Monday.
Very interesting video! I have been thinking about buying my first house since renting isn't easy and my landlord is a big .... But i am 25 and single and the whole getting a morgage think is very scary, i will basically be owned by the bank or the next 30 years!
Well, depends...doesn't have to be 30. Could be 25, 20, or even 15. But yes, the one I have is 30...but that's only because the program (SONYMA) doesn't structure loans any other way.
It really scared me at first, but it's honestly no different to paying money to a landlord and potentially being at the whim of a landlord deciding not to rent to you anymore.
Tamara Vels That's certainly one of the big things about a mortgage...you're basically renting from the bank! I'm certainly not saying that buying is the only way to go, I'm all for renting if it makes sense for you...but for me right now, the paying rent side of things feels like a waste of money.
Fanatical (David Hewlett) , Tamara Vels : The difference is, at the end of the loan term, you pay less. You shift from renting it from the bank AND the village/town/city (property tax) to just the village/town/city :-) . I think when you get right down to it, we're always "renting," it just depends on from whom directly. I don't know if there are any localities which do *not* have property taxes, but I don't know of any.
Ummm, I like point 5 "Don't buy a house" That's right up my street, so to speak. Travel Vans and RV's, highly recommended to everyone if at all possible, good for a retirement plan. But I shan't go into that - I'm sure you've heard enough about my RV passion. Brought another Tom Baker scarf today, this time with a red and purple pattern. That was the scarf he wore during his last season as The Doctor. Also brought two more classic who stories to add to my collection.
In many places in the US, it's illegal to sleep in your vehicle. Even if you're paying for a campsite they generally limit your stay to two weeks because they don't want people living at the campsite.
I was watching a few videos about this issue earlier. It's awful how each US state has it's own set of laws. In the UK it's far better, one law to rule them all so to speak. You can sleep in your vehicle on the streets over here, guy on our street has been doing it for as long as I can remember.
It actually varies city to city and just on the whim of whatever cop happens to be questioning you. There's no public place where sleeping in you vehicle is legal, you just have to hope to find a parking lot of a private business that tolerates you parking there. Maybe living in an RV in the UK isn't bad, but there are countless anti-homeless laws in the US, even laws against feeding homeless people. There's no place at all that it's legal to be if you're homeless in the US. Recently, there was a homeless guy gunned down by a swat team with an attack dog just because he was trying to sleep on a rocky hillside in the middle of nowhere.
So far, it's only been renting apartments/houses. No purchases as yet. But who knows...once my voice acting career takes off...perhaps I'll by a nice little place which isn't in the glide path of a major, metropolitan airport!
I like tips videos :) I don't have a house yet myself, but I'm thinking of it in the next year or two, depending on employment and whatnot. I'm lucky that I live in the maritimes where houses are dirt cheap, comparatively speaking. In fact, if I had a mortgage on a reasonably sized house it would probably be less than my rent. Who is this Christine you've been mentioning?
The only time that I was involved in buying a house is when me and my ex had one custom built so everything was exactly as we wanted it right from the start and since it was in an area that wasn't very populated, a large custom built home on an acre lot actually cost lest than buying a used one in a bigger town. Of course now I'm looking for a cheap apartment, so there's no telling how many things are going to be wrong with it. There are waiting lists to get into apartments here so you don't even get to see your apartment before you sign the rental agreement since all of the units are occupied. Reading the reviews people write about all of the things they've had go wrong in these apartments isn't very reassuring.
That did look like absolute luxury compared to the cramped little car I'm living in, but other than the fact that there's no way I could afford something like that, homeless people are treated like vermin. I've been questioned by the police dozens of times and they complain about how many calls they get about me even if I'm just sitting in a park in the middle of the day minding my own business. I have to stick to a limited area where the police already know me and are less likely to hassle me and if people harass me, I'm considered at fault just for existing. And I'm a middle-aged white female with no criminal history, someone in any other demographic would be even worse off. Not having a permanent address leads to all sorts of difficulties. Even the pharmacy that I've been going to for years stopped filling my scripts because I don't have a permanent address within 5 miles of the store. Being homeless with a vehicle isn't as bad as being homeless without one, but it's still barely surviving. I've been dealing with this for nearly 6 years and I'm ready to have a real home where I can get my stuff out of storage and go to the bathroom or take a shower anytime I want and have a place to store and prepare food and have electrical outlets and AC and not get eaten alive by insects, and not have to worry about people calling the cops on me just for existing and having people treat me as if I'm sub-human. Living in a vehicle really isn't a good long-term living situation.
I have a PO box, but there are many things that you need a physical address for, like driver's license and car insurance and car registration. I've been using my ex's address for those things, but he lives about an hour's drive away and there's a new law saying you need to live within 5 miles of a pharmacy for them to fill some scripts. I did find a pharmacy that's willing to fill them anyway, but there not technically allowed to. I'm also lucky that the dozens of police who have IDed me are willing to overlook the fact that the address on my license and registration are obviously wrong since they know that I'm living in my car.
Primalxbeast Fanatical (David Hewlett) It is indeed terrible how the Government automatically assumes you have a house, meaning they optimize everything around it. PO Box's mean you can at least get mail, or order things and such.
Perhaps this isn't as true now as it was when credit was flowing freely, but... Everyone involved in the process is invested in selling you more house than you can afford. Know what you can afford, repeat it often and loudly, and stick to your guns. Corollary, it's hard to recognize your dream home if you've been shown a bunch of houses above your price range. Ask the price first!
This is so true! When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, they tell you the maximum you can borrow. Given houses are expensive, people just simply look at the most expensive houses (the maximum loan amount they can afford). Just look for a home that suits your needs and budget. Don't automatically take their max mortgage amount as golden. As a minimalist, I think differently. There is no good debt.
Yes! This is so true! I have no idea why they calculate the amount the way they do as it didn't make sense at all for us. We looked at what we felt we could afford for PITI (the banks don't seem to think about the Taxes/Insurance) and what the bank would loan us was 50% more! We didn't listen to them thank goodness. Over the years there's always things that happen and you need to have a bit of flexibility money wise. Getting yourself into a tight corner with too high of a payment could end up in losing the house. :-/
Now who has Encyclopedic Knowledge? (I'm going to get some mileage out of that btw lol) No, those are 5 tips of pure gold mate!! As for value, well, if you're playing the numbers game then everything you do to a house has to value it, it'll never gain more value than the area it's in and you'd have to play the waiting game as to when you sell it - which only works if you have several properties and the area was as good as when you bought it or had improved.
I don't know if you will see this but I'm 18 going on 19 and wondering what tips you could give on moving in to first time apartment ? Also can say if I were to meet you we could talk for hours and geek out
Even tho u lost money 20k for 13 years rent is not bad if u look at it that way. I'm going back to uni, my big news, I'm looking at places to rent not based on size & location but feel and look, do they look like a home or a stop and go shelter. Def go for the home vibe. Btw can I live in ur attic?? It looks lovely & airy with mystery door in the corner lol
solitary nerdette Fantastic...back to Uni for you! What are you taking....and yes, the attic is kind of amazing and spoken for...but it does get really hot...got to figure that out! Best of luck with your new education adventures...but you'll keep posting too, right?
Not ready to say what till I get it as it's not till next September and I'm superstitious lol I will be posting yeah and if I get the uni I want I will be living in Oxford which is a city I have longed to live in as I have visited lots and it's full of nerds!! Thanks for the good wishes, have a lot of work to do between now and the interview. :)
"...even for someone as up-tight and-and terrified of things they can't control as me..." So there is a little Rodney McKay in you....hmmm. And yes, there will always be something wrong, or something that will go wrong, even in freshly built houses (although...I'd say less likelihood if brand new). Hopefully the builder/developer will warranty their work though.
I take it you've had some sloppy neighbors lol? One of my biggest goals is to buy back the house I grew up in, in Maryland; my grandparents house. Some people from out of country own it now but they best enjoy their time while that have it. Then I will invite you over. Toronto is not so far from Mary Land - just have to pass through PA, NY, then Niagara Falls. PS When ever you wear blue your eyes look 7x more blue than normal. As mine change as well.
Younger, my father bought a farm, which he demolished to build our family house. Best house ever until... Well, it just happened that the farmer and his son took their life in the farm house. Guess that's why the farm was not very expensive. So, except for the wonderful house that growled at night or screamed or else, it was okay. ;-) obviously we moved. Since then 4 ppl died on that land (3 suicides & 1 accidental death). I'm skipping lots of detail here because that kind of thing, some ppl just prefer not to hear about it. So, yeah, I agree with your advice. There's always smothering wrong with the house. Either you accept that or move on.
Man, I'd buy supposed haunted (cheap) houses in a heart-beat. In Norway we don't have haunted houses, it can always be traced to the builder not fitting the doors and windows properly (we also have more stringent rules about construction so our houses are quite solidly built, you can't hear a ghost banging on the outside of the wall and the floors don't make noises if a crow farts on the roof).
Well, I can tell you, it was a a creepy house. Certain nights, I would be woken up by screams, which could hold for an hour or so. You just couldn't pinpoint the provenance, it was like the room screamed, but change room, and the sound would stop. A lot of things happened. Dogs would bark and growl in the night at the place in the stairways where the farmer hanged itself. Shadows moved around. The basement was a very bad place where you would feel observed and sick. My friend died on this land a few years later when her horse spooked near the house. It was not a good place to grow up. But, except for that, the house was beautiful. Things didn't happen everyday. I'm sure even in Norway, there are haunted houses. Personally, I never talk about this. Here, nobody knows me and anonymity is good.
Véronique A I would go see a shrink, not a real-estate agent. The only thing haunting houses is Jehovas witnesses knocking on the door every now and again.
Lazygamerz, if you can't be kind and respectful, you have to reason to be on this channel. I had no wish to be insulted. You should clearly learn to voice your opinion in a more respectful way.
Véronique A I am baffled that you think you can express an opinion about ghosts that oh so many find completely insane, and then expect us to take the time to be tactful about letting you know how insane we find the opinion. We are busy being tactful and kind when it comes to not being racist and sexist and homophobic and all the rest of it that people can't choose. But your opinions, you can choose that freely. No one forced you to think sounds that may have been dreams actually happened (dreams form memories as well, regular lucid dreamer here). No one forced you to think ghosts exist. No one forced you to think a house can have supernatural powers that make people kill themselves (that a father and son kills themselves points to a genetic depression factor to me). Why then, should we treat your opinion with silk gloves, when you know others find that opinion crazy? To respect you as a person? We respect you as a person, but we can do that and at the same time think your opinion about ghosts is insane. As an example: The world champion in chess, we can respect him as a person, we can respect his opinion about chess moves, but we can at the same time think his political opinions are wacko. Whenever someone says your opinion is wrong, its not an attack on your person, its not rude its not disrespectful, its just discussion. In a discussion opinions clash so that our opinions evolve, and if everyones' opinions has the same value just because everyone has the right to free speech, then "I have a right to have whatever opinion I want" becomes the reason to have insane opinions. Sorry about the rant, but you just aren't the first person I've met to have the opinion that his/her opinion has to be respected because that equals respect for the person. I find it baffling that people get a new phone twice a year, but hold the same opinion through ten presidents.
if we have only gotten that house. stuck 2.5 years. Wells Fargo fucked my deal . now all I do is save. I have half of what I asked for now. still stuck. 800 credit
Nice video. I am a first time home buyer (hopefully this week), and have just been all over the place with my realtor and really nervous about picking a house due to the classic “what if something is wrong” but just hearing you say that something IS in fact wrong, helped me to make my decision better. Thanks!!
Gah, I love the enthusiasm in your videos, it really makes for an enjoyable viewing experience. You should totally think about doing a series of videos similar to this, like a Hewlett's Tips & Traps: Parenting/Auditions/Plastering/whatever you have advice on. I liked the format of this particular vid and would definitely be down for more in this style! Cheers :)
These tips were super helpful! Thank you!
Wow David! That is some of the best common sense advice I have heard. I so agree with you that most of us are looking to buy a home, and not a house.
Thanks, David Hewlett. I'm buying a home next year, and all advice is taken to heart. A few others I've been told: Always meet the neighbors, check ISP/Utility options before making an offer, and check public records.
Those are great points. Also, try and visit a potential home at different times of the day, and on different days of the week.
I've never bought, but after my last rental, this: look out for sources of noise. Everything seemed pretty good about this place. Location, amenities, cost. All good. Then the first night...TRAINS! Squeaking horrible train noise that ran through the night, every night. Lesson learned.
I bought my first house when i was 23, and i was like what the hell have i let my self in for. My top tip 1) is pay for an independent financial advisor to help make sense and explain all the mortgage options, tracker, fixed, interest only [...] They will also find the best mortgage option available that best fit your personal circumstances. 2) Do your home work, research the local area you're wanting to live in, ask a few of your potential new neighbours 3) Never pay the list price always try and negotiate a better deal. 4) Be prepared to walk away and look for another property. There are a few of my top tips :)
Good advice as I consider buy a home with in a year. Thanks for sharing
Terrific points! I've never owned a home, and never will, but I've always believed that your house should be your home. I often ask people that when you think of "home" what do you think of. So many times it has been not only a particular house, but also the location. Whether it's a city or rural, the feeling of home always seems to encompass that aspect as well. And for folks that have had many homes in life, there always seems to be one that they are particularly close to.
I completely agree with all of these while I am still very young and have not purchased a house yet several of my friends are in the process right now and they are experiencing these and they are all valuable.
That's helpful information. Going to keep it in mind for when, if, I ever actually buy a house rather than renting apartments. My brother and his girlfriend went in and bought one late last year. Few problems noticed when they were touring it but fixable, then came a few weeks later after moving in. Some how their back yard becomes a pool of water /slush dirt/grass due to the pipes of their neighbors infiltration of the ground. Both them and their neighbors are trying to work that out it is one of those things that can be quite costly from digging up the land, laying new pipes, and all that related contracting work. So for now they are making due with it.
The two things I think is really important you already mentioned :-) There is always another house, and there is always something wrong with the house. Also we bought our house in the middle of winter, when the garden was covered with snow and everything was dark and gloomy and we still loved it. I think it's easier to fall in love with a house during the summer time, and you might be easier persuaded to overlook its flaws and then regret it later.
All great tips and traps! I bought my house at what in the UK would now be considered quite a young age, back in the early 00's and it's only gone up a little bit in value, but it's *home*. Though I am hoping to make a new home, having completed today on a house near to where i work now. I think it's really important to think about your lifestyle when looking for a house. Although i love my home in the midlands, I bought it with a possible future in mind (married with kids) which never materialized, instead of buying something that was more suitable to my needs then, it's really far too big! I'm hoping that the house i've just bought will be more in-line with me! My top tip: if you are in the UK and buying a house with someone you are not married to, for the love of pete make or update your will and get a Deed of Trust!
I couldn't agree more with your 5 home buying times...specially buy a home not a house, a house is impersonal and a home is here we feel really good to be after a long day's work.
There was a house called "Hopefield". I wanted it, so I kept my eyes peeled.
By the real estate agent, in I was reeled.
To follow my heart, I wheeled & dealed.
When that didn't work, for God I kneeled.
My prayer was denied, so over I keeled.
And 20 years later I STILL have *FEELS*
These are five excellent points, doing research about the area is important (says someone who was paddling through six inches of water in her back garden after heavy rain) and meeting the neighbours. I have great neighbours in close proximity but can image what it would be like if they weren't! Just wish I could relocate from the UK to Toronto, I recently visited and loved it, such a great city with wonderful people.
Hey David, you are definitely right, there is always something wrong with a house, my family got a house, and there were water issues, and also electrical issues to boot.
Oh my. Yes..Buying a Home...Not a House. My tips: 1 Look at more than one house at a time. 2. Don't shop for a home (if possible) with a time stamp on it...give yourself time to really look around at what is out there. 3. Don't feel pressure to purchase because other people are looking at the same houses you are. 4. Remember that not all sales are final....you can put in thing on the agreement of purchase (such as items that remain on the property like sheds, septic being flushed out by previous owners, etc) 5. Play it safe and check for fire hazards, poor wiring, bad steps or safety rails...take your time to really look at outlets, furnaces, any pumps, etc...just a really good idea....
Gratz again on the house! Great tips! And as always...Hug to you and yours from us in NY.
Tin Great points every one...thanks!
:)
Our current house in on a corner lot. It's 4x more snow shoveling then a normal lot. Our drive way is a steep angle, didn't even noticed, but once you load the van with stuff, you scrap your way across the sidewalk. (city of Oshawa agrees it's to high, and are willing to fix it, at 70% cost to the home owner). Tree location on the property, tree roots run up to 2x the full leaf width of the house (not the pruned version you likely see) the roots can and will get in to the foundation and the drains.
This was really helpful! I'm going to have to think about buying my own place in a few years and these tips will definitely help. Thanks :-)
Sophie Munchkin You're very welcome...looking forward to seeing you document that adventure!
Ok, your first tip was the eye opener, of course most things depreciate, but a house? Gotta bare that in mind now....Thanks!
I remember the days of negative equity *shudders*
It's a real Fan-Attic! *drum snare*
And… rim shot!
Guitarrgirl And a groan! ;-)
These are the types of videos I think Rodney McKay would do all the time to pass time on Atlantis. So good.
I would watch those too and try to keep up.
"McKay's ZPM - Tips & Traps" Hello Atlantis, I, as you know, am the infamous Dr Rodney McKay...not that I'm better than any of you, I mean, I am but...I'll shut up now"
***** "The cynic would say it's because of the food, but my dog, see, I truly believe he enjoys my company. There's something very comforting about coming home from work at the end of the day and having a familiar face waiting for you, you know? Still, I digress. Where was I? Uh…right. ZedPMS - Tips & Traps".
Having written an Atlantis script, I've gotten to know Rodney's character rather well. I did start writing a second one before my laptop clonked out. It's safe on an external hard drive however.
***** "Leadership"... ;-)
I'm glad you added the "home" part. I've never owned a house, but I see it all too often that people think of their house as an investment first (and sometimes the only way they view it.) They only do modifications that will increase the value. To me, you might as well just go live in your bank, because that's not a Home.
This man, i mean wow! I could just sit there and talk about random shit that interest me and it seems that you like those things too, its pretty cool if i may say so myself. Hats off!
D33VIL Thanks so much...it is all a bit random, but I'm trying to put together a few scripted things to keep my creative juices flowing...just finding this all very exciting and almost therapeutic right now!
Random is awesome! As i see it, your random is holding such a high quality, so why fix something that ain't broken? :) That said, i will never dislike someone that is polishing up their work. :) so keep it up! i love these videos!
I've never bought a home (and probably never will), but have always had an interest in home building, architecture, repairs and such (including taking things apart and reassembling them-computers, guitars, a rifle when I was 12-and love building things too. So, when I saw this link in my twitter feed I came right over. Besides, I thought it might be funny.
Nice presentation. On point, succinct, easy to remember and humor too. If you painted that room green you could drop in a nice background and make these sort of videos for lots of other stuff you know. Or you could make a living acting. Whatever.
Guitarrgirl I was great at taking things apart...not so much the putting back together! ...and thanks for the career advice, my wife keeps pushing me to do some more acting too! ;-)
Here on the old continent we used to build our houses ourself... Work at the week, build at the weekends. At least it used to be. Nowadays everyone can take up a credit and it's nothing special to own one.
Tip #1:
Don't build/buy the more expensive house if you can choose from two. If you urgently need money and need to sell it, noone will pay you the difference just because it looks better,
Tip #2:
Never build next to a highway. You're gonna regret it, permanent noise, smoke, etc.
Tip #3:
Live near the next city if you want to have a job in biotech or some other rare jobs. Commuting like 1 hour per way may sound ok at first but on the long run you'll regret living so far away. Your days could be 2 hours longer else. You would have to buy less fuel or could even go to work with bike.
Haven't had a chance to comment till now, great home buying tips, very good advice, you do have a lot of experience at it and are giving folks very practical advice in my opinon. Although you can loss money during market fluctuations a home investment over a long period of time is still usually a good investment generally over all, (30 yearsor more) in many ways like the stock market is over time. Noting to add I think I'll just sit back and take notes.
Those are some good tips.
Wow, eighteen. I was 42 before I bought a house. It was a combination of a lot of moving around and the fact that research and teaching don't pay that well.
I have to agree with all your points, wholeheartedly.
What I did was I spent a summer doing a 'mock' house hunt. I did find one amazing place. It was incredible but for the fact that you had to park a long way away. I think that would have been one of those things that bugs you at first and then slowly turns you into an axe-wielding lunatic! It also had the steepest steps to the garden. My parents assured me that there would be another house and that this was supposed to be a trial run anyway! Besides, none of the houses I saw were perfect for me.
A year later I went for it for real and did find the perfect place for me. Unfortunately I only get to live in it for two months a year but that is probably why nothing about the place bugs me. :-)
Putting our house on the market soon. The dog or in our case the 4 dogs 2 cats and our 4 year old boy is the big reason for the move. A 3 story townhouse with no yard doesn't cut it anymore. Looking for a home not a house is going to help with our search! I was already thinking to myself resale value down the road when I should just be thinking what will work best for my family. Thanks for the tips! It was an honor to meet you in Chicago! My wife and I named one of our dogs Dr. Rodney McKay and he is the smartest out of the four...go figure. McKay is a Corgi mix and we got a pug named Ronan Dex and of course the little guy thinks he is the Hulk.
Steven Leonard A pleasure to meet you...and increase the intelligence of your canine in the process! ;-)
lol boy, can he talk! And if we tied down his hands, he'd be mute. Loved the tips, he's 100% right on, on all points.
Wow, you bought your first house at 18! I'm 18, and I couldn't even imagine being able to buy a house right now.
Very good points Mr H! I have never owned a house, and have been renting since i was 19. My partner and I would love to buy, but its really difficult to get into the market over here in the UK. Especiallly for first time buyers. The deposits are crazy!! Renting does have its up sides, like we don't have to fork out for repairs throughout our home. But then we really want to own our own place so we can be free to renovate away!! Its also hard to find nice places to rent when you have a very moulty dog, like our little pooch. Whereas buying, we could have many MANY more dogs and not worry!! :D :D Were you trying to say that your new neighbours are untidy?! haha!!! What little things have your noticed that are likely to drive you crazy?? * ^_^ *
David Hewlett needs to do a session on his inner geek with like cameras and his passion for computers.
would agree with all of these tips especially the one "there is always another house" and would add "and it is usually better". What would add to this list, before making an offer, do your research on the local area, the house might be cheaper because they are going to build a chemical factory next door or hundreds of house on the field with the great view. In the UK you should go to the local council offices and check their plans for future development.
Also beware any listed building or houses in conservation areas as this could limit what you may want to do building wise and can be very expensive if you need to replace windows or that wonderful thatched roof, in some houses you are even limited in your paint choices!
Finally if you are buying with someone, make sure you agree in advance what you are both looking for and what you are prepared to and not prepared to compromise on.
Not bad...but to me, unless you own it, you never know what will happen to any parcel of land. And even then, in rare cases, it can be seized by eminent domain.
Some really good tips. Just going through the process of buying a house (sorry, home) and have already missed out on three that we liked. I know something else will come up, and the ones we missed out on are already pretty much out of mind.
Tough going at the moment around here in the UK. Not so many coming on the market (at least not the type we want - student town so lots of student let properties). Just have to keep looking.
Was going to say, another tip....
6. Stick to your budget! Its too tempting to spend that little bit more to get somewhere, but once you've worked out a budget, stick to it!
I think these five tips are rather excellent, actually. The exact five things I would say myself.
Maybe I would add a sixth: Don't buy a house in order to impress someone. I know some tend to go more brash and bigger than they really need all so that they can have an ego-boost, but it is fantastic to buy a house (and car and everything else) that is cheaper than what you can really afford, because then you can have money in the bank and eat steak 365 days a year and invest in rejuvenation research (see sens research organisation) and still have money left over for fun and interesting things. Between having 50k in the bank or a 50k more expensive house, I'd go 50k in the bank every time. Its way more fun, way more motivating, way more enjoyable (you can constantly dream about what you COULD buy (but won't since you can always find something better to dream about)). Also, when you have some money, getting more money is infinitely easier (you get paid by the bank to have money in the bank, and you pay a fee to owe money to the bank).
Also, instead of constantly dreaming about what I could spend money on, I like to dream about what I could make money on. That is far more interesting and fun.
You never quite know what will happen. In my case, it was a layoff...four years ago. Yes, I was quite glad to have (well, more than) $50K in the bank. The only worry now is when I will work again, but I don't want for much because I had saved.
lazygamerz Great point...also you really hit on something at the end there...I also prefer to dream of ways of making money rather than on what I will do with it if I had it...in the making of money lies the adventure! Thanks!
Fanatical (David Hewlett) Sounds like a weird way to look on it :D
Over the years I've accumulated an archive of biotech projects I am "going to do if I win the lottery" xD Actually, some of them may fit well as kickstarter projects, but I'm not a marketing guy at all
My girlfriend & I inherited my parents' house (GF is stilll sobbing in NOT JOY 12 years later). The last reno was done in 1972 by my DIY Dad (I loved my Dad, but home repair....not his forte). Anyway, we were in the house about 5 minutes when we discovered Dad had built the entirety of the kitchen sink pipes out of black electrical tape. Things were better in the basement where the washer was connected to the water supply by....duct tape. I saved some of the psychodelic 60's cobalt blue and seering lime green wallpaper from the bathroom walls. If that pattern ever gets loose, the apocalyse is nigh.
+Primalxbeast
I've been there. Living close to beaches there's more opportunities to hang out all day without attracting attention. Also, while traveling I always slept in my car (with the two kids and a dog) at truck stops. There's lots of big rigs to park between so you aren't noticed. Plus, they've got showers just like the beach!
I got around the whole "physical address" problem by getting a PO box through one of the those small postal service centers. They have an actual street address and your box number "looks" like just another apartment or office suite when it's added to the street info. I had no trouble at the DMV and lots of other places that don't accept PO Box addresses, including buying via internet.
I'm now set with my SSDI and living with friends, but it can be hell for the growing millions without shelter, health care, dental and vision care, etc. Yeah, this is America, baby! Geez, don't get me started.
Very cool👍
Woot... nothing more I can say that... Woot. :)
Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Then I shall take that Woot and thank you for it! ...great time on the show...can't wait to do it again!
Sage advice!
I'd add one more. Don't buy a second house before you sell the first!
First of all, top quality video my man. Second, not financially ready to get into the property market yet - although very recently moving out and living on my own sure feels like I'm on my way. The apartment has its quirks like a TV that's too high but then again it was fully equipped when I arrived. One thing that really brightens my home is a jukebox I bought from Aldi for a steal. It's got the flashing LED version of neon plus I have music in house and it was worth the number of days I had to tighten the belt. What is the music situation like at your new home David? :)
Lucas Kussowski I'm thinking of going Sonos with the place, but it's expensive! The house has speaker and security wiring hanging out of every wall, so perhaps I'd be better to take advantage of that...but it would need to be switchable via wifi...suggestions would be welcome if you've got 'em! Thanks!
Fanatical (David Hewlett) If you can do it, if you can't - go with the next best thing. Totally agree on the wireless and if you can integrate with what you've got - do it. Sooner you can crank up the volume on the Stargate SG1 and / or Atlantis theme the better, first test I did with home theatre system was the key sound from 2001: A Space Odyssey - EPIC!!! :)
I just love how these tips can also apply to dating. ;-)
I thought that EXACT same thing!
Sam J Wow! You're totally right...how perfect is that!?
Fanatical (David Hewlett) I think it's time you launched that Assassidate website! You would be a fantastic dating counsellor. You could even do videos to share your best dating tips with us...("Leadership").
NightSkies Dark Dating, houses... what's the difference really? You end up hitting a brick wall with both anyway.
Sam J and no matter if you change the wallpaper or give it a lick of paint, it's still the same underneath ;-)
I sold my first car for the same price I bought it hehehe I had it for 2 years... little things are always .... well not little so I agree with you, little things will drive you crazy :)
When we viewed our house there was a row of hedge trees on the side that gave our front yard a cozy courtyard fell. When we came home after the act of sale, they were cut down.Not Kidding! They were the neighbors and out of the blue she just cut them down leaving us looking at the side of her house, the gas line, water hoses, and trash cans. Then she put up a basket goal and her son and his friends play at all hours and constantly run in my yard. They have even hit my front door and car with the basketball. Thankfully as the years have gone by they have stopped playing, but I still haven't planted any trees to improve my view. Maybe this year for sure. On the other hand she has to deal with the constant remodeling noise we are doing and the yelling my husband does when he hits his, head, hand, foot.....SAY LA VEE
Rona Waguespack Love that you got the neighbour back by renovating...oh, and I've had a fair amount of success with Cypress tree "hedges"!
Wow, you bought your first house at 18! That's incredible!! The younger generation, at least out here in the UK, can only dream of that. Literally in their daydreams. Everyone I know rents.
Our government is awful, isn't it? The people you know, they have not discovered the art of living in a travel van/RV.
***** No. But then again some of my friends are engaged and want to have a family, so a van/motorhome might give them the space they require anyway. Though it is a cheaper option. I do know someone who rents a boat though. :)
VintageRomana While boating does give you freedom, renting is horrible. I really can't be bothered to find someone and start a family, I prefer to be separate, different to other people. That way of live wouldn't suit me, I'm selfish.
***** Some of the boats you can get are huge, so it would be like having a house. On the other hand, you can never quite avoid bills. For boats you pay a marina to moor there - unless of course you play it fast and loose and little illegal and travel from place to place, mooring where you can.
VintageRomana Stealth Camping - Boating Version then? Aha - it's what this one guy does in his Westfalia Van, parks in different streets each night. It's perfectly legal but the concept is still the same.
I am going to make a video of my house for you I love it even though it is old and not in the best part of town and I am an eclectic soul and I have a hodge podge of things this house fits me .I will make video this week so look for it on Monday.
Dinah Kaye Smith Looking forward to you home walk-through...thanks!
It will be wed now hubby wants to help make it cooler
Very interesting video! I have been thinking about buying my first house since renting isn't easy and my landlord is a big .... But i am 25 and single and the whole getting a morgage think is very scary, i will basically be owned by the bank or the next 30 years!
Well, depends...doesn't have to be 30. Could be 25, 20, or even 15. But yes, the one I have is 30...but that's only because the program (SONYMA) doesn't structure loans any other way.
It really scared me at first, but it's honestly no different to paying money to a landlord and potentially being at the whim of a landlord deciding not to rent to you anymore.
Tamara Vels That's certainly one of the big things about a mortgage...you're basically renting from the bank! I'm certainly not saying that buying is the only way to go, I'm all for renting if it makes sense for you...but for me right now, the paying rent side of things feels like a waste of money.
Fanatical (David Hewlett) , Tamara Vels : The difference is, at the end of the loan term, you pay less. You shift from renting it from the bank AND the village/town/city (property tax) to just the village/town/city :-) . I think when you get right down to it, we're always "renting," it just depends on from whom directly. I don't know if there are any localities which do *not* have property taxes, but I don't know of any.
Ummm, I like point 5 "Don't buy a house" That's right up my street, so to speak. Travel Vans and RV's, highly recommended to everyone if at all possible, good for a retirement plan. But I shan't go into that - I'm sure you've heard enough about my RV passion.
Brought another Tom Baker scarf today, this time with a red and purple pattern. That was the scarf he wore during his last season as The Doctor. Also brought two more classic who stories to add to my collection.
In many places in the US, it's illegal to sleep in your vehicle. Even if you're paying for a campsite they generally limit your stay to two weeks because they don't want people living at the campsite.
I was watching a few videos about this issue earlier. It's awful how each US state has it's own set of laws. In the UK it's far better, one law to rule them all so to speak. You can sleep in your vehicle on the streets over here, guy on our street has been doing it for as long as I can remember.
It actually varies city to city and just on the whim of whatever cop happens to be questioning you.
There's no public place where sleeping in you vehicle is legal, you just have to hope to find a parking lot of a private business that tolerates you parking there.
Maybe living in an RV in the UK isn't bad, but there are countless anti-homeless laws in the US, even laws against feeding homeless people.
There's no place at all that it's legal to be if you're homeless in the US. Recently, there was a homeless guy gunned down by a swat team with an attack dog just because he was trying to sleep on a rocky hillside in the middle of nowhere.
Primalxbeast America can be a really silly place sometimes. I'm thankful I live in a country where sense still sort of prevails.
So far, it's only been renting apartments/houses. No purchases as yet. But who knows...once my voice acting career takes off...perhaps I'll by a nice little place which isn't in the glide path of a major, metropolitan airport!
"Glide path?" You'd better hope not. "Glide" would mean they lost their engines, just sayin'.
(I think you mean "flight path.")
rchandraonline Quite a bit more accurate. Although having no engines would make them a fair bit more quiet.
Trendane Sparks It's certainly a good voice...hope it works out for you!
Fanatical (David Hewlett) Thank you, sir!
I like tips videos :) I don't have a house yet myself, but I'm thinking of it in the next year or two, depending on employment and whatnot. I'm lucky that I live in the maritimes where houses are dirt cheap, comparatively speaking. In fact, if I had a mortgage on a reasonably sized house it would probably be less than my rent.
Who is this Christine you've been mentioning?
The only time that I was involved in buying a house is when me and my ex had one custom built so everything was exactly as we wanted it right from the start and since it was in an area that wasn't very populated, a large custom built home on an acre lot actually cost lest than buying a used one in a bigger town.
Of course now I'm looking for a cheap apartment, so there's no telling how many things are going to be wrong with it. There are waiting lists to get into apartments here so you don't even get to see your apartment before you sign the rental agreement since all of the units are occupied. Reading the reviews people write about all of the things they've had go wrong in these apartments isn't very reassuring.
You should upgrade to a travel van, like that Westfalia in that video we found each other on.
That did look like absolute luxury compared to the cramped little car I'm living in, but other than the fact that there's no way I could afford something like that, homeless people are treated like vermin.
I've been questioned by the police dozens of times and they complain about how many calls they get about me even if I'm just sitting in a park in the middle of the day minding my own business.
I have to stick to a limited area where the police already know me and are less likely to hassle me and if people harass me, I'm considered at fault just for existing.
And I'm a middle-aged white female with no criminal history, someone in any other demographic would be even worse off.
Not having a permanent address leads to all sorts of difficulties. Even the pharmacy that I've been going to for years stopped filling my scripts because I don't have a permanent address within 5 miles of the store.
Being homeless with a vehicle isn't as bad as being homeless without one, but it's still barely surviving.
I've been dealing with this for nearly 6 years and I'm ready to have a real home where I can get my stuff out of storage and go to the bathroom or take a shower anytime I want and have a place to store and prepare food and have electrical outlets and AC and not get eaten alive by insects, and not have to worry about people calling the cops on me just for existing and having people treat me as if I'm sub-human.
Living in a vehicle really isn't a good long-term living situation.
Primalxbeast What a nightmare! Is there no way to get a P.O. box or something to solve the lack of an address?
I have a PO box, but there are many things that you need a physical address for, like driver's license and car insurance and car registration.
I've been using my ex's address for those things, but he lives about an hour's drive away and there's a new law saying you need to live within 5 miles of a pharmacy for them to fill some scripts. I did find a pharmacy that's willing to fill them anyway, but there not technically allowed to.
I'm also lucky that the dozens of police who have IDed me are willing to overlook the fact that the address on my license and registration are obviously wrong since they know that I'm living in my car.
Primalxbeast Fanatical (David Hewlett) It is indeed terrible how the Government automatically assumes you have a house, meaning they optimize everything around it. PO Box's mean you can at least get mail, or order things and such.
Where do you currently live? Toronto?
Perhaps this isn't as true now as it was when credit was flowing freely, but... Everyone involved in the process is invested in selling you more house than you can afford. Know what you can afford, repeat it often and loudly, and stick to your guns.
Corollary, it's hard to recognize your dream home if you've been shown a bunch of houses above your price range. Ask the price first!
Stephen Cerruti Great points...going in my follow-up...thanks!
This is so true! When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, they tell you the maximum you can borrow. Given houses are expensive, people just simply look at the most expensive houses (the maximum loan amount they can afford). Just look for a home that suits your needs and budget. Don't automatically take their max mortgage amount as golden. As a minimalist, I think differently. There is no good debt.
Yes! This is so true! I have no idea why they calculate the amount the way they do as it didn't make sense at all for us. We looked at what we felt we could afford for PITI (the banks don't seem to think about the Taxes/Insurance) and what the bank would loan us was 50% more! We didn't listen to them thank goodness. Over the years there's always things that happen and you need to have a bit of flexibility money wise. Getting yourself into a tight corner with too high of a payment could end up in losing the house. :-/
Now who has Encyclopedic Knowledge? (I'm going to get some mileage out of that btw lol)
No, those are 5 tips of pure gold mate!!
As for value, well, if you're playing the numbers game then everything you do to a house has to value it, it'll never gain more value than the area it's in and you'd have to play the waiting game as to when you sell it - which only works if you have several properties and the area was as good as when you bought it or had improved.
o-o What's with the square box delay? D:
Tip 6: Short sales are anything but short. 6 months offer to close felt like forever when I bought my house. Good tips here though.
Please tell me this is Rodney Mckay from StarGate Atlantis.... 😊
I don't know if you will see this but I'm 18 going on 19 and wondering what tips you could give on moving in to first time apartment ? Also can say if I were to meet you we could talk for hours and geek out
Even tho u lost money 20k for 13 years rent is not bad if u look at it that way.
I'm going back to uni, my big news, I'm looking at places to rent not based on size & location but feel and look, do they look like a home or a stop and go shelter. Def go for the home vibe.
Btw can I live in ur attic?? It looks lovely & airy with mystery door in the corner lol
solitary nerdette Fantastic...back to Uni for you! What are you taking....and yes, the attic is kind of amazing and spoken for...but it does get really hot...got to figure that out! Best of luck with your new education adventures...but you'll keep posting too, right?
Not ready to say what till I get it as it's not till next September and I'm superstitious lol I will be posting yeah and if I get the uni I want I will be living in Oxford which is a city I have longed to live in as I have visited lots and it's full of nerds!!
Thanks for the good wishes, have a lot of work to do between now and the interview. :)
"...even for someone as up-tight and-and terrified of things they can't control as me..." So there is a little Rodney McKay in you....hmmm.
And yes, there will always be something wrong, or something that will go wrong, even in freshly built houses (although...I'd say less likelihood if brand new). Hopefully the builder/developer will warranty their work though.
I take it you've had some sloppy neighbors lol? One of my biggest goals is to buy back the house I grew up in, in Maryland; my grandparents house. Some people from out of country own it now but they best enjoy their time while that have it. Then I will invite you over. Toronto is not so far from Mary Land - just have to pass through PA, NY, then Niagara Falls. PS When ever you wear blue your eyes look 7x more blue than normal. As mine change as well.
I wonder if we'll ever be in the position to buy our own home... :(
Younger, my father bought a farm, which he demolished to build our family house. Best house ever until... Well, it just happened that the farmer and his son took their life in the farm house. Guess that's why the farm was not very expensive. So, except for the wonderful house that growled at night or screamed or else, it was okay. ;-) obviously we moved. Since then 4 ppl died on that land (3 suicides & 1 accidental death). I'm skipping lots of detail here because that kind of thing, some ppl just prefer not to hear about it.
So, yeah, I agree with your advice. There's always smothering wrong with the house. Either you accept that or move on.
Man, I'd buy supposed haunted (cheap) houses in a heart-beat. In Norway we don't have haunted houses, it can always be traced to the builder not fitting the doors and windows properly (we also have more stringent rules about construction so our houses are quite solidly built, you can't hear a ghost banging on the outside of the wall and the floors don't make noises if a crow farts on the roof).
Well, I can tell you, it was a a creepy house. Certain nights, I would be woken up by screams, which could hold for an hour or so. You just couldn't pinpoint the provenance, it was like the room screamed, but change room, and the sound would stop. A lot of things happened. Dogs would bark and growl in the night at the place in the stairways where the farmer hanged itself. Shadows moved around. The basement was a very bad place where you would feel observed and sick. My friend died on this land a few years later when her horse spooked near the house.
It was not a good place to grow up. But, except for that, the house was beautiful. Things didn't happen everyday.
I'm sure even in Norway, there are haunted houses. Personally, I never talk about this.
Here, nobody knows me and anonymity is good.
Véronique A I would go see a shrink, not a real-estate agent. The only thing haunting houses is Jehovas witnesses knocking on the door every now and again.
Lazygamerz, if you can't be kind and respectful, you have to reason to be on this channel.
I had no wish to be insulted. You should clearly learn to voice your opinion in a more respectful way.
Véronique A I am baffled that you think you can express an opinion about ghosts that oh so many find completely insane, and then expect us to take the time to be tactful about letting you know how insane we find the opinion. We are busy being tactful and kind when it comes to not being racist and sexist and homophobic and all the rest of it that people can't choose. But your opinions, you can choose that freely. No one forced you to think sounds that may have been dreams actually happened (dreams form memories as well, regular lucid dreamer here). No one forced you to think ghosts exist. No one forced you to think a house can have supernatural powers that make people kill themselves (that a father and son kills themselves points to a genetic depression factor to me).
Why then, should we treat your opinion with silk gloves, when you know others find that opinion crazy? To respect you as a person? We respect you as a person, but we can do that and at the same time think your opinion about ghosts is insane. As an example: The world champion in chess, we can respect him as a person, we can respect his opinion about chess moves, but we can at the same time think his political opinions are wacko. Whenever someone says your opinion is wrong, its not an attack on your person, its not rude its not disrespectful, its just discussion. In a discussion opinions clash so that our opinions evolve, and if everyones' opinions has the same value just because everyone has the right to free speech, then "I have a right to have whatever opinion I want" becomes the reason to have insane opinions.
Sorry about the rant, but you just aren't the first person I've met to have the opinion that his/her opinion has to be respected because that equals respect for the person. I find it baffling that people get a new phone twice a year, but hold the same opinion through ten presidents.
if we have only gotten that house. stuck 2.5 years. Wells Fargo fucked my deal . now all I do is save. I have half of what I asked for now. still stuck. 800 credit
You´re sooo right David, and tips nr 4 are worth taking serious. They WILL drive you crazy, trust me... i know.
to right theres always something that can go wrong with houses
My family bought once a house. It was a terrible experience and my parents lost a lot of money for nothing. I will never buy a house.
All of these reasons are part of why I realized that I have no desire to ever own a house.
well, it's not for everyone. Renting makes perfect sense for a ton of people.
You look a lot like Walter White from Breaking Bad lol. Would have been cool if you were wearing a mustache and a black hat!