Schools don't teach people how to choose a life partner, manage money or buy a house. We simply learn by doing...often with devastating results. Online learning is such a great resource and offers those with experience and knowledge a platform to help others. This course contains the wisdom I would share with my younger self if that were only possible. Over the years I have made both good decisions and poor decisions on house purchases. As a real estate Broker in California I have helped hundreds of people buy a house and I understand the way we all think during this exciting and demanding life choice. Take these lessons to heart and it will change the course of your life. I guarantee it.
This is a fast paced and easy introduction to how people view the purchase of a house and how you can view it more realistically and productively. Most of are raised to want to buy a house and feel safe, secure and settled. I can tell you from personal experience, buying the wrong house will leave you feeling unsafe, insecure and unsettled while you lie awake at 3 AM feeling a crushing sense of dread. Been there, done that. While I am truly an advocate for home ownership, it really is only viable at the right time, under the right circumstances and with the right house.
Buying a house is only one part of building the home you dream of living in. Dream homes are about people, relationships, experiences and creating memorable moments. If you are not living happily now, a different house is not the solution to your problem. Spend too much and commute too far and your life will change in ways you never imagined.
This is a starter course to introduce students to where we go right and wrong when buying a home.
While many of us have a romanticized image of finding our 'dream home', the reality is life comes with challenges. Anticipate and plan for them. The Social Security Administration says that only 5% of workers at retirement age will be financially independent, Bankrate has documented that 76% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and half of all marriages end in divorce. It's not the regular latte's that do the most damage, it is getting the big decisions completely wrong wreak havoc on the lives of unsuspecting house shoppers.
Buying a house is a big and exciting transition, and is particularly important for launching each of us on the right path for a happy and successful life. House choice has a large impact on your family's future, both personally and financially so this is something you want to get right.
I teach and coach home buyers across the country on balancing a house purchase with life goals. As such I seek one of three outcomes.
1) You cheese not to buy a house. If it's not the right time or circumstances, don't do it now. Wait until the time is right for you.
2) You buy a different house. Most home buyers overspend or add too much to their travel time. I encourage people to buy a house that leaves money and time for more important things in their lives... like people and experiences.
3) You buy the same house, but you are different. Choosing to make a house a priority is just fine as long as everyone understands and anticipates the challenges and sacrifice this will call for. Go in eyes open and informed and you will better prepared for a happy home life.
If you're thinking about a house, take this course...you'll know right away that this is life changing wisdom.
