I want to buy a house but I'm torn.
By cheerfulnuts
@cheerfulnuts (604)
Philippines
September 3, 2012 8:42am CST
I'm saving like crazy to buy a house someday. It has always been my family's dream to own a house. I'm planning to buy a home near my workplace. Currently, I live and work in a flood-prone area. During the monsoon rains a few weeks ago, the floods here were knee-deep high. I was worried that the floods would get worse, so I think buying a condo unit would be safer.
Then, just a few days ago, an earthquake shook some parts of the Philippines. I thought about how living in one of the high-rise condos would scare me during earthquakes. So now, I haven't even bought a house yet and I'm already torn. Do you guys think buying a condo unit is worth my money? Or do you think owning a townhouse unit is better? What are your thoughts on this?
5 responses
@blessedsavie (178)
• Philippines
3 Sep 12
I think any of the two will do. As long as you have a house that you can call your own.
Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to buy a house of our own. We never owned a house. We just rent apartments. And it's crazy moving from one place to another. Literally, no permanent address. But with no luck, up to now, I haven't save money to buy a new house. And it's just so hard. Sometimes, I envy people who has big houses. But I'm still not losing hope. I know someday, I'm going to buy my own house too.
@cheerfulnuts (604)
• Philippines
4 Sep 12
Sometimes, I envy other people too. But I don't really want to have a big house. It's not only expensive, but also hard to maintain. I just want a nice small house in a nice neighborhood.:)
@freedang (320)
• China
3 Sep 12
hi
buying a house is not a easy task in our country,some people have to work all the life to achive it.
i dont have money since i am still a student,but i must think it ahead.
there are both advantages and disadvantages,but i think that you need not worry about earthquake.afterall,our techs are safe enough
@maximax8 (31044)
• United Kingdom
3 Sep 12
Usually a person pays a deposit of their own money and gets a mortgage to buy a home. It is not easy to buy a home out wright from the beginning. You are doing excellently saving to buy your own home. It is lovely to live close to your work place. It is interesting to decorate a home that you have bought.
My second house was situated next to a river and overlooking rural fields. It didn't flood whilst I was living there. I owned that house for five years. Now I live in my bungalow. My first home was an old cottage and I had to pay a monthly maintenance charge to live there. I loved it when I had a freehold house and feel the same now I have a freehold bungalow.
I suggest decide on your budget and look into insurance costs. Flooding is high risk and so the insurance could cost a lot. Think about any maintenance charges on the properties you look at. Have a look at some condo units and some town houses. Then you will see which you like the most.
I went to visit dear friend that lives in Chile. I had two earthquakes whilst staying there. I am grateful my dear friend lives in a strongly built house. Think about how strong the homes you look at are. Good luck.
@cheerfulnuts (604)
• Philippines
4 Sep 12
Most residential areas here require us to pay a monthly maintenance fee. The amount depends on the facilities and amenities available, the size of your unit, or the location of the property. I've heard that in some high-end condos, they charge a high maintenance fee that is equal to what we're paying now for our rent.
My family has looked around and there are some townhouse units that I love but can't afford.
It's nice that you have your own house.:)
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
4 Sep 12
I think it would be better to own a townhouse unit. But just make sure that the area won't be affected much with the floods. Owning a condo unit is so cool but I don't think it is a good idea... earthquake is one issue... and when the whole building becomes old, you will get affected by it too. Collapsing will be a problem in the future.
