Why are you buying in a DECLINING MARKET?

Profile picture for Aldreth

Honest answers only please.

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January 30 2008 - US

Replies (341)

Profile picture for 2 Big 2 Fail

Not all markets are declining aldreth/aldread.  Rents in many areas are also rising. 

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for 2 Big 2 Fail

Then there is the tax advantages of owning a house. 

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January 30 2008

"Then there is the tax advantages of owning a house."

 

Good point, anytime I have the opportunity buy quarters with dollars I jump!

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January 30 2008

Because we'd miss you if you were gone.....

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for BelMal

We wanted a home of our own to live in for many years to come (ie. we are ok if the market continues to decline for a few years)  We got a really good deal with a really low interest rate (home originally sold for 1.25 mil in 2005, just paid 745K). Get tired of living in an apartment...the final straw was when we were told we couldn't have bird feeders!

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for interested_observer

"Then there is the tax advantages of owning a house."

 

There's also a tax advantage associated with selling stock at a loss (to offset other capital gains) but I prefer to make a profit when I sell.

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January 30 2008

Interest rates. They are low, and I can Buy=Rent. I expect a 'paper loss', but I expect it to be less of a monthly payment now, compared to when interest rates rise later for a lower price.

 

I can also submit to lower my taxes later, once my home devalues further. This will give me a tax decrease, lowering my cost of 'ownership' further.

 

Lastly, to counteract inflation, low interest rate loans are the proper micro economic solution.

 

I do not feel that I need to mention the stability for my family.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for brtlmj

Because we all need new comps. Buyers today provide valuable service for buyers tomorrow!

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for Jay Rock Team

Because they can.

 

.

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January 30 2008

If we buy in the next few months, it will be because we found a development that we like and we are fairly picky about certain things.   We would be okay with a slide of 50k or so from where we buy as long as the house has all the things we find important and we are able to reason with the seller.  If not, we will sign up for another year's rent in another house.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for CarolineTodd

Because I was sick of where I was living and couldn't imagine one more day there.  Renting isn't an option, so I sold and now I'm shopping. 

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for pinksandbaby

We got an excellent interest rate, we're making money on our house we just sold (almost, lol) and prefer the stability and roots of owning.  We're we are moving, the prices have not declined that much, and there is not that much inventory.  It's a wealthy, stable  suburb.  Not everywhere fits your "foreclosure mold".

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for PJ Sassifras

Aldreth, it all comes down to the fact that home ownership is not a strictly financial decision.  I know many doomers refuse to acknowledge the human component in a RE transaction, but it exists.  Many who were priced out when prices were rapidly rising are now in a position to buy in their financial comfort zone.  Those people are buying with the idea that they'll stay put for a long time.   

 

A lot of people like to throw out the "The average person moves every seven years" statistic.  What they don't realize is that according to the 2000 Census data, that's true, but the majority (2/3) of those people stay within the same county.  Also, renters are 4 times more likely to move.  Interesting stuff that changes that statistic, IMO.   

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for klarek the realist

"Because they can."

 

Because they can and they're foolish.  Everybody knows that time is on the buyer's side.  Will I buy next November when my lease is up?  Maybe, not likely though.  I'd rather wait for the rates to creep back up, thereby pushing down the values significantly more, thereby giving my down payment more leverage.   And I'll get a 15 year loan so I don't have to wait eight years to start building "equity".

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for caliguy

"What they don't realize is that according to the 2000 Census data, that's true, but the majority (2/3) of those people stay within the same county. "

Unless you live here...more people move out than stay in. Very sad.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for Randy_H

I know many doomers refuse to acknowledge the human component in a RE transaction, but it exists.

 

That is a gross mischaracterization, and unfairly dismisses the role that all those pimping real estate the past 5 years had in things.  If I had $100 for every time I heard "real estate is a sure win investment" in the past, none of this would be an issue for me.  Those weren't doomers telling me I was missing the investment of a lifetime.

 

And I'm in the camp that could readily buy, even at peak bubble prices.  Family, children, having owned for many years until 05, and an elderly live-in parent in consideration, you don't need to tell me about the premium value of ownership.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for PJ Sassifras

LOL, I know caliguy, I'm one of them!  It'll be interesting to see how the statistics change with the next census in two years. 

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for Jay Rock Team

"Because they can and they're foolish.  Everybody knows that time is on the buyer's side. "

 

Unfortunately your strategy doesn't work across the board for all people in all markets. Like I said last month, people are finding good deals and exercising their option to purchase them. I don't see what is so foolish about that. The fundamental difference between your perception of the market and their perception of the market is that any [on paper] price decline will be mitigated by:

a) time

b) intrest rate increases

c) not renting

d) buying something that makes them happy

e) the fact that prices may not fall to fire the sale levels folks are predicting

f) any combination above

 

.

 

 

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for Realtor 808

People buy when it's the right time to buy (for them).  In declining market, many tend to wait and see he bottom to jump, if they can and rent a few months, or maybe years.  Does anybody see clear bottom in the past 40 years?  For stock market, you can cash out and keep the cash safe and sound, ready for next upswing.  For real estate, you need to live somewhere whether or not market is up or down.  The value (either market value or appraisal value) is one factor to decide if price is right at the moment,  This market is great for buyers who has clear plan how long they will stay, live and love the home, with great interest rate to those excellent credit trully creditworthy..

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for LBTRS

Because I'm 40 years old and have never owned a home.  I will retire in 4-5 years from the military and need to get established and a place to live before I retire.  The military will pay me a housing allowance over the next 5 years that I would like to put into a home.  That's my reason...

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for KD in Texas

Because I bought cheaper than I could rent.  Because I'm saving gas money by the move.  Because I sold higher than I really thought I could and don't mind the 1% drop in value in Texas compared to the 8% elsewhere.  Because I friggin love the house.  Love everything about it.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for KD in Texas

And

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for KD in Texas

And

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for KD in Texas

AndBecauseIBoughtTheHouseFor30To40KCheaperThanWhatANewHomeBuilderIsTryingToSell-SameRooms-SameSqFt-EqualUpgrades.30-40kLessInTexasIsSignificant.

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January 30 2008

Rates rates rates. I could give a rat's arse about the rates. How about price price price! Prices are dropping faster then a Britney's panties in my area. So what if rates dropped down to 5.4. Prices will continue to drop. I already see SFH 220 sq ft homes built in 2000s for 350k range (2003 prices) in some areas of SoCal. So at this rate of price drops, who cares if the rates rise back up to say 6.1265. A mortgage rate is not permanent, can always be refinanced. Overpaying for a home is!

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January 30 2008

220 sq. feet for 350k?  Boy, Cali really IS overpriced.  8P

Is that a doghouse?  tee hee.

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January 30 2008

2200. Actually my dog flipped his house for a good profit. He bought a fourplez and is renting it out to 8 families of Chihuahas.

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for annelisek

OMG SOCAL, LMFAO!!!!!!!!

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January 30 2008
Profile picture for PJ Sassifras

Randy H - First, WB!  I've missed your posts, even though the majority of your economic lessons sail right over my head. 

 

That being said, I'm not sure how my statement is a "gross mischaracterization" of the posts I've read here.  I'm not arguing your position on what got us in this mess.  My statement simply is my observation of why it's so hard for some people on this board to understand why people are continuing to buy.  You can stare at all the charts/graphs you want, I'm a human and have emotions and irrational feelings (egads!) that make me feel more "secure" in a home I own. 

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January 30 2008

LOL

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January 30 2008
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