My parents are migrants and have never able to afford a house despite living here for a while. So it's just me and my sister and now that she has a full time job, she's been saving up and thankfully we have a little to put a deposit on a house. (It's kinda hard though because she feels like all the pressure is on her to get us out of here. We're a close-knit bunch, so moving out & leaving us is not an option.)
So we've been looking for about 4-5 months now, and we get depressed every time one feels like it's in our grasp and then we lose it. Auctions are the worst because someone always trumps our limit by 10,000 and we only have what we have.
The other thing is, we can't afford the kind of house we want (3-bedroom, near transport) but our choices are limited as some of us don't drive. This is making it super hard on us and I feel like we'll just be stuck in this rented house forever.
I know it sounds like we're being picky but honestly, I've spent too much of my life sharing a room and I think it's only fair that my sister and I should get our own rooms at our age.
I guess my question is, how do you stay positive while house-hunting and not feel like giving up because everything seems to be against you?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with renting, I've done a lot of it over the years. Renting an apartment could in some places cost less than renting a home and the complex's maintenance would take care of fixing things that go wrong, and you'd have extra time to get 2nd and 3rd jobs. Lots of immigrants come to America who have had landlords who don't care and so they've had many people living in one house and then using bicycles or mopeds to get to work thereby saving lots of money and usually open restaurants where they buy in bulk and feed their families with the extras.
Since the 2008 mortgage fiasco which not only affected America but other countries as well, and with the recession we had, and now soon to have inflation, it's best not to get stuck with trying to own a home as they are a liability and not an asset anymore and not an asset at this time, so please don't be embarrassed.
You are not in a position to buy from an auction because those are auctioned off quickly to those folks who have money who want to flip properties and make them more expensive to own. You don't stand a chance at getting one of those. And probably don't stand a chance at buying a cheaper home either because they are in disrepair and distress (things missing) that you can't afford to fix and doctors and lawyers buy those and use them as investment properties and grab them as soon as they come on the market.
It depends on what age you and your sister are. Some states have laws that children need to have their own room, while if you're 18 or older then you need to get educated and get a career and get out on your own thru a good paying job.
So to answer your last question, you don't...you rent.
Being a long term renter is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people never buy a house and not always because they cannot afford it. Stop watching the Kardashians & do not put so much importance on status & money. You go through life with your nose in the air & you will drown.
"it's only fair that my sister and I should get our own rooms at our age. " You sound like a spoiled little brat. Some families have to have 7 people in a small 3 bedroom apartment. & you think you are entitled to your own room?! You are not entitled to squat. Go live on the streets then you will be thankful for what you have.
Wahh wahh wahhh we cannot get a big fancy house. Guess what- neither can most people in the us. Get over yourself.
There is no shame, at all, in renting.
I don't know what you mean by, "...only fair that sister and I should get our own rooms at our age." Who do you think is cheating you?
How do you stay negative when house hunting? I was thrilled to be buying my first place, looked at thirty plus houses, and burnt out a realtor. It's fun to try to find the perfect place for you. I'm sorry you're not enjoying it but, maybe try not getting emotionally invested in places that aren't yours. And be ready to compromise. I'd liked to have had a four car garage on a few acres. That was not in the cards. A short commute may not be in yours.
Being positive about anything starts with how You are. In this case being ungrateful, and that's just for starters, is keeping you in a bad place.
Your parents deserve respect especially from you. Who cares what your friends think? They are not paying the bills for you. Your sister is showing gratitude & respect by taking on the burden of responsibility for the family. But she always has an option to leave and get on with her own life. Home ownership is not affordable for many and should not even be a choice for some.
I agree with the answers you've already received. You're not in bad shape. Be grateful for what you have.
However, there are plenty of ways to buy a house, even in your circumstances. Make sure you have a real estate agent who knows what he/she is doing. For example, what are you all doing trying to buy houses at auctions? You're competing against professional investors! You say you need a 3-bedroom near public transportation...but you don't say where you are. There are plenty of places in some cities where you can find that for $60,000 or less--Baltimore, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and many, many others.
The properties are out there. Lots of them. You just have to find them.
Renting is fine. It usually gives you freedom from cleaning rain gutters, clearing out garages, basements, etc. There is no shame in renting. For house hunting, connect with an agent who will alert you to homes in your price range which are about to go on sale, so you get a jump on the new listings. Be patient.
What country you live in?
Renting is the Norm in most of the world.
If in USA, everything is not against you. U just have not learn how to house buy.
If 10000 is number u short, go earn more money and have it ready.
As for "FAIR" that only exists in fairies tales.
As for being "embarrassed" by friends, again grow up and accept housing doesn't matter.
Go to local homeless shelter to see how good u got it.
You need to grow up and become independent from your parents. You and your sister should move out together. That will be a big relief to your parents who can then rent a smaller place, in better condition and, perhaps, they will start saving to afford a down payment for a house.
What is the pitty party about?
WHOA is me... "I have to share a room". Big deal?!?! Are you aren't even out of school yet.
Even with your sister's income, it's clearly not the right decision now for your family to purchase a home.
I have friends who earn $200,000USD and still rent because it's easier.
You are living within your means. That actually makes you better off than people who go into large debt to own a home. There is no shame in renting. Stop the pity party. You have to do the best with what you have.
