Well, we are on the lookout for a house. It is time we stopped renting and bought a place of our own. So, how do super frugal folk go about deciding to jump into 30 years of debt? Very carefully, and with lots of stress. So here is what we are looking for:
- Someplace close to work. When we say close, we mean less than a 10 minute drive, and possibly close enough to walk.
- Somewhere with ready access to nature. When you are homeschooling, a cramped house on a tiny city lot is not exactly conducive to continuing the effort. This would also allow for a much more open science curriculum.
- Somewhere with a bit of space. We would love to raise some animals, specifically goats, rabbits and chickens. That type of living requires a little bit of space (I am thinking >0.5 acre).
- Someplace for less than 100k. I am not making plans for my salary to increase, B should not *have* to work, and a low mortgage would provide for a flexible living standard. Like I said, super frugal.
The interesting thing is, we might be able to do it. The real estate market is dropping here, and everywhere you drive there are signs. It is a pretty good time for us to buy. The other circumstances that signal that our time is at hand is the sale of the house we are in. It has been a great place to live, and I am content with the time we have spent here. It has given our kids some roots, and opened them up to the joys of nature. It has connected them with their grandpa and his history. They will remember.
This was also the house we lived in for the first six months of married life, and the house that little A came home to after she was born almost 12 years ago. It makes me happy that my entire family has been here, to share this place with us.