hi everyone, i'll try to be brief. I'm going through a separation right now and my children and I are living in a 3bdrm apartment in an awful neighborhood paying $1550 a month. Now that I'll only have my income (55K) that's too much rent and so I wanted to rent a 2 bedroom in a better neighborhood. My dilemma is that I am in the process of fixing my credit to eventually get my kids the home they deserve, I am not even close to the 3% down payment I'll need, it may take 2 years at least. My question is, should I just stay in the 3 bedroom apt. (we saw 4 waterbugs this morning...yuck!) and save the $2000 I have started to save for the downpayment so it can accumulate OR use that $2000 to move to a better area in a downsized 2 bedroom and start all over again saving. Sorry if this sounds silly, I'm just confused and at a breakdown point. Thanks for you advice, I want to do whats best for my kids and buy them a home.
2007-07-11 02:54:47 · 9 answers · asked by Hope 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Dear Hope,
You do not specify the state in which you live. I live in Texas. Your rent for a 3 bedroom apartment seems on the high side to me, unless it was in a good neighborhood - and you say it is NOT in a good neighborhood. Therefore, my suggestion is that you should downsize and move to a better part of town. You do not mention your family's safety, but it is as important as your health. A little togetherness won't hurt you right now, in fact, it might even help all of you be closer emotionally, and heaven knows, that's a good thing when times get tough. There is no time limit on when you have to get a house, so go for the smaller and safer apartment right now.
Good luck to all of you. I pray things will get easier as time goes on. :)
2007-07-11 03:13:00 · answer #1 · answered by Peanut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the home is safe you might want to try and deal with a few waterbugs. Also look into Section 8 housing as they can help you pay the rent in a better neighborhood. If you use the money you have saved it could take more than 2 years to get it back as one thing or another always comes up.
2007-07-11 10:01:19 · answer #2 · answered by geminijeanna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would move! If the neighborhood you are in is unsafe, then you are risking your children's safety. That is NEVER a good idea!
I understand your desire to buy a home and that's great. But, if you are paying less for an apartment, you will be able to save more and your children will be able to play outside and feel safe! Besides, who's to say that something else won't come up that will force you to use your savings? It will all work out for the best. You seem to be very determined and commited to your children, so you will find a way to make it happen eventually. Keep your kids safe and happy and everything else will fall into place! Good luck!
2007-07-11 10:05:32 · answer #3 · answered by Kailey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you downsize, it sounds like your kids may have to share a room. If they are very young then that's ok. If they are older they may want (and need) their own space. If the kids sharing is not a problem, how about staying where you are and taking in a boarder/lodger for a while? I did that when my 2 boys were young and it paid for lots of little extras as well as the mortgage. Sub-letting shouldn't be a problem. Good luck whatever you decide.
2007-07-11 10:07:32 · answer #4 · answered by Ali 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I would probably spend the money on another place so the kids could live in a better area. Yeah, they'll have to share a bedroom but they'll get over it. I shared a room (and a bed!) with my sisters for 10 years and it sure didn't hurt me.
Good luck on your life. And congrats on saving some $$. It's not easy to do with kids.
2007-07-11 10:04:26 · answer #5 · answered by katydid 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you say... $1550 is too much for you to pay.. so if you cant make the rent each month you will get evicted. its better to move than keep your children in a dangerous place. you want them to feel secure then moving is your only option. saving the money for a home of your own isn't going to happen if you have to keep tapping into it to pay rent when you cant quite make the budget work... and from experience once you touch your saved monies it goes quicker than you would like to think.
2007-07-11 10:07:59 · answer #6 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the saved money is gone what will you do then?
You would be surprised at what makes a child happy inside. Most times it is no the home but how they are treated.
If you love them and show them that at all times they really don't care where they live.
Ask the kids they can also be a big help if they are old enough.
2007-07-11 10:36:43 · answer #7 · answered by Emptiness 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest only YOU know what's best for your children....We can all tell you what we think you should do but, at the end of the day only you know how hard and the obstacles you have every day dealing with the same things....I bet there's one choice to you that stands out more than the other...You should follow that instinct and although they may be some sacarificing you may have to do or some hard times you may endure, the most importnat focus is your children....I truly hope everything works out for you and your children....Be well***
2007-07-11 10:07:24 · answer #8 · answered by Yvette D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing for the bugs get glue boards...
Save
Do what is right for all involved.
2007-07-11 10:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Patches6 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋