Time to take a look at the second installment in the 7 things series. If you recall, last time, we looked at the fact that, in a rapidly changing market like we are, 6 months ago is ancient history. What someone paid 6 months ago…… Well, just read about that at 7 Things – Part 1.
So what’s Part 2 about? Here’s what I wrote last time:
2. Don’t worry so much about what you paid for your house. Instead, look at the difference between what you can expect to sell your house for and what it’s going to cost you to buy the new one that you want. I expect you’ll find that those are much more important numbers (unless you end up without any equity, in which case you don’t sell).
There are a couple of things that I think still hold true and one big thing that I think doesn’t hold true any more. First the things that hold true:
- If you are selling one home to buy another, the most important number is not what you paid for the existing home, the most important number is the difference between the two homes. If the value of your home has fallen by $40,000 but you’re in a situation where you can buy a newer home with less maintenance and 1000 square foot bigger for a “net” difference of $20,000, then it might very well be a good deal.
- If your family situation has changed (i.e. – We got married and are expecting our second set of twins in the last 2 years! – Yikes!) then what you paid for your house doesn’t matter. I’ve got a client who is negotiating on a house where the seller has to sell within the next three weeks but they are “hung up” on what they paid for the house. If you need to do something, don’t worry about what you paid for your house, just focus on what the financial and logistical aspects and make the move. I’m working with Read more