Buying a Home: The Emotions

Buyer's Market. Gas Crisis. Bailout Bill. With headlines like these it seems that our sanity is as unstable as any financial institution. The fact is, people are still purchasing homes (yes, even million dollar ones!). People are buying gasoline and even designer clothes, shoes, and handbags. So, how does an average Joe wade the emotional tide of buying a home today?

1. Don't plan on giving up your current lifestyle choices. If you have a king size bed, do not purchase a home which would only fit a queen size in your bedroom! You will hate the house and your spouse as you fight over the blanket.

2. Any household changes should be planned. Children who have had separate rooms may not want to start sharing, but those who have shared will probably love some privacy. Also, if you love being in the urban setting, a cheaper house further from town won't make you happy.

3. Be careful about getting lots of outside opinions. Remember that even well-meaning friends may have different preferences or a standard of living different than yours. Would you really be excited to have a friend over for dinner who had said your house was a piece of junk?

4. Always work to better yourself. This does NOT mean you are buying a fancier house than before. Bettering ourselves is spiritual, emotional, and financial. A showy home with miserable owners leads to failure.