Aunt Sally

Oh Lord. Sorry for trying to have a sense of humor and for buying a house rather than renting. Didn't meant to saddle you with all that debt that you're not paying....

There is no debt! It's all an ILLUSION, a figment of your imagination

Agreed. Carpe Diem and all that..

Not at the moment, but in the future, maybe. So, what' can I do about it? Nada. What's a few grand for peace of mind that I have a HOME to raise my family. It's only money. It doesn't even exist really. We live in a Matrix and I have to play the game!

No debts. Assets.

Well, me neither, obvs. But I am fortunate to have a big extended family all over the world (South US, Canada, Caribbean) so if things REALLY got that bad here in the UK (e.g. financial armageddon), I would not hesitate to start again somewhere else... I am not that enamoured by British life and culture anyway.

I well aware of the dire straits of long-term economics of this country and if the markets do go completely t*ts up then I'll have to bite the bullet and live with negative equity. Whatever. My house is my family HOME and that is the most important thing. I'll do what it takes to keep up with repayments, as long as I, and my husband, can afford them then it's all gravy! If not, then we'd have to sell and upsticks... but we'd be more likely to emigrate if things got that bad anyway. I'd rather be poor and homeless somewhere hot!

Er hubby?! But I could afford it on my own if push comes to shove.

Ha! Yes, good point but my husband isn't using this Forum.

Nope not each - £250k all in. Reduced from £275k. Couldn't afford the extra stamp duty or monthly repayments as our First Time Buyer Mortgage rate was 6% for the first 2 years. Now back down to a more manageable long-term fixed rate of 3%. It's interesting as the house opposite us has just sold for £310k - but it has 4 beds, 2 baths and has been extended extensively at the rear of the property with a large kitchen and sun room. I'm surprised it went for that much and after looking on Find A Property there were a couple of 3 bed terraces on the market in the £270k region which is the same as 2 years ago... However, on Zoopla they recently sold for £250k It is a nice neighbourhood so possibly retains that base value for being in the catchment area of one of the Top 10 primary schools in the UK and within Zone 6 for commuting. Interesting though.

Apology accepted.

Aw thanks. I know what you mean. I too have learned a lot from this site which is why I will continue to "lurk" .

I was merely describing a situation - there was no 'argument', my 'point' was mainly that circumstances differ for everyone and you can't put your life on hold til the economy sorts itself out, what's to be bemused about? I wish I had rented just 1 or 2 places this last decade but sh*t happens. Anyway, 'scuse me for breathing *goes back to lurking* Over and out.

Thanks! Rough times for a lot of folk right now so you gotta do whatcha gotta do. There are a lot of haterz on this site aren't there...? Reminds me why I haven't posted in 2 years... Think I may just continue to be a 'lurker'

Er I don't think so! As I said, I'll own the property outright in 23 years, have some stability to raise a family and have the option to extend eventually. Suits me far better. I've had a nightmare with Landlords too, not fixing things, increasing rents to ridiculous amounts. The house before my 2 bed flat was a 3 bed ex-council property & I had to move out as the Landlord wanted £1,300 pcm! No chance. I rest my case.

Agreed. Bought 2 years ago - £250k for a 3 bed semi with room to extend in Zone 6 Essex/East LDN borders, £25k under asking price. Had been renting for near on 12 years in Zones 2 & 3, moved 7 times and was in flatshares with nutters/morons for longer than I could bear. Got this place with my Fiance (now husband) who had moved home to his parents while we got a 12% deposit together. The last place I was renting before I moved was a 2 bed flat in Zone 3 with a concrete yard - girl moved out and left me in the lurch so I paid £950pcm on my own for 6 months on a secretary salary. My current shared mortgage is £1,100 for a 3 bed house with a 70ft garden in a nice neighbourhood. Am still paying the same for travel to work but have since set up my own company and intend to work from home more whilst we start a family - as you say - horses for courses. At least in 23 years I'll own my own home outright and will be 55 years old. That'll give me a good 10 years working life "mortgage free" to top up my pension and other investments... provided all hell doesn't break loose by then and if it does, well I'm well stocked up on rice, tinned tuna and veg.

Indeed. Feminism is a farce. Just another brilliant idea to tax half the adult population that weren't working previously. Genius. Look at how degenerate society has become because of the breakdown of the family unit. Fairplay if you're woman and you WANT to work, but I think there's a way to have your cake AND eat it.... set up your own freelance company. Flexible working hours, work from home too, mum in control, kids happy. Win Win.

I was just wondering if anyone on here had heard of Mary Elizabeth Croft and read her book Spiritual Economics? http://thecrowhouse.com/Documents/mary-book.pdf Also wondering if anyone has heard of this website... http://www.getoutofdebtfree.org/ and used the processes suggested with any success? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Thanks. I have in terms of the rental yield etc. but this is HPC I was thinking more along the lines of general US economy and the future of the Dollar...? We're living in very perilous times and if you believe the conspiracies, then the Dollar is on its way out big time Also wondering if anyone on here has actually taken the plunge and invested in this area and has any tips...?

I'm wondering the same thing and have just posted on this... I have a good Property Management contact in Florida if you do decide on that area. They also have good relationships with Realtors out there and may be able to point you in the right direction. Message me if you're interested.

I was just wondering what the general concensus was about investing in holiday homes in the US. A family member has a property management company in Florida with a reasonable portfolio for holiday rentals and their business is growing year on year. Due to the drop in property prices in Central Florida and the of amount of foreclosed properties on the market, it seems to be a good investment to snap up homes in this area to rent them out as holiday homes. Afterall the well-off will always flock to Disney and spoil their kids etc.... I am also considering setting up a JV with my family member to act as an independent Booking Agent too... I won't go in to exact figures, but, with the initial deposit of 10-20%, and providing I could borrow from the bank, I am hoping to be able to purchase a 4 bed property in a residential area close enough to tourist attractions/holiday parks/beaches etc. from between $80,000 (3 bed) - $150,000 (4-5 bed)... Anyone got any tips on this type of investment, particularly in the Florida area...? Am thinking long-term this could be my retirement home or contribute towards my pension pot... or am I completely insane and considering the state of the dollar? Complete novice but would appreciate your comments. Thanks. x

Exactly! A ponzi scheme, but I believe the entire monetary system is about to come crashing down It'll probably be very messy, so do what you can to stay on top of the game - and that's all it is, created by the wealthy 1% to rule and control. Not anymore - a call to REVOLUTION!!

Nah, Walthamstow is OK, but it's going to the dogs a bit (pardon the pun!) since more immigrants moved in and treat it like s**thole so there's no community now - too many renters coming and going. The nice bits (the Village) are too expensive and the area is not nice enough to make me want to stay and raise a family (been there since 2001!).... but hey, there are much worse areas! House prices fallen a bit too so you can pick up a 3 bed terrace for about £220k..... not that I'm looking haha!

Absolutely, don't tell 'em. Pure and simple. It's not like they'll ever come round anyway, as long as they get their money and you look after the place they won't care. De-flea the cats, places with floorboards/laminates are better, and make sure the cats can get in and out easily without a cat flap and you'll be fine and dandy! Me and my 2 tabby girls done it many times before and no one bats an eyelid - Landlords prefer to have a long-term, regular-paying tenant than worry about the detail.... Good luck! x

Indeedy, that's why I currently rent a 2 bed flat in Walthamstow and am looking to buy a 3 bed semi with garage very soon on the Essex Borders - Hornchurch/Gidea Park where prices have fallen 20% (apparently) but it's still going to cost us the same in monthly repayments as it would have done 2 years ago at the peak (due to lack of 10% LTV mortgages available and high rates for FTB's) so we're in a lose-lose situation Still, not going to put life on hold while I line the pockets of a Landlord when I could be paying off capital on my own slice of the pie and have the security and peace of mind in a nice neighbour hood - all for an extra £150 a month - that's worth paying for IMO. x