Posted on April 8, 2009 at 8:01 pm Here's my story:  I have owned a 900 sf house with a carport for ten years.  I only owe $44K on the mortgage.  I could move up to a bigger home that's newer, etc (mine's 45 y/o) and take on a bit bigger mortgage OR I can stay put.  My current home needs a roof, carport repoured, and gutters.  Beyond that, everything's fairly up-to-date.  I don't need a lot of space and I like my house, but while the neighborhood is safe some neighbors are simply slobs and I worry about the long-term effect of people not taking care of their homes.  I'm in my early 40s and can pay off my mortgage in about 5-6 years if I stay.  I'd like a garage, extra bedroom, etc but I work in education and would like to save the money for retirement, but I also would like a little more 'fancy' home.  It's one of those situations where you bounce the pros and cons so much that it keeps you up at night.  Some of my friends are of the mindset that housing will get more expensive with the pending inflation coming (and it will come!) and that now is the time to buy.  I personally feel my job is stable so I'm not too worried although anything can happen.  I'd be open to people's thoughts/opinions.  I can't be the only one struggling with this...Thanks for reading (and responding).

Posted on April 8, 2009 at 8:58 pm I suggest that you look for someone who is a good counselling finances or otherwise invest your money in stock market or other investment houses.

Posted on April 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm that really depends on your priorities. If you ask me about that, I will move and sell my current home (however you will risk of not be able to sell it right away since its a global crisis) i will move to a better neighborhood because i value my environment plus the fact that i am already in my 40s, i want a place where i can truly have peace and complete rest. when you said people are slobs in your neighborhood, how that does affect in your priorities and values? if its passable, then you can stay and just do the repairing (that would be a nice thing to do when you are retired) and just dont mind the slobs but if your current home is affecting you and giving you so much stress, go and find another. well you deserve a nice home after all.

Posted on April 8, 2009 at 9:57 pm I have that problem too.  You see I have a big house with 4 bedrooms. I am presently not staying in that house as I run a business in other place and the children have moved out to work in other town. The house is left deserted with unmaintained lawn.  By the end of the year my two units of houses will be ready  in a housing estate (my share of development on my property) I am happy where I am now and do not wish to move to another house.  The thought of moving puts me off..