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To buy a house or to not buy a house? Need advice!

Hello All- I need some financial advice as I am not really sure what to do at this point.  I have been back and forth on this house buying decision.  My husband, 1 year old son and I moved in with my parents last year in order to pay off debt and save money to buy a house.  Well we did pay off major loans, but because of unexpected medical costs and car repairs we only have $3, 600 in savings right now.  The issue now is that we really love this house that is very inexpensive and is all updated and move in ready.  I know we can afford the monthly mortage however my husband would have to take money out his 401k for down payment and we wouldn't be able to pay off debt as quickly or save as much as I would like.  I'm worried that if we let this house go we won't find a deal this great.  TIA!
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Re: To buy a house or to not buy a house? Need advice!

  • Do not take money out of the market right now. Do not. Do not. Do not. 
    I've seen a lot of military surprise homecomings. It wouldn't work on me. I always have my back to the corner and my face to the door. Looking for terrorists, criminals, various other threats, and husbands.
  • Do not take money out of retirement to pay for your house, I promise you another house WILL come along!
  • kasi55kasi55 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Love Its

    I will repeat what the other PP's have said just for emphasis.  Do not take money out of his 401k to buy a house.  Another house will come along when you are truly ready. 

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  • Going to agree with everyone so far- do not take money out of a 401K to buy a house. If DH loses his job/ switches jobs all that money from the 401k is due at that time, or you pay a huge fee, plus taxes on all that money. That is a huge mistake that people make.

    Wait, another house will come along.

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  • This is a terrible idea. You guys just aren't ready. Try to be patient!
  • Don't do it!! What happens if you find something majorly wrong with the house, or you get in an accident, or someone gets sick? You'll be screwed with NO money in savings and an already low 401k that you'll be taxed to high heaven for. Believe me, other houses will come along. Stay with your parents and SAVE! Not many people get that chance to get themselves set up like that and you do, so take advantage of it, even if it does suck to live with the parents for awhile. Besides, when it comes to retirement time, you guys would be mad you did it, believe me. Just take another year or so, save save save and you'll find a new house!
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  • If all you have is $3,600 right now, then you simply can't afford to be a homeowner. 

    Being a homeowner is SO, SO much more expensive than just the monthly mortgage payments.  Are you factoring in homeowners insurance, property taxes, possible PMI?  Are you thinking about utility bills - water, sewer, trash, electric, gas, etc?  If the hot water heater springs a leak, or the furnace goes out, how do you expect to pay for repairs?  What happens when you have more unexpected medical costs?  I mean, you are living with your parents and apparently only treading water.........that's not saying much for your readiness to be a homeowner.

    Do you even know how much closing costs typically are in your area? 

    You'll find another home.  This one isn't a great deal if you can't afford it.

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  • Do NOT take money out of the 401K. That is not a good idea at all.
  • ta78ta78 member
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    I will just go ahead and echo everyone else. Do not take that money out. Do not ever take money out of your 401k for things like a house. Bad idea.
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  • I definitely would not.  $3,600 in savings is not enough for a down payment or the expenses associated with moving.  Take the time to save up some more money for a down payment and an emergency fund.

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  • Ditto to all pp: Another house will come along.

    If you have to take out of retirement just for the down payment, you cannot afford a house right now. Home ownership expenses are so much more than a mortgage, especially at the beginning. So you deplete your savings and already dipped into your retirement when, uh-oh, you have your first emergency or unexpected expense. How are you going to pay for that. Do not do that to yourselves or your child.

    I know it's hard to be patient, and this house may seem like a dream, but do yourselves a favor, pass on this one, grow your savings first.  

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