07-02-2019, 02:11 PM
I would never buy a house with a friend. I have a couple of friends that did that and it was a nightmare. From one that never paid the utilities on time to the other than never ponied up his share of the mortgage on time. That is a quick way to throw a friendship down the toilet IMO.
You seem fairly handy car wise so you can probably pick up house renovation/repairs rather quickly. Do you want to though? When we moved in our kitchen reno, which was really just staining the cabinets, new counters, and backsplash took a few solid weekends. When I finished the bedroom in my basement that was a solid 4-5 weekends. 8-10 hour days Saturday and Sunday. Do you want to spend your time this way?
We picked where we wanted to live based on our families, schools, commute to work, and obviously our budget. We weren't too concerned with possible infrastructure upgrades or development because it isn't our forever home. And who is to say what is going to happen in 5-10 years? Could you have predicted Amazon was coming to Crystal City? I'm not saying don't research what is coming down the pike, but I don't think much weight needs to be put on looking 5-10 years down the road.
When you are looking at listings on Zillow/Realtor/Redfin they usually tell you the HOA cost and property taxes. You can also look up property tax records through the state. Whoever the utility company is should be able to provide an estimated monthly utility cost based on the property address.
You seem fairly handy car wise so you can probably pick up house renovation/repairs rather quickly. Do you want to though? When we moved in our kitchen reno, which was really just staining the cabinets, new counters, and backsplash took a few solid weekends. When I finished the bedroom in my basement that was a solid 4-5 weekends. 8-10 hour days Saturday and Sunday. Do you want to spend your time this way?
We picked where we wanted to live based on our families, schools, commute to work, and obviously our budget. We weren't too concerned with possible infrastructure upgrades or development because it isn't our forever home. And who is to say what is going to happen in 5-10 years? Could you have predicted Amazon was coming to Crystal City? I'm not saying don't research what is coming down the pike, but I don't think much weight needs to be put on looking 5-10 years down the road.
When you are looking at listings on Zillow/Realtor/Redfin they usually tell you the HOA cost and property taxes. You can also look up property tax records through the state. Whoever the utility company is should be able to provide an estimated monthly utility cost based on the property address.
2019 Accord Sport 2.0 A/T
2012 Civic Si - Sold
2012 Civic Si - Sold