Renting...

My fear of purchasing a $300k house here is that we BOTH have to work, full time, at our current salary or more just to pay for the place. And I say $300k because that's what it costs in Portland to buy a house that isn't in need of a crapload of work. What happens if one of us loses our job? What happens if we become "with child"?? Home buying in Maine will not provide the quality of life that we are looking for.

For comparison, I've been considering Charlotte, NC. I can buy a NEW, 2700sq.ft house on at least .25 acres for $250k-$300k. The salaries are comparable or higher, the job market is HOT, and there's more than a 3 month growing season.

Now, I really like what Maine has to offer, beaches, snowboarding, hiking, biking, kayaking, great Subaru groups, etc... but if I can't afford to do any of that, what good is it??

 
well put... I am in the same boat... sold a 5 year old 3000 sq ft house with a 3 car garage next to a golf course with a public pool, playground and brand new school within walking distance in Dallas for $220,000... moved here purchased a nice 1850's home in bath 1500 sq ft for just under $200k and it needs work.

health insurance costs are higher, taxes are... don't even get me started.... but Maine is a nice state for the weather and sometimes the people... it's a tough choice

 
Mike, do you require 2-3 bedrooms? I've got a couple of large 1BR coming up on 6/16 and 7/1. Lots of parking, garage space available. One apt. has a W/D hookup, both have some character and are in really good shape. H/HW, and electric included. $775 for one, $800 for the one with the hookup. Them 'lectric dryers is expensive to run.

I thought you were down near Hadlock field...259k for a condo around there? yikes. The market's softened, he may be nuts.

It figures that as soon as I make peace with myself and comit to staying in the apartment for another year... the new landlord rolls in and gives us 120 days notice to get out or BUY the place!
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Yaah, I need a minimum of 2BR. Mrs.Mikebike works from home so she needs her home office that isn't the dining room table. Then the 3rd BR for guests. Washer & dryer hookupz are a big plus since I bought a new washer and dryer last year. I think we're gonna let our lease run out at the end of June and start looking. If I read the landlord's notice correctly I believe we don't have to leave until the end of August, but even at that, he has to give 30 days notice so I think we're good till September. If that is truely the case, my magic ball is predicting that there will be a shitload of houses on the market this summer and people will be eager to unload 'em before "back to school time" and winter. So maybe we'll buy a crib at the end of the summer. who knows.

 
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