Quote:
Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSave
My fiance and I are getting married at the end of 2009. Does it makes sense to buy a small house to start off ($150,000), or wait about two years and save up to buy one that is around $275,000?
My friends are all buying houses and it makes me so sad. 
But I know I am in a a great situation bc I pay very low rent at my dad's house and he is inviting us to live there for 2 years after we are married.
I guess I'm just jealous. At least I can admit it.
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Moving is an expensive proposition. My estimates are close to an 18k cost.
6% to sell (so that 150k house costs you $9000)
moving out will cost you between 1k and 5k
moving in will cost you between 1k and 5k
closing on new house will cost you around 2k
incidentals for new house will cost you anywhere from a gallon of paint to a new roof, HVAC etc...
My advice to young couples is think ahead around 5-7 years. If you could have 3 kids, don't buy a 3 BR/1 BA house. If you could have new jobs in a new city, that is always a risk. If you control your career/job well, I would look for more expensive house.
If you have a family already I would advise differently. Less likely to need more space, more likely to need to downsize space in less than 18 years.