I’ve been back in Cincinnati nearly two months (crazy, right?) and I think I’ve finally found a place to buy. I’m still in the process of getting pre-approved and haven’t made an offer yet, but I fell in love with this place the minute I walked in. I’m supposed to live in this condo. I feel it in my bones.
The downside? It’s a downtown loft, and while that’s not a problem for me — hardly, it’s exactly what I wanted from the beginning — it seems to be a problem for a lot of the people I know. Not everyone, but enough that I’ve noticed the negative responses. I’ve been hearing a lot of this:
- It’s too small, you’ll outgrow it in a year. (It’s 600 square feet, which is 120 square feet bigger than the last studio I lived in and I’m just one person.)
- It’s downtown, parking sucks down there. (Not when your condo comes with a designated off-street parking spot in a gated lot.)
- Downtown isn’t safe. (When I lived in the suburbs there was a serial rapist stalking single women and attacking them in their homes, so what’s safe about that?)
- It costs more than $1000 $100 a square foot! (And repeat after me — location, location, location!)
In the end I’m going to end up doing whatever I want to do (always have, probably always will) but I’m struck by how easily people are willing to dismiss someone else’s achievements and goals. I’m trying to buy my first home! At 26-years old! By myself! Isn’t this the point where some confetti and balloons should be falling from the ceiling? Can I get at least one hip-hip-hooray before you start telling me why everything I want is wrong?
Once I started noticing these comments from people about my would-be house I started seeing them everywhere, even out here in blogland. Again, largely people are supportive but now and then you run across a comment that crosses the line from supportive suggestion to preachy lecture. You wouldn’t get colds nearly as often if you ate strictly organic food. Processed foods and sugar is killing you slowly over time. Or one of my personal favorites: You’re not eating enough/You’re eating too much.
I was raised in the church of Live And Let Live. Different religion/background/eating habits/lifestyle choices? As long as they don’t hurt anyone else I’m cool with that. I might not understand the choices you make — what you choose to eat or where you choose to make your home — but it’s not my decision to make so fine man, whatever, do what you want. Maybe people think they’re being helpful when they say things like “I don’t know how anyone can eat a toxic murdered chicken” or “You’re crazy to waste your money on such a small condo when you could buy a three-bedroom house for the same price.” But it just makes me sad. Why bother criticizing if you don’t have to eat it or live there?
What’s the big deal?
I suppose that those are all valid concerns of OLD people! ha. Don’t let them squash your accomplishments!
Just a note on the size…I live in a 675 square foot condo. With my boyfriend, 2 (smallish) dogs, and a bird. It’s cozy, and I like it. You will be just fine. Two people can comfortably live in a small space, the problem is that American’s are all about “bigger is better”. That’s not always the case.
I’m sure that you will enjoy life more when you don’t have to spend an entire day cleaning your 600 square foot condo! Let the naysayers stay in the ‘burbs and clean their big, excessive houses and mow their lawns all weekend!
Hey there… Just stumbled upon your blog recently and thought I would say hi.
I think this place looks awesome. I just moved into a 650 sq ft one-bedroom (renting) and it suits me and my dog very well. Plenty of space for me. And who wouldn’t want to live downtown!?! Go with your gut and do what makes YOU happy.
Well, from my experience there are people that don’t always consider the consequences for what they are doing. They forget the small details, like the things your friends have mentioned. Now, that doesn’t mean you haven’t thought of them, but maybe they didn’t think you did? Plus, jealousy could play a big role, at least with the home buying stuff.
I’m excited for you!! I wish I could find a place that I just KNOW needs to be mine! (and that I could afford, lol.)
I think the downtown condo sounds fab! In college I had a teeny tiny “studio” (read: basement) apartment – so tiny I had to brush my teeth in the kitchen sink – and I loved it!
It’s your first place, you’re supposed to start small. Someday in a few years, you might want a bigger place, and then you can get one, or you might live happily in your oh-so-conveniently-located condo for the next 20 years.
When it comes to this, or exercise, I say “Do what works for YOU”!
We had our share of critics when we moved from a 3400 sqft house with an acre to a 1400(ish) sqft townhouse with no land in the middle of the shopping district. Why would we spend more on a smaller house? With no yard? And without the character of a house built in 1896? And everyone loved the garden tub in the old house.
Why? Because we love our new house. And we are the only ones that live there. And we love the location. And the kitchen. And the garage. And we can deep clean the whole house in 3 hours instead of 3 days.
And honestly? Everyone that visits loves it and says, “this is so you!”
girl, live your life. Buy your house. We’ll still visit all the damn time. Even if you have to come and pick us up at some parking garage a few blocks away. (hint, hint) An air mattress feels the same no matter where it is. Find YOUR home. And take everything else with a grain of salt.
I, too, am of the live and let live variety, but ask, and ye shall receive:
“That said, any tips for a would-be first-time home owner? I don’t want horror stories about buying money pits (please, I’m begging, I’m a little anxious about the whole experience as it is) but tips and advice about what to ask about or look for would be greatly appreciated.”
Understand that people are well-intentioned: Advice does not necessarily equate to a pat on the back, confetti and a hip-hip-hooray. This is a HUGE financial commitment and I would digest all advice – the good, the bad and the ugly – accordingly. As frightening as stories of “money pits” might be, the tellers are often a good source of sage advice.
If feedback from the blogosphere and/or real life are causing you to second-guess your decision, perhaps it isn’t the right one. If you think about that loft and all of the responsibilities that ownership will entail and smile, politely thank people for their input and buy your home.
Good luck with everything!
If you’re feeling like a pimp, FB, go and brush your shoulders off! It’s just jealousy on their part. I am a big believer that criticism comes from a place of insecurity. They’re probably jealous of your urban paradise while they’re stuck in the burbs!
OMG Nic, that made water shoot out my nose. Well played…
I think people are uncomfortable when you make decisions that are different than the decisions they made. They start to question their own decisions and attack yours to feel better.
I bet some of your friends are jealous that they are stuck in suburbia and you’ll have this fabulous city life
I think the condo looks awesome, just from the outside, and urban living is a great experience that everyone should have! So many people have been conditioned to think that the suburban American dream is the ideal, but if you’re only one person, why do you need 3 bedrooms?? And so you might outgrow 600 square feet!! It’s not like you plan on living there for the rest of your life. This sounds perfect for what you want and where you’re at now. Good luck!!
YOU GO GIRL…get what YOU want…it is after all, going to be YOUR home! Congrats!
I have come to realize that there are two kinds of people. People that live in the suburbs, and people that live in the city. Do whatever you want, it sounds like you know what you’re looking for.
I think the important question is whether YOU love it. Everyone else doesn’t have to live there. I’ve got to say, the building is beautiful!
I think sometimes people want to be helpful but they go about it the wrong way. Here is my try:
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a townhouse on the corner of the busiest intersection in my town. It was also old and small and seemed to have a “quirky” condo association. I can’t tell you how many people gently advised me against buying it. I was so annoyed!
BUT, It put the fear into me. I then began to view the purchase as a financial transaction and put aside that I really, really wanted to live there. Over the next two days, I didn’t sleep much. I personally pulled massive amounts of sold comps on the internet. Asked for more backup from the association, toured other townhouses. When I realized that it totally made financial sense, and I still really wanted to live there, I bought it. I felt very confident about the purchase, emotionally and financially.
Four years later, newly engaged, I sold it with a $140k profit. I did the research and I’m so happy now that I did. The profits helped my husband and I purchase our first home together …
I hope you love your new place too and while you don’t need to hear more lectures (which your post clearly states), please step back and try to see only the financial aspects of the purchase. I have friends who have lost everything because of a bad real estate purchase. I don’t want that to happen to you. All best! Lecture out!
Well, I for one, think it is a fabulous place!
Well put, fb. I agree.
If it isn’t hurting them and it truly isn’t going to kill you (I wouldn’t complain if people were discouraging you from becoming anorexic or from moving to a street with daily gunfire) and it has no effect on them then they need to shut the heck up! Go for the condo!
Lots of virtual confetti and balloons from me for your big accomplishment! Good luck and enjoy your first home! No matter what the size or the parking situation (ps – a gated lot – that is worth it in itself!) it is your home and home sweet home it will be.
Go for it girl!
I entirely understand why you’d want a downtown loft rather than a three-bedroom house out in the ‘burbs. Real estate shouldn’t be solely about square footage. It’s about a place that suits your needs, and location is very important.
I’d rather be have a studio or one-bedroom condo in a busy, active part of the city, rather than a huge (and thus likely partially empty and unused) three-bedroom house, where I couldn’t easily walk to stores or coffee shops or whatever.
I think it’s great that you know what you want, and you shouldn’t feel bad about going for it.
Confettis AND balloons.
and hip hip hooray !
Because, yes, it is amazing and deserves to be celebrated !
As for the naysayers-good advice givers-knows what’s best for you thinkers- and other bad fortune tellers…well, sadly there’s always going to be some. And more sadly, if you’re just a little bit like me, they’re going to bother you every time. But in the end, as you wrote, you’re the one living in the apartment, you’re the one living your life, you’re the one who knows best what is making YOU happy.
So, let’s spread the joy, and some more confettis !
I’m really happy for you
A downtown loft in Cincinnati? Yay! That is so exciting. Ignore the naysayers, only you know what is best for you. If I could survive hanging out in Clifton during my teen years and doing things like driving through Over the Rhine right next to prisoners on pick up duty, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Good luck with the whole process. I hope it works out for you!
I am sure people are just trying to make sure you look at all options. Take everyone’s advice, thank them and then do what you want.
And just so you right now I am totally fighting the urge to make my own comment because you might find it critical.
So I will just say Good Luck! I hope it all works out as you planned.
I think some people say discouraging things just to make themselves feel better about their own life choices. That type of person is usually pretty easy to spot, though, so if the people who’ve said these things to you don’t really strike you as the self-validating type, they’re probably genuinely trying to look out for you, not realizing that you’d much rather have their excited support than their cautious prudence. I wouldn’t let it get you down…it probably just means they care. Hopefully, the confetti & balloons will come when you’re all moved in and they see you thriving happily in your new place!
How cute!! I think its awesome that you are able to buy a condo at 26 and it be something you LOVE!
I’m SO with you. SO SO SO with you.
And by the way, the “you’re not eating enough” thing drives me bonkers.
And here’s the deal. You’ll be able to… SELL it if you decide you don’t want to live there anymore! That’s the magic of home ownership. It’s not permanent…. and you just might turn a profit if the market hits and upswing!
You go on wit yo bad self and tell the haters to back off.
Pardon my English, but fuck ‘em.
I’ve lived in 575 square feet (and less!) for almost three years, and the only time it bothers me is when I don’t clean and keep things organized.
For every negative jerk out there, just know there are two more positive poppies cheering you on.
Seriously do whatever you want to do, no judgment, but to pay $600K for a 600 sq ft loft is too much in this market. I am assuming that’s what the price is because you said 600 sq ft x 1000 per sq ft. We have a rental unit in downtown St. Louis, probably a comparable downtown and it is over twice as big, two baths and cost far less than half of that. Just a quick look on craigslist shows a two bed loft by Paul Brown stadium, with balcony & two parking spaces in a garage for under $300K. If I did that math wrong, forgive me. But even with all that said, if you want it, you should do it if it feels right. Go with your gut! Congrats! owning a home is huge!
Yeah for FB!!!!! I am 27, and I am buying a downtown loft myself (in Baltimore, MD) right now! Lots of people are having a attitude about my decision as well, but they aren’t living there, I am! So I am excited for you if no one else is
Yeah I get what you’re saying. See and I look at how you made a case for this place and it is obvious to me that you’ve thought this through. You have weighed the pros and cons and as a “friend” that is all I would want any friend to do. Good luck with the purchase!
Hi. I think it is great you are buying your first home. But at $1,000/ft, that is not something I recommend doing. That is the benchmark for Manhattan-pricing. I should know, I live in a 500 sq. ft condo that cost $1,000 a sq. foot! Keep looking- there are much better deals to be had. Don’t get caught up in something you love, think seriously about it!!! This is your future and you need to make a wise investment.
Yeah, that’s a typo in the post. It’s over $100 a square foot, not $1000. I agree — $1000 per square foot would be insane in this market.
I’ve been thinking lately (yet, not commenting and now feel propelled to) of how excited/proud of you I am for buying your own home.
As stereotypical and sexist as I sound you are making me want to say “you rock lady!” because you are buying a house. You are a woman, in her 20′s and responsible enough to have your ducks in a row enough to do this.
I think that is awesome, seriously.
There will ALWAYS be advice and suggestions, and no one will ever agree with what you do no matter what.
You’re so right, do it anyway, you’re the one living there, not anyone else.
Everyone told me how big of a mistake it would be to go to nyc and quit college. I have never regretted that (or even living now in virginia) because it was my decision.
I’ve been getting a lot of annoying comments lately, more than ever…so yeah
Woot for you! I’m so on the “downtown loft = dream” side of the fence it’s not funny, so I’ll be your cheering section
Hope it works out, definately buy the place that’s you and leave the nay sayers’ (as opposed to sensible and considered) comments out of your mind
Because everyone has an opinion and they thing that it must be shared. Trust me I’m older and not looking to buy and the comments I get are amazing…I’m missing the american dream to own…I’m throwing money away, etc. In reality I don’t want the hassle of owning and want my money to go elsewhere. To each their own I say….I hope it works out for you!
I wonder if those people are semi-jealous of your independence and your self confidence? It reminds me of what happened when I lost my weight – I also lost my best friend.
I had to live for myself and go on. I personally think a little loft sounds fabulous!
I’ll be the first to shower you with balloons and streamers! I think it’s pretty awesome that you’re buying your own place at that age. And you should totally live where you want to live.
I don’t really agree with the analogy though… People in blog land don’t generally offer advice out of the blue… they react to a health problem or complaint from the other person. Furthermore, you will probably own many homes in your life, but you will only ever have the one body. Buying the “wrong” home can be costly but not fatal, while poisoning the only body you get can really ruin your life.
When you blog, you invite other ideas into your life. That’s the nature of blogging. You don’t have to adopt them, but they are usually offered with good intentions.
Hope you get approved!
Hi FB,
I love your blog, and l have never commented but l felt compelled now, That loft looks fab, and you are living your life (and well il might add) just remember who was negative when they all want to crash at yours when they have been out in town!!
Just pretend you’ll take their objections into consideration and then ignore them. We’re already talking about downsizing the next time we move (and we will). There’s something to be said for not having to worry about the upkeep that comes along with the ‘normal’ living situation.
over $100 per sq ft changes everything. sounds perfect!!!!! Congrats! Yay for revitalizing urban areas…
Damn… wish I coulda bought a house when I was in my 20s. And if I did, I’d do exactly what I wanted–just like you would and should do. Besides, the market sucks right now and if you decide you don’t like it, you’ll likely make a huge-o profit if you decide to sell.
This place sounds perfect for you and you did your research. The only obstacle you really have is the preconceptions of your friends and family who think it’s oh-so-difficult to find parking in the city and who therefore may try to avoid visiting you. Whether that’s a legit concern or it’s just all in their head, you’ll just need to make sure they know where to park when they come to your cozy lil housewarming party!
People do think they are being helpful, but really they are just pushing their ideas onto you. Just because they wouldn’t do something doesn’t make it a bad idea. In fact it might be perfect for you. Actually it does sound quit perfect for you, and terribly cute. I hope I can buy my own place at age 26! You are awesome!
You’re the one making the commitment, financially and personally, to own your own place, so if you feel strongly like that’s the condo for you, then go for it! Forget the naysayers.
And you do deserve confetti and hip-hip-hoorays and all that good stuff for buying a place on your own at a young age. It ain’t easy, I know. I bought my own house when I was 25.
And like you, when I saw the house, I knew it was meant to be. So I bought it. (Also, I had done plenty of research to know that it was a good buy and what and where I needed.)
If you feel comfortable with all aspects of the place and all the responsibilities that will come with it, then go for it!
If anything, prices for a small three bedroom house somewhere out in the burbs will keep falling whereas you, my lady, are acquiring something of lasting interest… that is how I see it, anyhow.
HIP HIP HOORAY!
I think what you are about to do is independant and brave and a dream come true for many, many of us out there. I am 37 and as of now I don’t see myself buying anything. But I would love to.
*confettiandballoonsfromceiling*
Do what is right for you!! It might not be what someone else wants or what they think is right, but it is where you are going to live. You have to find something that makes you happy and most importantly what feels like home to you. By the way, it looks like a great place!! Congrats!!
I have followed your blog for awhile without commenting…I think it is great you are back in the city you worked so hard to get back to and have been able to maintain a healty attitude toward your weight loss goal while facing so many new situations…you deserve to live in a condo that makes you happy…and who cares what others say…they aren’t living there!
Phew- $1,000/ft had me really scared!!
Eh, it’s not as though you’re walking into this with your eyes closed so ignore the naysayers. Buying your own place at 26 is AWESOME and there’s no reason to buy up when all you need and WANT is a loft.
People comment based on their lives and experiences and what’s good for them is not always good for you.
Good luck and keep us all updated!
Hip-hip-hooray.
But I think I’ll skip the “everything you want is wrong” bit. Just because what you want isn’t what others would choose for you doesn’t make it any less right for you. You work hard to get the money and create the oppurtunities that are letting you buy this condo, and by gosh, you should get to use them to bring YOU the most happiness.
…and I don’t know what they are talking about anyway, seems like a pretty sweet setup to me.