[XBoxBoy]

JP,

Sorry to be so late to this post. It’s been a busy couple of days. I can certainly relate to your situation and your feelings. My wife and I bought a little over a year ago, mainly because I really couldn’t keep saying “just wait”. We’d had so many knockdown drag out fights about home ownership over the last 4-5 years that I just didn’t think we’d survive many more of them.

So has it been worth it? I’d have to say yes. Sure the value of our place has probably gone down some (maybe even 10%, who knows) but we aren’t planning on selling any time soon, and we can afford what we bought without struggle. On the up side, my wife is thrilled, and my step son is pretty happy too. Lots of little things can add up to a good bit of positive.

In the end, I’ve come to realize this isn’t really about making a successful investment, or buying at the bottom. It’s about getting on with my life as best I can under the circumstances.

Being the housing junkie for so long, I can tell you that I still watch the real estate listings every day, and while I’ve seen some other houses that are probably comparable to what we bought, nothing that knocks me over and says “oh wow! should have waited.” Yeah, there have been nicer places, but they’ve been more money than we wanted to spend. Yeah, there have been cheaper places, but honestly not nicer than what we bought. I suspect you too will watch the housing market, but whatever happens don’t let it get to you.

As to what will happen from here on out? I’m of the opinion that between the fed printing money and the banks playing games, the housing market doesn’t collapse much more. I could easily see five to ten years of gradual dwindling of prices, but just how long is it worth it to wait if prices are only dropping a couple percent a year? And what if we start to get inflation?

And bottom line to all this? You got a happy hubby, and a place to live. Go cherish that. Besides, even if the housing market tanks, I bet you don’t lose nearly as much as most of Bernie Madoff’s investors did. So, look on the bright side. (cue monty python stage left)

XboxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

JP,

Sorry to be so late to this post. It’s been a busy couple of days. I can certainly relate to your situation and your feelings. My wife and I bought a little over a year ago, mainly because I really couldn’t keep saying “just wait”. We’d had so many knockdown drag out fights about home ownership over the last 4-5 years that I just didn’t think we’d survive many more of them.

So has it been worth it? I’d have to say yes. Sure the value of our place has probably gone down some (maybe even 10%, who knows) but we aren’t planning on selling any time soon, and we can afford what we bought without struggle. On the up side, my wife is thrilled, and my step son is pretty happy too. Lots of little things can add up to a good bit of positive.

In the end, I’ve come to realize this isn’t really about making a successful investment, or buying at the bottom. It’s about getting on with my life as best I can under the circumstances.

Being the housing junkie for so long, I can tell you that I still watch the real estate listings every day, and while I’ve seen some other houses that are probably comparable to what we bought, nothing that knocks me over and says “oh wow! should have waited.” Yeah, there have been nicer places, but they’ve been more money than we wanted to spend. Yeah, there have been cheaper places, but honestly not nicer than what we bought. I suspect you too will watch the housing market, but whatever happens don’t let it get to you.

As to what will happen from here on out? I’m of the opinion that between the fed printing money and the banks playing games, the housing market doesn’t collapse much more. I could easily see five to ten years of gradual dwindling of prices, but just how long is it worth it to wait if prices are only dropping a couple percent a year? And what if we start to get inflation?

And bottom line to all this? You got a happy hubby, and a place to live. Go cherish that. Besides, even if the housing market tanks, I bet you don’t lose nearly as much as most of Bernie Madoff’s investors did. So, look on the bright side. (cue monty python stage left)

XboxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

JP,

Sorry to be so late to this post. It’s been a busy couple of days. I can certainly relate to your situation and your feelings. My wife and I bought a little over a year ago, mainly because I really couldn’t keep saying “just wait”. We’d had so many knockdown drag out fights about home ownership over the last 4-5 years that I just didn’t think we’d survive many more of them.

So has it been worth it? I’d have to say yes. Sure the value of our place has probably gone down some (maybe even 10%, who knows) but we aren’t planning on selling any time soon, and we can afford what we bought without struggle. On the up side, my wife is thrilled, and my step son is pretty happy too. Lots of little things can add up to a good bit of positive.

In the end, I’ve come to realize this isn’t really about making a successful investment, or buying at the bottom. It’s about getting on with my life as best I can under the circumstances.

Being the housing junkie for so long, I can tell you that I still watch the real estate listings every day, and while I’ve seen some other houses that are probably comparable to what we bought, nothing that knocks me over and says “oh wow! should have waited.” Yeah, there have been nicer places, but they’ve been more money than we wanted to spend. Yeah, there have been cheaper places, but honestly not nicer than what we bought. I suspect you too will watch the housing market, but whatever happens don’t let it get to you.

As to what will happen from here on out? I’m of the opinion that between the fed printing money and the banks playing games, the housing market doesn’t collapse much more. I could easily see five to ten years of gradual dwindling of prices, but just how long is it worth it to wait if prices are only dropping a couple percent a year? And what if we start to get inflation?

And bottom line to all this? You got a happy hubby, and a place to live. Go cherish that. Besides, even if the housing market tanks, I bet you don’t lose nearly as much as most of Bernie Madoff’s investors did. So, look on the bright side. (cue monty python stage left)

XboxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

Although I’m in a technical field instead of banking, I’ve used recruiters both to find a job and to find employees. For the better part my experience has been good. However, one important thing.

When dealing with recruiters it’s important to keep in mind there are three sets of interests. The company hiring, yours and the recruiters. These three sets of interests are not the same, and you still need to look out for your own interests.

It’s really pretty much like buying a house with a real estate agent who is acting as both the sellers and the buyers agent. They are going to be more interested in getting the deal done than in getting you the best job for you, or the best salary or whatever your interests are.

With that warning firmly in mind, I still think recruiters are often worthwhile.

XBoxBoy

ps. If you do use a recruiter, be sure to explicitly discuss whether or not you are free to be looking via other methods. Some recruiters expect exclusivity, or don’t want you sending out your resume to lots of places. All that’s fine, just discuss it before you hook up with someone so you are clear about this.

[XBoxBoy]

Although I’m in a technical field instead of banking, I’ve used recruiters both to find a job and to find employees. For the better part my experience has been good. However, one important thing.

When dealing with recruiters it’s important to keep in mind there are three sets of interests. The company hiring, yours and the recruiters. These three sets of interests are not the same, and you still need to look out for your own interests.

It’s really pretty much like buying a house with a real estate agent who is acting as both the sellers and the buyers agent. They are going to be more interested in getting the deal done than in getting you the best job for you, or the best salary or whatever your interests are.

With that warning firmly in mind, I still think recruiters are often worthwhile.

XBoxBoy

ps. If you do use a recruiter, be sure to explicitly discuss whether or not you are free to be looking via other methods. Some recruiters expect exclusivity, or don’t want you sending out your resume to lots of places. All that’s fine, just discuss it before you hook up with someone so you are clear about this.

[XBoxBoy]

Although I’m in a technical field instead of banking, I’ve used recruiters both to find a job and to find employees. For the better part my experience has been good. However, one important thing.

When dealing with recruiters it’s important to keep in mind there are three sets of interests. The company hiring, yours and the recruiters. These three sets of interests are not the same, and you still need to look out for your own interests.

It’s really pretty much like buying a house with a real estate agent who is acting as both the sellers and the buyers agent. They are going to be more interested in getting the deal done than in getting you the best job for you, or the best salary or whatever your interests are.

With that warning firmly in mind, I still think recruiters are often worthwhile.

XBoxBoy

ps. If you do use a recruiter, be sure to explicitly discuss whether or not you are free to be looking via other methods. Some recruiters expect exclusivity, or don’t want you sending out your resume to lots of places. All that’s fine, just discuss it before you hook up with someone so you are clear about this.

[XBoxBoy]

Although I’m in a technical field instead of banking, I’ve used recruiters both to find a job and to find employees. For the better part my experience has been good. However, one important thing.

When dealing with recruiters it’s important to keep in mind there are three sets of interests. The company hiring, yours and the recruiters. These three sets of interests are not the same, and you still need to look out for your own interests.

It’s really pretty much like buying a house with a real estate agent who is acting as both the sellers and the buyers agent. They are going to be more interested in getting the deal done than in getting you the best job for you, or the best salary or whatever your interests are.

With that warning firmly in mind, I still think recruiters are often worthwhile.

XBoxBoy

ps. If you do use a recruiter, be sure to explicitly discuss whether or not you are free to be looking via other methods. Some recruiters expect exclusivity, or don’t want you sending out your resume to lots of places. All that’s fine, just discuss it before you hook up with someone so you are clear about this.

[XBoxBoy]

Although I’m in a technical field instead of banking, I’ve used recruiters both to find a job and to find employees. For the better part my experience has been good. However, one important thing.

When dealing with recruiters it’s important to keep in mind there are three sets of interests. The company hiring, yours and the recruiters. These three sets of interests are not the same, and you still need to look out for your own interests.

It’s really pretty much like buying a house with a real estate agent who is acting as both the sellers and the buyers agent. They are going to be more interested in getting the deal done than in getting you the best job for you, or the best salary or whatever your interests are.

With that warning firmly in mind, I still think recruiters are often worthwhile.

XBoxBoy

ps. If you do use a recruiter, be sure to explicitly discuss whether or not you are free to be looking via other methods. Some recruiters expect exclusivity, or don’t want you sending out your resume to lots of places. All that’s fine, just discuss it before you hook up with someone so you are clear about this.

[XBoxBoy]

[quote=faterikcartman]Even today we watch only about two hours a week on average (we’re readers) so I’m not sure why she wants it.[/quote]

At the risk of thread jacking accusations… What are you reading these days? My wife and I read a lot too, and I’m always looking for recommendations.

Here’s a couple things I’ve read lately that I enjoyed.

Son of Hamas by Mosan Hassab Yousef Really a fascinating autobiography of growing up in Palestine and becoming an Israel Spy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. By Stieg Larsson Just plain fun reading

The Time Travelor’s Wife. Audrey Niffenegger The premise of this book is a bit hookie, and I found bits of it a bit uncomfortable (he travels back in time and starts falling in love with his wife when she’s very young) but there is something very human and touching about this novel.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Interesting autobiography/fictional account of escaping from prison and going to India and becoming involved with the Indian Mafia.

On my next book list is Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto. Looks good, but have only read a few pages so far.

Also recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Good, but not nearly as good as all the reviews make it out to be.

XboxBoy

ps. Improve you life, disconnect the cable.

[XBoxBoy]

[quote=faterikcartman]Even today we watch only about two hours a week on average (we’re readers) so I’m not sure why she wants it.[/quote]

At the risk of thread jacking accusations… What are you reading these days? My wife and I read a lot too, and I’m always looking for recommendations.

Here’s a couple things I’ve read lately that I enjoyed.

Son of Hamas by Mosan Hassab Yousef Really a fascinating autobiography of growing up in Palestine and becoming an Israel Spy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. By Stieg Larsson Just plain fun reading

The Time Travelor’s Wife. Audrey Niffenegger The premise of this book is a bit hookie, and I found bits of it a bit uncomfortable (he travels back in time and starts falling in love with his wife when she’s very young) but there is something very human and touching about this novel.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Interesting autobiography/fictional account of escaping from prison and going to India and becoming involved with the Indian Mafia.

On my next book list is Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto. Looks good, but have only read a few pages so far.

Also recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Good, but not nearly as good as all the reviews make it out to be.

XboxBoy

ps. Improve you life, disconnect the cable.

[XBoxBoy]

[quote=faterikcartman]Even today we watch only about two hours a week on average (we’re readers) so I’m not sure why she wants it.[/quote]

At the risk of thread jacking accusations… What are you reading these days? My wife and I read a lot too, and I’m always looking for recommendations.

Here’s a couple things I’ve read lately that I enjoyed.

Son of Hamas by Mosan Hassab Yousef Really a fascinating autobiography of growing up in Palestine and becoming an Israel Spy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. By Stieg Larsson Just plain fun reading

The Time Travelor’s Wife. Audrey Niffenegger The premise of this book is a bit hookie, and I found bits of it a bit uncomfortable (he travels back in time and starts falling in love with his wife when she’s very young) but there is something very human and touching about this novel.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Interesting autobiography/fictional account of escaping from prison and going to India and becoming involved with the Indian Mafia.

On my next book list is Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto. Looks good, but have only read a few pages so far.

Also recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Good, but not nearly as good as all the reviews make it out to be.

XboxBoy

ps. Improve you life, disconnect the cable.

[XBoxBoy]

[quote=faterikcartman]Even today we watch only about two hours a week on average (we’re readers) so I’m not sure why she wants it.[/quote]

At the risk of thread jacking accusations… What are you reading these days? My wife and I read a lot too, and I’m always looking for recommendations.

Here’s a couple things I’ve read lately that I enjoyed.

Son of Hamas by Mosan Hassab Yousef Really a fascinating autobiography of growing up in Palestine and becoming an Israel Spy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. By Stieg Larsson Just plain fun reading

The Time Travelor’s Wife. Audrey Niffenegger The premise of this book is a bit hookie, and I found bits of it a bit uncomfortable (he travels back in time and starts falling in love with his wife when she’s very young) but there is something very human and touching about this novel.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Interesting autobiography/fictional account of escaping from prison and going to India and becoming involved with the Indian Mafia.

On my next book list is Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto. Looks good, but have only read a few pages so far.

Also recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Good, but not nearly as good as all the reviews make it out to be.

XboxBoy

ps. Improve you life, disconnect the cable.

[XBoxBoy]

[quote=faterikcartman]Even today we watch only about two hours a week on average (we’re readers) so I’m not sure why she wants it.[/quote]

At the risk of thread jacking accusations… What are you reading these days? My wife and I read a lot too, and I’m always looking for recommendations.

Here’s a couple things I’ve read lately that I enjoyed.

Son of Hamas by Mosan Hassab Yousef Really a fascinating autobiography of growing up in Palestine and becoming an Israel Spy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. By Stieg Larsson Just plain fun reading

The Time Travelor’s Wife. Audrey Niffenegger The premise of this book is a bit hookie, and I found bits of it a bit uncomfortable (he travels back in time and starts falling in love with his wife when she’s very young) but there is something very human and touching about this novel.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Interesting autobiography/fictional account of escaping from prison and going to India and becoming involved with the Indian Mafia.

On my next book list is Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto. Looks good, but have only read a few pages so far.

Also recently finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Good, but not nearly as good as all the reviews make it out to be.

XboxBoy

ps. Improve you life, disconnect the cable.

[XBoxBoy]

I was trying to refrain from posting to this thread but sorry, I just can’t hold my tongue.

For a second, substitute tattoo for ocean theme painting. Would you honestly go get a bunch of tattoos quickly done without spending time to learn about the different designs and to be sure that the tattoo was something you’d want ten years from now? (Well, come to think about it, maybe that’s not the best analogy given the horrible tattoos I see on people every day. But hopefully you get my drift)

There’s lots of crummy art out there, and only a small amount of really good art. Often the best artists are not great self promoters and often the best self promoters are crummy artists. So beware. Until you learn enough about the art and the styles, you are very likely to pick paintings that catch your eye with flashy colors but aren’t going to appeal to you over time.

If you want something that you will fall in love with and enjoy for years, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to educate yourself some. (Would you buy a house without educating yourself? Would you just trust recommendations from an online forum and a realtor? Okay, don’t answer that question) I would highly suggest doing research on Plein Aire painting. California has been a great spot for a century now. There are lots of artists, each with their own style. Many of them active in southern california. Start with plein aire organizations such as the Laguna Plein Air painters Assn. They often hold member shows where you can see a variety of paintings in person. (Which is a lot different than seeing an online photo)

If you really can’t be bothered with learning about the art, then I’d suggest looking through the bins at places like Walmart or Michaels or Bed Bath and Beyond. They have popular prints that could liven up your walls. (And would probably be a lot cheaper than buying an original painting)

XBoxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

I was trying to refrain from posting to this thread but sorry, I just can’t hold my tongue.

For a second, substitute tattoo for ocean theme painting. Would you honestly go get a bunch of tattoos quickly done without spending time to learn about the different designs and to be sure that the tattoo was something you’d want ten years from now? (Well, come to think about it, maybe that’s not the best analogy given the horrible tattoos I see on people every day. But hopefully you get my drift)

There’s lots of crummy art out there, and only a small amount of really good art. Often the best artists are not great self promoters and often the best self promoters are crummy artists. So beware. Until you learn enough about the art and the styles, you are very likely to pick paintings that catch your eye with flashy colors but aren’t going to appeal to you over time.

If you want something that you will fall in love with and enjoy for years, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to educate yourself some. (Would you buy a house without educating yourself? Would you just trust recommendations from an online forum and a realtor? Okay, don’t answer that question) I would highly suggest doing research on Plein Aire painting. California has been a great spot for a century now. There are lots of artists, each with their own style. Many of them active in southern california. Start with plein aire organizations such as the Laguna Plein Air painters Assn. They often hold member shows where you can see a variety of paintings in person. (Which is a lot different than seeing an online photo)

If you really can’t be bothered with learning about the art, then I’d suggest looking through the bins at places like Walmart or Michaels or Bed Bath and Beyond. They have popular prints that could liven up your walls. (And would probably be a lot cheaper than buying an original painting)

XBoxBoy

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