Living beyond our means may be an accepted lifestyle practice in America, but what does it really mean to you? According to a recent poll, 61 percent of Americans always or usually live paycheck to paycheck. Sobering but not surprising, Americans, on average, own about four credit cards and carry nearly $16,000 worth of debt across those cards. We are laden with car loans, school loans, mortgages and credit lines. We habitually buy houses we can't afford, take vacations using credit, and deny ourselves virtually nothing. We pay for gas, food and medicine with credit layered with steep interest rates, and many among us are fully acclimated to meeting our most basic needs with money we don't have.
While middle aged Americans are scrambling to educate their children, care for aging parents and save for retirement, it seems an impossible numbers game. Living within our means is something people used to do, as a matter of practical course. The habits of those who live within their means are responsible and respectible and worthy of resurrection. Carefully choosing the right house is a huge piece of the debt puzzle. Doing the math to determine what you can ACTUALLY afford is key. And since we all know that the mortgage is just one cost associated with homeowning, consider all the numbers: property taxes, homeowners association fees for condos, heating, cooling and other utility costs, insurance, and home repair to name the big players.
While there is something for everyone when it comes to home buying, especially with such a rich local inventory, once you know what you can reasonably afford, it's time to start shopping!
Whatever your age, downsize in style in this wonderful two bedroom ranch style condo in Durham offering 1064 square feet in a private end unit. One of 8 units in the Wellington complex, this pristine home shares 8 acres for an expansive and private property, yours to enjoy. Inside, a great open layout capitalizes on a dose of formality with a classic living room with fireplace and cathedral ceilings and dining room. The open eat-in kitchen serves up quality with plenty of solid oak cabinets and tiled floor. Relish your downtime from the fabulous sunroom where rustic barn board charm marries chic contemporary style and views to celebrate spring, summer and fall. Carefree living starts here with no worries when it comes to yard work, snow clearing and more. Other great features include central air conditioning, attached garage, full basement for all your storage needs, and a great, quiet Durham location at 79 Stage Coach Road with access to District 13 Schools. Offered for $224,900.
