Well, its official. This otter (or wallaby, depends on which user page you're on) is more than likely losing their home soon. My parents mortgaged this house out the wazoo over the past 10-12 years or so, and now its worth about 1/2 what it was 4 years ago. I knew this day would eventually come, but Mum wants me to tie myself to this albatross and stay here, even though I will still eventually lose the house when something happens to HER. It would take roughly 75% of my income, and all of hers to make the mortgage payment and keep the lights on.

Or, I can buy a new place for 1/3- 1/4 what we OWE on this 23 year old house, maybe get a new studio in the process, and be free and clear with just 1/4 of MY income alone, and Mum can enjoy living pretty much rent free at my new place. Which one makes sense? Our real estate attorney told Mum we'd be crazy to stay here. My sister is excited at the prospect of maybe getting us to move closer to her as she lives about 40 miles South of us, where the homes flow like fucking water, and builders are DESPERATE to get them off their hands for 1/4 the original listing price. I'll have the cash for a LARGE down payment in a few weeks, so why shouldn't I make an actual FUTURE? It sure would be nice to actually have a place that belongs to just me…