In Which I Contemplate Moving

Since the wildfire that closed down 395 during rush hour several weeks ago, my latent "I should really move to Carson City" feeling has been growing stronger. I'm currently under a lease until November or so, but since I'm spending pretty much all my extra money on paying down my credit card right now, that's just fine.

The options, of course, are purchasing or renting. I plan on being in Carson City long term, so purchasing is a fine option, even in a weak market. Given that I'm a buyer, the weak housing prices are even more attractive. The thing is, purchasing takes money, and I don't have much. And if I had it right now, it'd be paying off my debt.

But there have been a few properties that have attracted my attention. There's a couple houses about 3/4 of a mile from where I work - both 3 bed, ~950 sqft. One's up for $133,000 and another is $155,000. There's also some townhome-style condos about 2 miles away (though literally right off the new freeway), with one priced under $80,000 for a 2 bed 1,300 sqft. That's a really attractive price. And there are a few other properties that are both well-located and affordable for me - so even though these will probably sell, I'm not likely to run out of options before I can accumulate the needed funds.

Renting - it's not really a good option in Carson City. All the apartments I like are so expensive it's just not worth it. Or they are income-controlled, and I make too much to live there. Purchasing is the way to go, as I can build equity and claim the mortgage interest tax write-off.

But that's my plan right now. It becomes more attainable as my debt keeps shrinking, and with housing prices finaly slipping back to where I can afford to buy something with a real foundation, it might become a reality in the course of the coming year.