Thank you for your comment Liz. The housing market is rough this year as prices continue to climb. My husband and I finally found a house worth bidding on. We overpaid by quite a lot, but it met the majority of our desires. The previous houses didn’t feel right, but it’s been weeks since we made the offer and we still feel good about it. Although we overpaid it wasn’t at the height of our budget, which also feels good.

I agree about the state of the housing market. It’s nuts and solid buyers are getting edged out and frustrated time and again. I’m not sure what will come next or how this will all play out in the end.

The way we rationalized it was, while we *could* buy a house at these prices, waiving all of our contingencies and bidding way over asking—essentially turning our home purchase into an auction—was not acceptable. As this phenomenon seems to be happening in major towns and cities all over the country, it seems unlikely this is actually “the new normal.” Eventually, something will need to change or correct, and buyers will be able to protect themselves during what should be a well-considered major purchase again.

I hope you find peace with whatever you decide. 🙂

Hi Beth, Thank you for your comment. We know a number of homeschool families who have told us the same thing about socialization in non-pandemic times. I LOVED homeschooling our two boys this year. It was the experience of a lifetime. We all learned so much from one another and spent so much time snuggling, reading, and enjoying each other’s company. We socialized with one another, which at times, was all we needed.

Thanks Ellie. I’m sorry that you are in the same boat. I’ve never seen anything like this. I bought a property at the height of the last housing boom, but plenty of properties were available at that time. I can’t believe how few houses have hit the market in the past year! Good luck finding a new place. Come back and let me know if you find one.

That sounds super fun! I would definitely consider it if COVID continues to get under control.

We are in the same boat and have been waiting for the market to cool for sometime. It’s only getting worse. We just put in a offer for $20,000 over asking. It’s insane. I usually follow the “zig when others zag” rule of life but unfortunately our time is running run out. The ONLY thing that makes me feel even a teeny bit better is that we also have something to sell. Good luck with your search. You’re not alone!

One family I know sold their house a month ago and moved into a large RV to buy them some time while they are looking for that perfect house. They are a family of four with a dog. They have been doing lots of camping in their new “home”.

Homeschooling has been great and I’d be happy to give it a go for another year. I think the boys feel the need to see other kids again though. If they didn’t and COVID calmed down a bit, I think I’d jump in a camper or RV and hit the road!

Thanks for your comment. The last year of high school will open so many doors and possibilities for you! I’m a little jealous.