It is very tempting to go ‘all in’ on a house you love, and stretch your budget to its breaking point.  When you find a house that is the right size, in a great neighborhood, with fantastic bonus features, logic can fly out the window.

This is especially challenging when you’ve been trying to buy a house in Grand Rapids for a long time.  Since the market is currently quite hot, homes are moving quickly.  The temptation to over-spend on a property is huge.

However, breaking the bank for a ‘perfect’ house is a recipe for financial disaster.

You will be much better served by sticking to a more modest, reasonable budget that works for your finances.  Here are several reasons to stay modest as you submit your offers.

 1.  Emergencies Happen

Let’s face it – life is messy.  You get a flat tire at the worst possible moment, and have to pay out the nose for a tow truck and new wheel.  Your furnace dies on the coldest day of the year.  A huge windstorm blows dozens of shingles off of your roof, and you have to pay to repair it. Continue reading “4 Reasons to Avoid Breaking the Bank As You Buy a House in Grand Rapids” →