No, but I like hearing about house-buying. I hope to do it one day, so I can use all the advice I can get.

I have a friend at work who bought a condo with a friend. Seems to be working out o.k. On the other hand I know another guy who bought a house with a friend, then the friend got transferred a month later and although the other guys name was obviously still on the deed/title/mortgage/etc. it ended up being a huge hassle for the guy who stayed and he ended up having to live with someone he didn’t particularly know that well. I think it probably works out like most roommate situations only with a lot more at stake.

Plus, buying a house usually means you’re committing (or should be committing) to 5 years at least. If either party has a serious relationship that looks like it could move to the next level in under 5 years, I would be wary.

Me and a friend are talking about doing it. I see 2 big issues:

1) One party loses a job. What happens? Who covers the rent? What happens to that person’s share of ownership?

2) One party wants out, other doesn’t.

Besides normal roommate issues (housecleaning, general fairness, etc…), I think those are the most likely problems.

Anyone see any other biggies? Assuming, of course, we agree on a house and can get financed.

one of my best friends aaron bought a house with his best friend chris in sept. 2005. in january of 2007, chris moved out and aaron’s girlfriend moved in. they both have since moved out in april and now, chris and aaron rent out the home to people and are the landlords.

a few months ago, two of my good girlfriend’s, danielle and becky, went in on a house. they have loads more problems than aaron and chris. becky’s boyfriend is over all the time, the girls don’t know about house problems, etc. they both signed a contract, saying they’d be in it for five years, then who knows. not a good idea if you ask me. i’d never do it.

i can give you aaron’s email if you want. he’d love to talk to you about it.

Christina that would be totally cool. Can you gmail me (architraz at…)?