When Is the Right Time to Buy A House

So several of my friends are in the process of, or have recently, or are planning on buying homes. They say it is a "buyers market" and a great time to do it. I admit it, the fever has hit me, and I am considering buying a home. I am doing it weird though. I didn't sit down and look at my budget and my life plans and decide it was a good time and then start looking. NOPE. I was out looking with a friend and fell in love with a house. A particular house. And now I am trying to buy it. We shall see if this method works. My best friend is now having issues with the THIRD home they have placed an offer on...Eeek.

All of this has me wondering....when IS the best time to buy a house? Should you do it right out of college so you never throw money away on rent? I definitely know some people who say that is the way to go. I don't think that would have worked for me though. Maybe it is just because I am an army brat but I itch to move too much. I have lived in lots of different apartments, duplexes and homes over the years! All (well most) in the Nashville area, but never any one for very long. I love the thrill of moving into a new place. Finding a new spot for my beloved "stuff" and the feeling of satisfaction when it looks the way I want it to look. I guess the problem with me is that after awhile I just itch to start all over! :)

Now that Michael is living with me, though, and I am older the idea of owning does appeal to me more. Packing up all those books and carrying them out one door and into another...not as appealing anymore! So maybe the best time is when you yourself are more stable and desiring to taking root and stay. I don't know.

I have a feeling it might be kind of like trying to decide when to have children. If you wait for the "right time" you probably won't ever do it! It is a scary prospect no matter where you are in life (unless maybe you are a gazillionaire who can own several homes...). I am scared witless and I am not even sure mine is going to work out! I am excited too, though. Here's hoping....(I think). :)