It sucks big time. There is no way any sane person would spend $400,000 on a two bedroom one bath condo. Downstairs. With only a carport. For some reason, people do. I can only imagine how many people are buying places hoping to make some money of the ridiculous real estate market and are going to be burned when there is a pull back. Oh there will be one. As with most investments timing is everything and part of me wishes I would have bought that condo in Studio City in 2000 for $250,000 that now sells for closer to $500,000.
I have always been a cautious person when it comes to things financial. Matter of fact, it is probably the most conservative thing about me. I had my first savings account at a bank when I was 11. In my later years, my crack-habit of traveling made me throw caution to the wind, but I still manage to be conservative when it comes to long-term investments.
The reason for this rant is that not only have condo prices gone through the roof, but also apartment prices in Orange County are ridiculous. Small boxy apartments with thin walls and families of 10 as your neighbors in a one bedroom are going for over $1300 (Yes I know I am going to get hate letters from people in the Bay Area or New York).
Thus housing, and my future in it remain my biggest source of concern these days. This past week I have been getting the opening shifts at work, which is a nice change of pace. It almost makes me yearn for a good old 8-5 job. I am in sort of a nebulous holding pattern at work right now. I have a tremendous desire to do more or to get a different challenge, and at the same time need to remain focused and do the stellar job that I do every day. I had a really good talk with a manager the other day and it looks like good things might be coming down the road. The big question is whether or not I will stay focused until then or will my wanderings get the best of me.
One thing that helps is the Hong Kong trip. As it gets closer (just over a month), I am really getting excited about it. If I can get this apartment thing squared away, then it can be my sole focus. Then of course, I can start to plan the next trip.