Venting
So, I found another house I like. Do I like it as much as the first? Well, its totally different than the first, and it needs less work, and I like it just fine.
Now, this weekend my sister and mom went to see two houses with me. The second one was this one, and my brother went along. After he sees the house, he decides its “cavernous” and he doesn’t like his room. Now, you have to know my brother to understand this, but lets just say he’s extremely negative about just about everything, and he likes to bitch a lot about things he doesn’t want to contribute to, and he always knows more about whatever it is you’re talking about…even if he’s only read one book on it…or my favorite, looked it up on Wikipedia. But I digress. He NOW decides that its not close enough to the freeway, its not the style of house he would buy, he’s not sure how long he’s staying in Cleveland…yadda yadda. Now, let me remind you he just told me less than two weeks ago (before I put the offer on the other house!) that the area was just fine, and he planned on staying 5 years, and he loved living in basements. (The room I offered him wasn’t even in the basement, but of course, he didn’t like that one either).
So, I can afford to get the house without him, but it will be tight. Do I get the house and try to find a roommate, or will I be committing financial suicide? That is the question of the day.
I’m sure my realtor has had about enough of the indecisiveness! The house is in good condition, is completely renovated, hardwood throughout. Cavernous my ass…
Sounds like a tough decision chica. Don’t know what to tell you about all that financial suicide business (but I would error on the side of caution). But you gotta love Matt’s attitude. LOL
I would error on the side of caution as well, and treat the house like he would be a roommate that could leave with a months notice. What happens if he gets a job somewhere else? Even if he is mostly talk I think since he is a brother and not a husband he doesn’t have as much tying himself to this area.
Ahhhh.. House Hunting- I love it!! I”l be so excited to do it again one day, although I think I’ll just take a little condo for me and my pets, 2 bedrooms please for my baby (whenever that happens) and oh I’m so sorry, there is no room for anyone else to move in. LOL!! No uhauls please!
Wow - that is a tough decision. Personally, I would never enter into a situation that I could not afford to support by myself because I absolutely loath having to depend on someone else in such a manner, whether family or a traditional roommate.
Another question (which you don’t have to answer to me because it’s really non of my business
) …but still a question to consider: Whose name & credit is the house going under? Just yours? Both you and your brother? The only reason I bring that up is because the ultimate responsibility for the house will rest on the person whose name is on the deed. 
If it’s just yours, then I’d say your brother will have to buck up, accept whatever house you pick and follow your rules. If the house will be in both your names (& credit), … um - that’s a really tough one, but would really come down to a 50/50, and so I smell a compromise 
Also, have you ever lived with your brother in your adult years? Again, you don’t have to answer that to me, but it may be worthwhile to consider your current relationship and how living together may (or may not) effect it.
On the subject of a roommate, you could simply consider your brother the roommate and approach the situation the same as you would with a traditional roommate: collect a security deposit and/or first & last months’ rent etc (whatever terms you decide). (But I think this would only apply if your brother’s name is not on the deed.) I totally do this if it were *my* brother, because (unfortunately) he’s really not a very dependable person.
I hope your brother is different though.
If you choose a traditional roommate - ie. a stranger - do your research! Require a credit check, references (personal & professional), demonstrated employment history w/ paystubs/vouchers to prove it, an interview - all that good stuff!
Oh - and don’t worry about your realtor’s “having enough” of your indecisiveness. After all, s/he is going to get a good chunk of change in the end … so it’s ok if s/he actually has to have some patience and do some work!
Hehehe…
Maybe you could have another talk with him to see what he is thinking. Tell him not to rain on your parade and your dream.