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Updated over 1 year ago on . Most recent reply

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Sasha Bayan
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Buying a Beach-Front Condo in Alameda 2023 -- is it a good investment?

Sasha Bayan
Posted

Hi there!

I am seeking advice for whether to go through with my first home purchase. It's the biggest purchase I'll have ever made, and I want to do everything I can to make the most informed decision possible. Here's the context:

Details of the home:

2 bed, 1.5 bath Condo

1100 sqft

1 garaged parking space

Views of the bay from the living room

~10min drive from airport

<10min walk from grocery stores, restaurants

Across the street from the beach. <5min walk to be on the sand

Condo amenities include swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, and sauna.

Safe and charming neighborhood

Location: Alameda, California

Details of the costs:

Purchase price: $835,000

Down: 25%

Interest rate: 8%

Principal and Interest per month: $4,600

Estimated Taxes + Insurance per month: $1,280

HOA: $465

Total Monthly: $6,345

I am considering the intangible benefits of upgrading my living situation from being in a rough neighborhood in Oakland to a safer, beautiful place by the water. I'm hearing pros and cons from different people.

I am hearing encouragement and discouragement from lots of folks I talk to. The yay-sayers encourage buying in the Bay Area as (1) a great long-term investment, (2) suggesting this purchase would be an appreciation play over 5 years, and (3) that the high interest rates are keeping the property prices lower and the bidding competition down.  On the other hand, many speculate the market will drop significantly in the next 1-3 years and suggest it's a poor time to buy because of the high interest rates. Granted, no one has a crystal ball, but both sides resonate to me as reasonable.

I am in a position where I can pay for these living expenses, but my finances will feel significantly tighter doing so (for reference, it increases my spending by almost 3x). I am in the software space, and while this field tends to have jobs readily available, I also have some slight concern around shifts in the job markets affecting my ability to hold for 5+ years.

 I want to have both a better living situation and invest in my future, however I feel very conflicted about whether this purchase is a sound choice. I'd love to hear from the community hear to help me make this big decision. Thank you in advance for your time!!

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