I got a call yesterday from my daughter who is taking a mini vacation. She called after she got there. I'd like to say this was the first time that happened, but looking back my 17 year old daughter when in high school called me at work from the road when she went to Florida on spring break. (I was a little bit mad). But clearly I raised her to be a strong and independent woman.
It made me think about a recent conversation with a friend who is an agent about a client who she was sure had found "the" home they needed and wanted to make an offer to purchase, but first their "mommy" had to come approve the house. It wasn't from across town, it was a few states away. And it was in a market where homes in that price ranger were flying off the shelf. I have worked with many young first time home buyers who did want their parents to "see" the house, but not "approve" the house.
Don't misunderstand me... I am nearly half a decade old and run my own business, but I often call and ask my mom's opinion on things. At some point I think most of us come the realization that our parents are older, wiser and have more experience. But while you wait for a parent to make arrangements to travel and drive that 600 miles and then the house is gone... does not seem the wisest choice. Even knowing in Georgia our contracts have an "option" period this buyer would not even consider making an offer until their parent could arrive. Now this lovely girl is renting an apartment because another family is moving into her dream house. And her mom is a dentist. If perhaps her mom was a Loan officer or real estate agent I could have found some sense in it, but that was not the case.
At some point you have leave the nest, let go of the apron strings, and make those grown up decisions on your own. Looking back at my own life and relationship with my parents and my daughter and looking forward I see a lot of very stubborn and independent folks in that view. If you agent says to you that a house won't last on the market but a few days you have to realize they are the professionals and they know of what they speak. Each person has the right to make decisions in the way they choose. But if your parent needs to "approve" your home purchase they need to be available. But maybe, just maybe you should make the decision without them and then invite them over for Thanksgiving Dinner in your new house.
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