My partner and I have ambitious dreams of purchasing a home within the next couple of years. We want to settle into a space of our own before our kids venture into the world of real school. The idea of uprooting them from their friends simply because we switched school districts tugs at my heartstrings.
So, we’ve crafted a plan — a solid plan. In two years, we’ll be homeowners.
But the housing market in our area (Portland, Oregon) is utterly chaotic, and it’s driving me up the wall. Even modest homes are selling for jaw-dropping prices, often far above the asking price — and in cash! Who are these cash buyers? I’d love to know what line of work they’re in because clearly, I picked the wrong career path.
While it’s not as outrageous as places like San Francisco or New York, it’s rapidly heading that way. Despite being a college-educated couple who works tirelessly and has a robust savings plan for a down payment, there are days when I look at listings and wonder, How on earth are we going to make this happen?
When I share our struggles, the common suggestion is, “Why don’t you just move somewhere cheaper?”
Oh, if only it were that simple!
First off, we have family here. Sure, my relatives live in California, and we rarely see them, but my partner’s family is nearby. My kids adore their grandparents, and having family close by for babysitting is a huge plus. I want my children to grow up surrounded by their aunts, uncles, and cousins, forming lifelong bonds. I don’t want them to feel the distance I feel from my own family.
Secondly, our lives are entrenched in this city. I moved here over ten years ago, and it’s become my home. It’s not just a college stopover; it’s where I discovered who I am — where I fell in love, got married, and welcomed two beautiful little ones into the world. This city is rich in art, culture, nature, and yes, food trucks! Don’t take away my food trucks!
Most importantly, I simply don’t want to move. Moving means packing up, unpacking, leaving behind friends, and having to establish new connections. I refuse to let the housing market dictate my life. I already know where to find the best pad thai, and I’m not leaving Portland, so listen up!
This stance means I’m back to scrolling through real estate listings while indulging in a tub of Ben & Jerry’s. All I want is to plant roots in a city I love, with people I treasure, and provide my kids with a home where they can grow, make memories, and return during college breaks. Yet, with rising home prices, that dream feels more like a fantasy. Still, we’re holding on.
I don’t know how we’ll manage to make it work or how we’ll afford it, but I do know we won’t just “move.” Life isn’t that straightforward. We’ll continue saving, hoping for a miracle, or perhaps a generous benefactor to hand us a house. If I’m going to dream about affording a home here, I might as well dream big.
If you’re interested in more on family planning, check out this fantastic resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Kindbody. Also, for those on a similar journey, consider reading about couples’ fertility journeys for intracevical insemination at Make a Mom. And if you want to learn about the process itself, our other blog post can help you get started.
Summary:
In the face of an outrageous housing market in Portland, Jamie Carter shares her family’s hopes of becoming homeowners without uprooting their lives and connections. Despite the challenges, they are determined to stay and make their dreams a reality.