So I'm 22, and moved out my parents crib two years ago to have more freedom to do my job (social media s***).

A big goal of mine was to make a surplus vs. the monthly expenses I had (around $2.6k monthly with rent & expenses like groceries and gas included). Unfortunately for the most part though, I've been making usually just enough to pay the expenses, and as a result have had a stagnate number in my bank account ($30k).

My dad recently brought up the point that rather than rent, I might as well put that money into a condo or something for myself, so that at least that property I'll live in will appreciate in a few years time.

What's your guys' thoughts? Should I continue sticking it out renting until I eventually overall just make more bread? Or should I go ahead and just get property for myself? I live in Cali btw (which is an arm & a leg to live in, I know)

Yes buy a house

Buy the KTT-Pad

Houses here in Cali usually go for $300k-$400k if you want something decent, fortunately though my dad said since I'd be a first time buyer I'd probably get some lenience in how much I put down initally.

Do you think $30k is fine though to get into that situation? Originally had the plan to have $100k before looking to even buy, but now I'm questioning to myself what would be more efficient lol

buy a house and let fellow ktt posters crash for free

If your 22, and have already saved 30k towards a house in what im assuming to be 2-4 years then might at well wait till 100k

What part of Cali @op?

to be fair though I actually had a considerable bit more when I first moved, but with sending a good portion to my parents (as a thank you gift), and spending a good amount on my computer setup (a new PC, speakers, table etc. because I edit videos for work and my old setup was a piece of s***) I've been stagnate around 30k for 2 years now.

to also be fair though, there's virtually no ceiling to this social media thing, so I see the vision in being able to make more. I also wasn't as consistent with my work ethic as I currently am, so I do see change slowly but surely coming for me.

It's just I'm unsure if I might as well get property now, or wait what could possibly be another year or two before I get that 100k goal (nothing is guaranteed, but I've been slowly seeing progress in the past few months basically with a change of gameplan and discipline)

Orange County, you?

Owning a house is a lot. There's the down payment, but there's also s*** that you don't realize that's gonna start adding up. Tools, repairs, replacements, paying for inspections, utilities, checking your air conditioners and other appliances, miscellaneous s*** like tree stump removal, and more.

You need a sizable amount of money to be comfortable moving into a house. Living in California is a b**** and a half for house ownership because s*** costs too much for most folks' incomes.

What's a ballpark number you feel I should shoot for before making that move?

I wanted to lower my current expenses with a roommate but it's hard to find one not only financially 'there', but also not a mess person. I wanted to get one of my homies to move with me but they're for the most part still working smh

Nice. I'm in Sac. Market is crazy competitive here, I can only imagine what it's like down south

22 and thinking about buying

when i read that you’re looking to lower expenses and you’re unsure about certain things, the more i’d feel like buying isn’t the best idea because it’s a bit more permanent in a way, idk

just depends on the money fam

bro I've heard so many stories about people getting the hell out of here to Texas or Florida lmaooo I'm lowkey starting to consider too

it's just I'm a family man & don't know if I could be so far from the fam & my dogs

yeah it's a blessing to have that possibility with this profession, but I also am doing my best to not make a bad move down the line you feel me

it's like I've been holding down living alone, but ofc I'm aware I should possibly be lowering expenses lmao

I feel the same about buying being more permanent but with the way my Dad says it, I feel foolish throwing money to rent for too too long when as he says, I could be putting it into something that at least appreciates.

It's definitely been confusing to me for a while now what I should do cause people seem to feel I have a good amount already (which I'm skeptical of lol)

I'm gonna say $90k-$100k if it's a $300kish house. That way you can put a 20% down payment and still have enough for a couple months of expenses.

I'm not in real estate and I don't live in Cali, but that's what I think you'd need for a comfy move.

Honestly in your early 20s I wouldn’t be trying to buy something to own and tie yourself down to one specific spot for the foreseeable future. I would view this as the time to grind, invest, and stack. unless you really love the area you’re in. If I was in your shoes I would continue to rent

That’s just my 2 cents and perspective tho

Try this out @op, haven't had to use it but heard it's useful nytimes.com/interactive/2014/upshot/buy-rent-calculator.html

Only buy the house if you plan on living there for 5-10 years.

Housing market is horrible right now. Low supply and inflated prices across the country.

aint you a YouTuber?

California property is overvalued and the taxes are sky high.

Don’t invest there.

Median home price in CA just broke a record at 750,000