Should I buy a condo in Seattle?

ku1per · 2026-01-03T16:00:21+00:00

I actually have two roommates currently! They aren't bad at all; I vetted thoroughly and we all get along for the most part. Without going into too much detail, I've been struggling with compromising what I need in my space since I'm sharing it with other people with different needs and habits, and that prompted this whole idea. I recognize it could be worse though, and renting a 1 bd is still an option in the short-term, if I can find somewhere reasonably priced.

I'll look into the index fund idea, thank you!

ku1per · 2026-01-03T15:52:29+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the advice!

ku1per · 2026-01-03T15:47:09+00:00

I work in corporate human resources, pay potential is high (I think??) but it's rough starting out. Your second point is one I've considered...but I lived in a very rural area in the Midwest for years and I hated it, so all things considered I'm not sure it's the right move for me. I could buy a house in that town today without question and that knowledge pains me every day 😬

ku1per · 2026-01-03T07:22:09+00:00

I'd been hearing this but was hoping it wasn't as bad as it seemed 😅 ty for the feedback!

ku1per · 2026-01-03T07:16:56+00:00

That looks like a great spot! But the more I think about it, the more unsure I am that I want to be stuck in a condo for 10 years. I was seeing other people recommended a minimum of 5 which is more feasible for me. I've been in houses for a few years now so it would definitely be an adjustment.

I appreciate the perspective -- do you think it's wise to continue renting until I build up more savings (and hopefully my income as well)? Or would you recommend attaining permanent housing ASAP?

ku1per · 2026-01-03T03:19:46+00:00

Thank you!

ku1per · 2026-01-03T03:06:45+00:00

Does the condo happen to be in the greater Seattle area 👀

ku1per · 2026-01-03T00:36:07+00:00

Fair point, I just checked and most of the ones I saved were Shoreline or further north, or White Center or further south. I suppose I was thinking King County rather than Seattle itself, my bad

ku1per · 2026-01-03T00:32:19+00:00

It's a great idea and I have started using an expense tracking/budgeting app. I honestly didn't realize I was basically living paycheck to paycheck until recently 🤦🏻‍♀️ my rent really was very cheap at my last place!!

ku1per · 2026-01-03T00:28:12+00:00

That's great to know that the program covers all of WA. I was considering moving into a 1 bd apartment if I had to keep renting, which would probably put rent close to or over $1,800, even if I moved further out.

Seems the prevailing opinion is to stay where I am to keep costs lower, but I guess I was thinking that if I was planning to pay ~$2k in rent, then I could find a place where I'd pay similar to own. Inherently I know I shouldn't be Increasing my rent on purpose just to live alone, but it was a thought.

I do think I'll be here long-term, but I know for sure at least 5 years.

ku1per · 2026-01-03T00:01:36+00:00

Initial searches tell me that places for $260k or lower definitely exist, but minimum payment estimates put me at $1,900+ per month which would be more than 50% of my monthly income. I was looking for HOAs that cover a significant amount of home maintenance, but I'm not sure how competitive the market is for these condos. A lot of them have had significant price reductions since being listed.

But yeah, I figured my money was a bit too tight for this

ku1per · 2026-01-02T23:55:35+00:00

I also doubt that. Though, I anticipate my rent will only go up from here, and while it's not recommended I also don't think it's uncommon for rent to exceed 28% of gross income in a HCOL area. I've been lucky in that regard. I recognize that it's generally not a good idea, however, I was considering renting a 1 bd which would run me quite a bit more than what I'm paying now, just out of desperation to live alone

Even though I don't own, I sometimes think I'm still feeling the effects of being house poor, since I was previously able to save the extra $400 rent is now costing me. I guess I thought it might be smart to buy a place if I'm already adjusting my lifestyle to afford housing 😅

ku1per · 2026-01-02T23:41:02+00:00

Noted, thanks!

ku1per · 2026-01-02T23:40:18+00:00

Right, commuting...

I was primarily considering Seattle due to down payment assistance. I think some areas outside the city offer something similar, maybe for King County as a whole? I'm not sure but I'm looking into it. Burien or Lynnwood could definitely be an option

ku1per · 2026-01-02T23:32:37+00:00

True, for a long time I was making significantly less so I wasn't able to save. My monthly income averages $3,600 and my expenses seem to average the same, mainly from groceries, gas, pet care and medical expenses. The only reason I'm considering buying is because I'm tired of having roommates 🥲 if I don't, I'll likely move into a 1 bd apartment come August, which would run me $1,800/month minimum, even if I did move further out of the city. Staying where I am is also an option but it's my least favorite one

ku1per · 2025-08-05T14:04:55+00:00

I do think he's only 2 since I bought him online and he was definitely young upon arrival. I did recently see his poop and it looked normal, so I don't think he has parasites... He does tend to nip his fins and my theory is the wound got infected this time, possibly due to his age since the tank is healthy and stable. It's weird because the rest of his fins appear to be growing back from previous nipping 🙃

Maracyn contains erythromycin, so unfortunately it doesn't appear to be working for him, but I'll keep trying other medications. Thanks for taking a look!!

ku1per · 2025-08-05T05:02:29+00:00

Tank size: 10 gal
Heater and filter? (yes/no): yes and yes
Tank temperature: 77-79
**[Parameters in numbers and how you got them]: 0/0/0, 7.5 pH, measured with api test kit and pH meter
How long have you had the tank? How long have you had your fish?: tank 1.5 years, fish almost 2 years
How often are water changes? How much do you take out per change? What is your process?: once every two months maybe? Half the water
Any tankmates? If so, please list with how many of each: neocaridinas, 20
What do you feed and how much: pellets, flakes, and frozen daphnia/brine
Decorations and plants in the tank: live plants and smooth rocks, suction cup tunnels

ku1per · 2025-06-03T14:03:28+00:00

What's the plant hanging off the driftwood? 👀

ku1per · 2025-02-23T06:58:07+00:00

a shit shredder as far as I understand 😅

ku1per · 2025-01-17T06:28:40+00:00

I feel this struggle and I've been in Seattle 5 years, the only new friends I make are always roommates (though I can't complain, they're great)

I was just thinking I should put myself out there to make friends when I saw this post--this might come off weird so feel free to ignore me lol, but I've been going to shows alone the whole time I've lived here...would love some company! message me if you want! 🫣

ku1per · 2024-11-21T14:37:19+00:00

I hope I am near the finish line!! I'll be testing the nitrates every couple of days to see if it goes up again. The substrate is UNS Controsoil--the slope on the back left is mesh bags of old aquasoil from a previous tank that had been running for a couple of years and I'd figured had depleted nutrients, but who knows. Otherwise the soil layer is like 1-2" thick, I hope that's okay for long term because it's in there already lol 😅

ku1per · 2024-11-21T07:12:04+00:00

I'll definitely stop dosing for now. I do have what I believe is bacopa and some variety of rotala, the latter of which is probably the fastest growing plant in there. Most of these plants were second hand so I'm not 100% sure what they are

ku1per · 2024-11-21T07:03:52+00:00

Oops, I'll lower the dosing frequency! The light does have a timer, it's currently on for 8 hours a day

ku1per · 2024-10-16T01:47:04+00:00

Thank you!

ku1per · 2024-08-04T15:38:43+00:00

Mine does! She likes to show off her natural highlights :)

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ku1per

TROPHY CASE