First Time Home Buyers

**Bobber** · 08-05-2012, 10:20 AM

If you can swing it, buy a duplex. That's what I did almost 20 years ago and it has been one of the better financial decisions I ever made. Basically the rent from the other side paid for the mortage payments. We moved on to a real house after we got married, but hung onto the duplex and it has generated a very good ROI over the years.

**Cyclonesince78** · 08-05-2012, 10:44 AM

I think times have changed from 20 years ago. I think in today's world I'd avoid buying a duplex.

1. tougher to sell
2. if you're going to live in a house, in today's world people prefer not to be attached to another unit.
3. Doesn't appreciate as much as a single family residence

Just my opinion....

**Bobber** · 08-05-2012, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonesince78

I think times have changed from 20 years ago. I think in today's world I'd avoid buying a duplex.

1. tougher to sell
2. if you're going to live in a house, in today's world people prefer not to be attached to another unit.
3. Doesn't appreciate as much as a single family residence

Just my opinion....

Actually you could have used those arguments 20 years ago.

**isulive2train** · 08-05-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Bobber

If you can swing it, buy a duplex. That's what I did almost 20 years ago and it has been one of the better financial decisions I ever made. Basically the rent from the other side paid for the mortage payments. We moved on to a real house after we got married, but hung onto the duplex and it has generated a very good ROI over the years.

Agree. I have experience with this as I am a real estate property manager.