having a secure, well-paying job means very little in Manhattan’s real estate world, especially if you don’t have $1 million in cash and you’re a first-time buyer.
Even though I want nothing to do with Manhattan, and our budget is far smaller than hers, the feeling is very similar.
One of the more painful things about open houses is other people attending them who appear to be so much more self-assured and confident, and you know that they will likely outbid you.
From friends’ anecdotal SF experience, there is the same story there. What I still have trouble understanding is where all these sweet-looking people with so much money come from.
One first-time buyer’s grueling—but successful!—bout with all-cash bids
tinfoilparachute 