03/28/2026
“You can’t love a house that doesn’t love you back.” — wise words from a wise attorney friend of mine.
I recently worked with a wonderful Croton family who fell head over heels for a sprawling Teatown estate. Picture it: pool parties, a guest cottage, sweeping nature views, and enough land to host a small kingdom. They made an offer. It was accepted. Champagne corks were practically flying.
Then reality tapped them on the shoulder.
After revisiting their finances, they made the tough — but smart — call to walk away. Because as dreamy as that property was, love doesn’t pay the utility bills. Or the taxes. Or the inevitable “the roof has opinions” repairs.
Homeownership is romantic and mathematical. Before your heart runs away with your wallet, consider the full picture: mortgage, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and whether there’s anything left over for, say, actually enjoying life.
A handy guidepost: the 28/36 rule — housing costs ideally stay under 28% of gross monthly income, with total debt under 36%. It’s not magic, but it’s a solid reality check before you start naming the guest cottage.
The right home will love you back. Let’s find yours. 🏡