28-Year-Old Wants To Buy House For Retiring Mom — 'Pay Cash And Keep It Simple Or Use A HELOC?'

Core Insights - A 28-year-old homeowner is considering purchasing an adjacent two-bedroom house for $68,000 to enhance family security and plans to rent it out initially [1][3] - The homeowner is weighing the options of paying cash versus using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for the purchase [1][4] - The homeowner has significant financial resources, including $113,000 in a brokerage account and $17,000 in cash, alongside a mortgage debt of $125,000 [2][4] Financial Considerations - A HELOC offers access to cash at relatively low interest rates but poses risks such as variable interest rates and potential loss of the home if payments are missed [2] - The homeowner's income is $70,000 annually, with an additional $42,000 from a spouse, indicating a stable financial situation [4] - The strategy involves the homeowner's mother selling her home to pay off $22,000 in debt and using her savings and pension to live next to the homeowner [3][4] Investment Strategy - The homeowner is concerned about whether cash should be used for the property purchase or if funds would be better invested in the stock market [5] - Community feedback suggests that paying cash for the property could be beneficial, allowing for immediate improvements and avoiding interest payments [5][6] - The potential for value addition to the property is highlighted, with suggestions to pay cash and renovate [6]