A purchase that fits both your lives

The decision to own your own home is one of the most important that you will make as a couple, said family therapist Scott Wolfe, a family therapist in Columbia, Md.

“Knowing when it is right to make this move requires more than knowledge of the housing market. Above all, it requires both partners to be emotionally ready and in agreement with their life dreams and life goals,” he said. His suggestions:

•Clarify your life dreams. What do you want your life to be in five, 10, 20, or 30 years from now? What are the things you each want, such as your own home, having a substantial college education fund, having a substantial retirement fund? Prioritize these concerns.

•Share your dreams and goals with your partner. Look for similarities and discuss your perspectives. Work together as a team, and be open to compromise and to accepting influence from each other.

•Come up with a long-range financial and life plan that you can both agree on. Then move to implement this plan.