The other home thread about income to cost of home got me thinking with a few responses about increases value since purchase, or appraised value, etc.

Has your home increased in value since your purchase? How much? Does that impact your next move (if planned) and your ability to upgrade (or "downgrade but have less/no mortgage, envious if so!!) Did you buy it with this potential to make money to help you "get ahead"?

I hope no one's has decreased in value, our area is so hot that the thought of that seems impossible.

We bought our first house June 2010 and sold it Feb 2013 for 32% more than we paid. Had a variable mortgage we made fixed overpayments on an that helped make the "leap" to our current home.

Current home closed a year ago and if we listed today could easily list for 27% or so more than we paid in Feb 2013. Housing is nuts, and sad, I couldn't imagine trying to first time buy now, and never dreamt I would "have" to buy a house that cost this much to suit our needs as a lifer house. Insanity, I have moments where I wish we could go back to our old house, but know it was time to make a move with prices where they are/are going.