[quote author="babymaradona1" date=1247742375]I tried to get a loan at the bank to buy out my sisters half of the house but they said that the house title has to be in both our names for at least six months for some reason. So I was wondering if I should just pay cash or should I try to get an FHA loan or something? In some ways I was kind of interested in keeping some more savings for the next few years to see what happens.</blockquote>
this really depends on YOUR needs. You said you are 60 years old. What are your plans? What do YOU want to do? You said you have enough money to buy out your sisters half and enough left over for another house. Do you eventually want to live in an assisted living type place or do you LIKE the house in Tustin? If you want to live in the house in Tustin, then $200k sounds great, esp considering the bad market now and the consequences of selling.
The bank won't give you a loan even though you have significant liquid assets (cash)? Is the probate thing happening?
So many more questions, like do you have kids or other dependents, etc etc.
I am going to be completely honest with you. A house is always going to be there, even if it is worth 50% less than what you paid. (unless there is some earthquake or something but thats different). My point is, don't go out and trust anyone with your hard earned money. This is your life savings and the bankers have proven they know tuttili tute about money. Just follow the old rule: diversify. Do go out and buy one stock one with all your money, or one house. Buy the house, keep some cash, gold, platinum, palladium, get some bonds, apple stock, and in fact, if you have the money, buy a classic car and keep it in the garage. Some kinds of art, and other collectables like cars, can significantly increase in value, and are currently taking a hit just like housing. Do not trust any one person or entity. Split it up. Different assets in different places. Ex. keep some gold at safe at home and some at the bank, etc. This way, if you go bust on one asset, it takes several more busts for you to go belly up.
And i seriously hope that all that cash is not sitting in one account. Indymac customers are still fighting for their money. Trust high interest rates like you trust Chryslers Lifetime warranty.