Other financial discussions

Hi, thanks for the thoughts.

 

In this case, here are some more details:

 

1. The house will be primary residence and will not be rental.

2. There is to be separate purchase of a studio apartment that I will use as music studio (so, business use).

3. apartments for 1 and 2 above would basically be purchased together, where they would be colocated in same building

4. In foreseeable future (5-10 years), I don't really see the dollar doing poorly against the ruble, and I think there is good reason to believe current favorable USD position relative to ruble will remain or USD position will strengthen

5. Government stability could change, since over next 5-10 years (or even sooner) Russia will see a new president, since most believe Putin is planning his exit within next few years

6. In good neighborhoods in Moscow (we are planning on moving to a district in northwest that seems to be regarded very well), home value seems to remain rather stable, and in general the overall market in Moscow is somewhat expensive as you get to center, and there doesn't seem to be any indication that the market will quickly move in one direction or the other, and so properties not in center, but still in city limits tend to keep value just on basis of relatively high center prices

7. In about 10 years, good chance we will leave Moscow, at which point the apartment(s) will become rental properties or they would be gifted to my (now) 8 year old son if he decides to stay in Moscow.

8. I have pretty good discipline with cash flow (only debt I had over past 15 years has been a car loan that paid off in 2013)

9. Extra cash from lower monthly payments would be largely reinvested so that when we leave Moscow we can buy another property elsewhere as primary residence

 

Not sure if these answers alter your line of thinking, but really curious if you think it changes something!

Thanks!