Bottom line: if you want a metziah, go to the flea market. If you want a house, expect to pay real money

Nechama Norman with Batsheva Berman

“J

ews don’t pay retail,” they say. We all love a good metziah. It’s exciting to snag that ticket to Israel for half price. We’re thrilled when we get complimented on our “diamond bracelet” that’s actually costume jewelry. And credit card points are a hot topic for a reason. When it comes to house-buying, though, the metziah-mindset can work against us.

Menashe and Esti Sloane* were both in their mid-thirties when they got married. Esti’s family lived in Lakewood and she wanted to be near her sisters. Menashe’s job was remote and he was happy to settle wherever Esti wanted. Both had saved up; both had good jobs, and together, they had a substantial nest egg. The couple didn’t have many requirements, and I thought it would be easy to find them a home they loved. And it was.

But it was impossible for Menashe to pay the going rates. He wanted a metziah, so he nixed house after house because the prices weren’t rock-bottom. Esti watched in dismay as they lost one deal after another.

Then Covid hit, and prices started inching up. Still, we found a house that had nearly everything that mattered to them, was in a good location, and was well-priced too. But Menashe felt the asking price was too high. He made a lower offer, and refused to budge, no matter how many times I warned him that someone else would snatch up the house.

Someone did snatch up the house — and I told Menashe I could no longer work with him because his expectations were unreasonable. Every time I drive past the house that got away, I feel a twinge. Bottom line: if you want a metziah, go to the flea market. If you want a house, expect to pay real money.