Before you buy that first or second house, with plans to sell in a few years… rethink that plan. Make a list of all the “must haves” for the new house, and then a list of “must haves” for the house after that. If your lists are drastically different, consider this: moving within the first seven years of being in a newly-purchased home will more than likely wipe out any equity you have built up when you factor in the sales commissions, moving expenses, and mortgage interest that is generally greater in the first few years of repayment. Unless you are buying a house in a great location with serious sweat-equity potential and you’re well-experienced at doing the work, it may be better to wait a couple more years and save, save, save until you can get more of your “ultimate house” must haves rather than purchasing that “starter home” now knowing that in a few years you will be moving again.