I’ve been living in the same mildly crummy apartment for 5.5 years, and another in the area for a year before that. At first, I didn’t buy a condo because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be in the area. Also, I didn’t really have a down payment, but there are ways around that. As the years have gone by, I’ve also just become sort of used to things not really working, laundry being a bit of a nightmare, and a kitchen that causes me to do my vegetable chopping on a table in my living room. This is not an ideal way to live. I would like to have my house be a home. So. It is time to become a grown-up member of the real estate owning public.
Progress so far
As luck would have it, my cousin is an up and coming real estate agent, and has agreed to represent me in this. We will be going to see houses on Friday, January 14. I’m excited, and nervous, and terrified, and full of anticipation.
January 16
While I’ve had a mortgage pre-approval, and have been casually visiting open houses for awhile now, things really got going on the house hunt this week! On Friday, my real estate agent/cousin and I signed the papers to officially enter that agent/client relationship, and went to look at some houses. Sadly, none of them were the house, but it feels awesome to have gotten started. I’m feeling very optimistic that I’ll have found a house I like, and been able to purchase sometime in the next few months.
One thing I’m currently feeling really secure about is the decision to look for a house, rather than a condo. I don’t really love the idea of living in a condo. I’m not that kind of a sleek, fancy, gal who wants concierge service, onsite golf practice space, gym, movie theatre and guest suites. I’m more of a small old place with character, space for a garden, and room to spread out, person. However, I’d been feeling like maybe I’d have to go with a condo in order to afford to live where I want. I think that’s been part of my hold up in purchasing.
Recently, I’ve decided (and been convinced) that while the purchase price might be a bit higher for a house, there aren’t exorbitant condo fees, and that freedom of living how I actually want to live, perhaps outweighs the slightly larger, though still somewhat manageable, mortgage.
Well begun on goal #1, I think.
April 2
I have been completely silent for a few weeks because I have been completely busy getting #1: Buy a House completed! The deal closed on March 18, I had some electric work done, and moved in on Friday, March 25. A week later and I’m still living out of boxes, but there’s a bit of progress each day.
I haven’t taken all that many pictures yet. But this is a shot of the outside. I’ve got a few before pics of rooms I’ll be redecorating, but am waiting for the after pics to be ready before showing them.
So far, I’m pretty happy with the whole thing. As everyone warned me, its already cost more than I ever anticipated it would, but so far my situation isn’t too dire. Fingers crossed, and here’s to home ownership!
