No, I'm not going to talk about that. I might pledge to be brutally honest on my blog, but that doesn't mean I'm brutally stupid, either. I know there are family members who read this blog who never, EVER need to hear that.
But I am going to tell you how I lost my virginity...
Anybody else a huge fan of this lady?
For those of you who have no idea who this crazy Canadian is (not to imply that all Canadians are crazy; my favorite uncle hails from Ontario, and he is decidedly sane)-- she is Sandra Rinomato, host of my hands-down favorite show on my hands-down favorite cable channel: HGTV's "Property Virgins" (you're all like, "Ahhh, now I get the intentionally misleading title!").I could-- and have-- watched Sandra for endless hours. During her 30-minute real estate show, she schools single professionals searching for a trendy uptown loft for $150,000 (yeah right); she teachers young couples who think a spacious home with an open floor plan in the suburbs only goes for $200,000; and, she always reminds me of the time three and a half years ago when DH & I were mutually deflowered.
I know I've talked a lot on this blog about my OCD; no where in my life is that compulsion more pervasive than in our finances. When DH & I first learned we'd be moving to our current area in early August '06, we quickly put ourselves on the fast track to home ownership.
First step?
Secure financing.
This was the height of the real estate boom, when mortgage brokers were easy and freewheeling with cash. Our broker initially tried to approve us for a $400,000 mortgage. Now, if you live in Northern Virginia, Connecticut, or California, that probably sounds like a good amount. But we weren't moving to a real estate mecca-- we were looking to buy in the Dirty South, where land and real estate are cheap. So, I had to basicallyThen, we had to find a house... while still living two states away. Thanks to the best realtor of all time, we were able to "virtually" shop for our new home over the internet. We narrowed our choices down to ten based on their online profiles, then took a road trip for a wild house-hunting weekend. Within 48 hours, we had seen all ten houses (some twice, or even three times), put in an offer on our favorite, and had it accepted.
As Sandra would say, we were about to be de-virginized (ok, that isn't a phrase Sandra actually uses on her show; I made it up myself).
From there, it took us 18 days to close, and we were moved in 22 days after our offer (full price, a sign of the then-booming times). That type of timeline is unheard of nowaways. In fact, when we re-financed our mortgage last year, it took us 60 days to close on the new loan.
But now, DH & I are starting to feel like born-again virgins (I used to cringe when I heard girls use that phrase in high school and college, but I digress). While we haven't exactly outgrown our current home, we are starting to get antsy. With the market the way it is now, it's tempting to think about taking advantage of some of the
What are your "must-haves" in a dream home?
Are you already in yours... or, like me, has your dream been deferred?
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on Thursday, January 28, 2010
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Hubs and I were very blessed to have been buying in 2009, when the interest rates dipped low, property values lower, and our seller was facing some pretty scary options. We, like you, were pre-approved for WAY more than we counted on spending, had budgeted our mortgage based on the amount I was paying in rent. We wound up with most of the requirements: master suite, 2 extra bedrooms (we got three, which was good, because now we have a nursery and a guest room but he doesn't lose his man cave) large laundry area seperate from kitchen (it's actually seperate from the house, on the other side of the garage, not exactly what I had in mind...) and a few extras: 10 acres (we wanted 3), an inground swimming pool (NOT a task we wanted) and a shop for all the man-stuff like car repairs, woodworking, etc. The price was amazingly right for us and we closed within about a month. Lucky, lucky us! We won't be moving anytime soon unless we outgrow this place, but we've got massive rennovations going on and no end of those in sight! It was structurally sound but needed LOTS of cosmetic updating.
We're in the midst of trying to buy the dream house! As in have the ringer on the phone turned to fire-alarm decibals, to make sure I don't miss it.
I've done this before, but I am a BUNDLE of nerves this time. I don't know why!
But my dream home has hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, painted trim, a dishwasher, THREE bathrooms (oh the luxury) and more space than the two of us could ever use. So we're going to fill it up! lol
I love HGTV, too, and that show is pretty funny when she's always setting everyone straight about reality. It's funny to watch what some first-time buyers actually think they can get for the money, and see her reactions and listen to her comments in response to their unrealistic dreams! We're definitely, absolutely NOT in our dream home, it's deferred. We'd love a work-out room, an office (that's not makeshift in our garage), a movie room, more bedrooms and bathroom, bigger bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, a really nice kitchen, a breakfast nook, the list could go on and on...
I watch that show all the time and love HGTV too. I wish I knew then what I know now when we bought our first home.
Well, we're not in our dream home that's for dang sure. We sort of settled for the house we currently have. DH and I were pregnant with JonJOn and his mom and stepdad were living with us so we had to find something fast. We got screwed with our house.
DH will be needing a new job come August cuz the depot he works at is closing. So, we don't know if we're going to stay here or move somewhere else. BUT if we do stay, we're definatalely going to buy something else in this area.
You totally had me with your title!
I'm currently in my dream home- I call it Barbie's dream home- it's even pink...but, we're only here for a few more months. We took advantage of the fact that NO ONE rents houses on this beach during the winter, so all these monsters sit empty, so we offered an owner less than 1/4 of the normal cost to rent it if we signed a 6 month lease. We did that b/c we needed to move quickly and wanted time to find a house to buy. And that is what we are in the process of doing. I'll cry when we move.
I think this might be my longest comment ever.
After moving into our second house a year ago this October I realized that sometimes your dream house and your real life budget don't go hand in hand!!I could have purchase my dream house (and sent my kids to some of the worst schools in the state) or settle for a raised ranch, in great shape, with just enough space, in a great town with great schools. Do I wish I had a colonial with four bedrooms not three, and a master bathroom. Absolutely, then I wake up and realize that two teacher's salaries may never afford that house, and that is ok. I still get house envy on occasion though!
Tricked me with your title! We moved in October to an 800 sqft apartment and that was moving up! But we are about 800 miles away from our dream home. :(
Must haves:
Good size yard
large/open kitchen
wood burning fireplace
The rest is negotiable.
We're far from there...hopefully one day!
We bought our first house a year ago this month. While it's not our dream home, it is big enough for all of us and the neighborhood is good.
I hope you get your dream house soon!
I may have an unhealthy addiction to HGTV. And I always love Property Virgins.
My dream home has STORAGE. Hubs and I currently live in a teeny-tiny condo that is oh so pretty, but oh so cramped. I dream of having a yard, a basement, and a 2-car garage. Oh, and a fairy godmother to pay the mortgage...ugh!
Being a realtor myself, I am surrounded by houses all the time. We are definitely not in our dream house at the moment. We built about 2 1/2 years ago and had found out we were pregnant about 2 weeks after signing the papers to build. I already feel like we're busting at the seams and we currently only have one child! I don't know what we're going to do when we decide to have our next kid. My dream house is a big country style home sitting on about 5 acres. The two major things I want is a covered wrap around porch and an amazing kitchen. My husband and I both love to cook, so this is a room we both want to be great!
On a side note...speaking of things moving slower right now...I'm currently working on a deal that is inching close to 6 months now! It's a short sale and we still haven't heard anything from the bank. I want to pull my hair out!!
The man and I are hoping to upgrade as well. If all goes well we'll be able to sell our townhouse for around 450k and be able to put down a large chunk on a 350k single family. Something with a pool would be nice, but right now a single family is a huge upgrade from the townhouse. Even though it does have a lot of space and there are 2 master bedrooms...we need a yard and space to grow - so we can have #2 next year!!!
~WM
We were blessed this year to not only take advantage of the low interest rates but also of an incredible deal on a short sale. The bank was very forgiving of what the previously owner owed (let's just say it was A LOT!). This is my dream house---now all we have to do is decorate and do the back yard then it will be perfect.
I hope you find yours soon too=)
PS--thanks for stopping by today=)
We are totally living in a dream home. I'll never forget walking up to it when it was almost finished; I felt like we were moving into a castle, and it made me a little uncomfortable, having grown up with so little. Just strange. Today, ten years later, I wish we had a dream mortgage, too!!
P.S. You closed your comments on your FF post (yeah, I'm finally getting around to your post!!!) I just wanted to say that I, too, have become a badge-wearing member of the grammar police. Let's watch each other's backs, okay?! Thanks for participating in FF :)
If everyone had operated the way you did on your first home, the economy sure would be better off! We are still in the home where we raised our family and I am getting antsy to get something more for our new lifestyle. The problem is only one of us is semi-retired and able to move out of town. So we just enjoy what we have and try to keep it up to date.
How funny! I JUST blogged that we're house hunting for our second home.. and I'm losing my mind! lol
My must-haves would include 3/4 bedrooms, at least 2 bathrooms, nice-sized laundry room, master bathroom with seperate tub/shower and double sinks. I also want double sinks in the main house bathroom if the kids must share. We need about 2,000sqft.. more would rock if we can find it.
We're actually selling our house to pay off debt (we're flipping it! yahoo!) and buying an 'in-between' house next. Not our dream home, but the one to live in until we find land and build our dream home. lol
Oh, I love Property Virgins, too! Can't get enough of that show!
Holy cow that it only took you 22 days to close! That's really fast.
I am so with you...I want to move in the worst way!! This is my third home, and our second together. I loved it when we got it, but pretty much over it now. Sucks.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Property Virgins. That and "For Rent" are my two favorite HGTV shows (but I could watch HGTV 24/7).
Anyway, I am NOT in my dream home. Bobby and I rushed into our purchase, and while it was a great deal, it was NOT really what I wanted at all. I live in a place where I know no one, and that's just not very fun.
Let's see, my dream home would have to be out of the town we currently live in, at least 3 bedrooms (we currently have 4), at least 2 full baths (we currently have 3), with an attached garage, updated kitchen (stainless, granite, you know what I'm talking about), and walk in closet (which I do have now). Hardwood floors are preferred but I would settle for laminate. Tile floor in the bathrooms (and okay in the kitchen too). And a play room. And neighbors that are friendly. And a fireplace. And a central air system. And a shower that never has to be cleaned. And one of those vacuum thingy's in the kitchen where you just sweep up your crumbs and it sucks it into neverland. and, and, and.... well you get the picture. I'll have to settle for less for now til we get a little closer to our debt free goal!!
The Husband and I are living in our FIRST HOME TOGETHER now. It took 7 years, but it was SO worth the wait! It's not going to be where we stay forever, but ohmygosh it is so incredibly perfect for us now and for the next several years!
When our girls are bigger and we need to "upgrade", one must-have is a bigger lot. That's about all we don't have here -- right now we can literally reach out and touch someone next door! :-D
When I was house shopping my dad PUSHED me to buy large and I did. He told me I would want bigger one day and to struggle with the payments at the time. I am sooo happy to have the space and the room we have!!! It is also the "dream house" I wanted to buy since I was a little girl!!!
Good luck with your plans!!!
Wow! Way to grab a girl's attention with that title!!
My dream home will have a playroom for the kids, a media theatre, a large gourmet kitchen with walk in pantry, and office/craft room, a laundry room on the same level as the bedrooms (I am so tired of carrying laundry up and down the stairs!)
I LOVE our house now! 100 years old, original fireplace, tub, and hardwood floors! Plus we can walk everywhere-- the library, the pool, the store, restaurants, (the comic book store and record store circa "HIGH FIDELITY" if you're my hubby). BUT it only has two bedrooms. If it had one more bedroom it'd be dang near perfect. We'll probably end up upgrading at some point for a little more room, although the thought of staying here and paying off our house in less than 10 years is quite tempting. The idea of owning our house outright before Cate even hits middle school is mighty tempting and might be worth trying out how to fit one more kiddo (when we're ready) into this house.
Ironic you posted this...
Hubby & I just decided to buy (he is graduating in May) our first house (and I AM SSSOOO EXCITED... GOODBYE 800sqft apt). We were debating whether to put it off till after he defended, or if we should do it now for the tax credit (provided we can find the right house).
His first few years as a post-doc won't pay well (but much better than a grad student) so we definitely can't afford our dream house, but anything is better than this tiny apartment... I am sure you can relate since G is the same age as Z. We could have gotten a nicer apartment, but we specifically made the decision to get a smaller place in order to save for our 1st house (and I didn't decorate, which is driving me bananas!). I am so glad we did this b/c now we are sitting damn pretty for our house & the ability to get new furniture.
What we want... at least 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a good size kitchen, decent storage, 2 car garage. We are looking in the area we currently live, which is a bit of a drive into work, but we can deal b/c the houses are SO much nicer. My dream house... well Erin painted a pretty picture. I don't think we will ever get anything that nice b/c Scientists get paid like crap. Who knew that when I was choosing a major. Figures right?
IF ANYONE HAS ANY ADVICE FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER... LET ME KNOW!
http://rasl365.blogspot.com/
Thanks for popping by my blog! I get an adrenaline rush from moving house though I've only shifting once so far after I got married! Ha!
I live in sunny singapore and my house is definitely nothing as fanciful as what you have in your country. But I still love my house and we're having a great time with our 2 kiddos! *planning to shift in another couple of years more!*
I purchased my first home 9 years ago, and it still as exciting today as it was then. I moved into his house 1 1/2 years ago, and there is nothing like a brand new home! Like a shiny new penny.
Thanks for stopping by ...i don't like mama. I look forward to blogging with you.
The first purchase is an unique experience! Thanks for stopping by.
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Too funny because I thought 400,000 sounded amazing and I live in CA and am moving to CT next week....figures! :)
I wish I was a virgin!
I also applaud you for your non sugar coated version of the TV land truth. I was in that business (both news and entertainment) for years! If the skin isn't thick enough to hear your truth than she should be running for the hills!!!! :)
Poppin in from SITS!
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner?
www.mawhats4dinner.com
I wish we could sell our house and move. It's our "starter' home and we've been here going on 6 years. We are so ready to go, but can't sell in our real estate market, we're in one of the top 10 foreclosure markets in the US. Stupid real estate bubble.
I love Property Virgins. We've actually had a friend on that show. My only gripe is when she goes "They've been approved for a $400,000 loan and they have $60,000 to put down which gives them $460,000 to look for a house. What? You don't want to go above $350,000 where you are comfortable. They have a lot to learn about real estate." Other than that...I do like it but wish they'd go back in a couple months to show the changes.
Anywho...dream house. Well, we are currently on our 4th house, still own 2 others (now rentals). But I'd sure love a house that we didn't get a good deal on and decide to renovate. I'd love a finished house! A girl can dream...
Visiting again soon!
Kay from Tickled Pink Twice
I love the picture of the Barbie dream house. That looks good to me! :) Ha!
No, we're not in our dream house. We bought it 5 years ago this Feb. We will be buying his parent's Colonial style house probably 5 years or so down the road. It is a nice house that his dad built 35 years ago and they have kept it up nicely. What I am looking forward to is: closets, closets and more closets; attached two-car garage; central vacuuming; two fireplaces and more room for a growing family! While it may not be MY dream house (while engaged to David I agreed to the plan to buy his parents house eventually) it is a lot better than my smaller, closet impaired house. :-)
what an intriguing title hahaha
hope you can come and see my latest post and comment on these Filipino's im truly proud of;)
Our dream was definitely deferred when the first house we bought burnt down three days before our second son was born....but now I can see the blessing that it turned out to be in the end. I do have to say that living in a rental home definitely has given me an understanding of things that are must haves if we ever do buy a home or build a home. Like right now, I'd like to have a kitchen that I can partially close off so that little hands aren't getting so close to the stove....I'd love to have a huge kitchen with lots of storage space, maybe even a pantry....and definitely a bathroom with a huge tub to soak in.:) Gotta keep dreaming, right? Some day, our house will come.:)
Oh, I was stopping by from SITS.
Home ownership is no where in my near future. I do love Sandra's show!
I also live in the Dirty South. You know...the part with absolutely no job security right now. ;oP So right now, my family is in our dream rental home. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a lanai, fenced in yard, and a den - all for $500 bucks! Can't buy dreams like that. I'm so satisfied, buying hasn't even crossed my mind since moving in. I could use an extra bathroom though. With 2 toddlers and a husband, there is always someone doing the funky chicken dance at least once a day!
My best, Lynn