Friday, December 14, 2007
Home Buying, Continued
12:25 p.m. / 12:25
I just finished my Home Buyer Education-- in pajamas. I didn't quite make it into the shower as early as I'd hoped to, but it was a telephone meeting, so the very patient guy who spent a half hour asking me questions about budgeting, house hunting, and protecting your investment (house) and stuff had no idea was sitting in the kitchen wearing flannel pajamas and drinking a mug of tea. Anyway, now that that is over with, I think I have two main hurdles to clear before I actually move. One is homeowners' insurance, which is oh-so-important, but I keep putting it off for some reason, and the other is closing day... whenever that may be. Well, it'll be before January; I know that much. I was talking to my grandma last night and I told her "I just keep thinking, 'When does the fun part start?' ". She said "It's never fun". Thanks, Grandma.
I just finished my Home Buyer Education-- in pajamas. I didn't quite make it into the shower as early as I'd hoped to, but it was a telephone meeting, so the very patient guy who spent a half hour asking me questions about budgeting, house hunting, and protecting your investment (house) and stuff had no idea was sitting in the kitchen wearing flannel pajamas and drinking a mug of tea. Anyway, now that that is over with, I think I have two main hurdles to clear before I actually move. One is homeowners' insurance, which is oh-so-important, but I keep putting it off for some reason, and the other is closing day... whenever that may be. Well, it'll be before January; I know that much. I was talking to my grandma last night and I told her "I just keep thinking, 'When does the fun part start?' ". She said "It's never fun". Thanks, Grandma.
Labels: home hunt
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Many Things
10:26 a.m. / 10:26
So many distractions!
Still in the process of buying the house. Today I feel like I will never actually live in the house, I will just always and forever be in the process of buying the house. I have to sign yet another paper today. I have to make an appointment for loan counseling or some such. I still need homeowners' insurance.
I had to get up and get dressed for a meeting this morning, but I'm back home now. I'm closing at my branch tonight, so I'm not due in for a few more hours. This is kind of annoying. They gave me free books as the meeting, though. I got some advance copies of books that were published in the summer. Advance copies are weird; they already have advance praise quotes on them. Are these some sort of 2nd advance copies or did the quoted peoples read unbound manuscripts?Also... how "uncorrected" are they? One of the ones that I took, I've already read and loved very much. I was planning to buy a copy eventually. Should I still buy a copy so I'll have the uncorrected advance copy and the actual copy?
I'm in a pissy mood for no good reason today. Library patrons: approach me with caution!
They tell me Christmas is less than two weeks away. Can we put this off until next month?
So many distractions!
Still in the process of buying the house. Today I feel like I will never actually live in the house, I will just always and forever be in the process of buying the house. I have to sign yet another paper today. I have to make an appointment for loan counseling or some such. I still need homeowners' insurance.
I had to get up and get dressed for a meeting this morning, but I'm back home now. I'm closing at my branch tonight, so I'm not due in for a few more hours. This is kind of annoying. They gave me free books as the meeting, though. I got some advance copies of books that were published in the summer. Advance copies are weird; they already have advance praise quotes on them. Are these some sort of 2nd advance copies or did the quoted peoples read unbound manuscripts?Also... how "uncorrected" are they? One of the ones that I took, I've already read and loved very much. I was planning to buy a copy eventually. Should I still buy a copy so I'll have the uncorrected advance copy and the actual copy?
I'm in a pissy mood for no good reason today. Library patrons: approach me with caution!
They tell me Christmas is less than two weeks away. Can we put this off until next month?
Labels: home hunt, on the job
Monday, December 03, 2007
Moving Right Along
8:45 p.m. / 20:45
So the whole house deal is moving right along. I had my inspection this morning, and that went pretty well. There are things that need to be fixed (mostly electrical), but nothing horrendous. After the inspection, I went to see my loan lady and signed a lot of papers. I still need to do something about homeowner's insurance and I have some worksheets to get back to the loan lady ASAP, and some other stuff that needs to be done soon. Anyway, you've been updated.
So the whole house deal is moving right along. I had my inspection this morning, and that went pretty well. There are things that need to be fixed (mostly electrical), but nothing horrendous. After the inspection, I went to see my loan lady and signed a lot of papers. I still need to do something about homeowner's insurance and I have some worksheets to get back to the loan lady ASAP, and some other stuff that needs to be done soon. Anyway, you've been updated.
Labels: home hunt
Friday, November 23, 2007
I'm Thankful For Leftovers
4:55 p.m. / 16:55
Not a lot to say today in my sleepy post-Thanksgiving state-of-mind. I'm having dinner with friends at Old Chicago Pizza, because Norahs1213 is in town for the holiday weekend. I've been talking (typing?) via the internet with J-Dog and EvilDucky about my little house. J-Dog is sad because I won't have possession yet when she comes to town for Christmas, so it might be a long time before she gets to see it. EvilDucky is excited because we'll sort of be neighbors... just a few blocks apart!
Not a lot to say today in my sleepy post-Thanksgiving state-of-mind. I'm having dinner with friends at Old Chicago Pizza, because Norahs1213 is in town for the holiday weekend. I've been talking (typing?) via the internet with J-Dog and EvilDucky about my little house. J-Dog is sad because I won't have possession yet when she comes to town for Christmas, so it might be a long time before she gets to see it. EvilDucky is excited because we'll sort of be neighbors... just a few blocks apart!
Labels: home hunt
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
WhatHaveIDone!!
11:25 p.m. / 23:25
The little house is going to be mine! I still have to get through the inspection and all of the nitty gritty, but it's going to be mine if I can survive all of that. Have I lost my mind? I said I wasn't buying a house... I said it just months ago, but clearly I'm buying a house. It's an adorable house. Like I said before I don't run around calling everything adorable. I only say it when I mean it. Expect pictures in January.
The little house is going to be mine! I still have to get through the inspection and all of the nitty gritty, but it's going to be mine if I can survive all of that. Have I lost my mind? I said I wasn't buying a house... I said it just months ago, but clearly I'm buying a house. It's an adorable house. Like I said before I don't run around calling everything adorable. I only say it when I mean it. Expect pictures in January.
Labels: home hunt
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Watching The Clock
9:40 p.m. / 21:40
Well, I'm feeling kind of icky again, but at least that's distracting me from thinking too too much about how by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow I'll know if my offer on the little house has been accepted. I think a part of me would be relieved by a rejection, but most of me would be very disappointed. Oh, I'm yawning a lot. The anticipation is killing me. I'm a little achy again. Oy! I'm a mess. House-buying is scary shit. Marriage is the only thing scarier that I can think of; especially in terms of commitment.
Well, I'm feeling kind of icky again, but at least that's distracting me from thinking too too much about how by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow I'll know if my offer on the little house has been accepted. I think a part of me would be relieved by a rejection, but most of me would be very disappointed. Oh, I'm yawning a lot. The anticipation is killing me. I'm a little achy again. Oy! I'm a mess. House-buying is scary shit. Marriage is the only thing scarier that I can think of; especially in terms of commitment.
Labels: home hunt
Updates
11:45 a.m. / 11:45
I'm feeling noticeably better today. I have the day off of work, so that helps. I'm planning to talk to my realtor about making an offer on the little house. So... that's what's going on. I plan to write a longer post later on today; I just thought I'd let everyone know the ick is backing off.
I'm feeling noticeably better today. I have the day off of work, so that helps. I'm planning to talk to my realtor about making an offer on the little house. So... that's what's going on. I plan to write a longer post later on today; I just thought I'd let everyone know the ick is backing off.
Labels: home hunt
Sunday, November 18, 2007
House
8:00 p.m. / 20:00
I told everyone two and a half months ago when I was promoted & given a notable raise that while yes, I would certainly be moving out of my parents' home, I absolutely would not be buying a house. Then I started looking into apartments a while back. They all seem like such a compromise. I can pay too much and have washer and dryer hook-ups, but no cat. I can pay less, have a cat, but be paying extra for it and have no washer and dryer hook-ups. I can live near work in a lovely spot with a cat, but not have washer and dryer hook-ups and no balcony / patio. I did finally find one that offers washer and dryer hook-ups, allows cats, has a balcony and a few other nice things, but the rent is at least as much as a house payment would be, maybe more, and it is farther away from work than where I live now, or anywhere else I've considered living.
And then there is the amazing tiny house. I have almost no complaints at all about it. I'll admit the location is not where I ever imagined living, but it's a good enough neighborhood (I know a thing or two about good and bad neighborhoods), and evilducky lives just a few blocks away. It could have smaller yard, but it's not a big yard. The kitchen features cow print wall paper below the chair rail, but that isn't permanent. The rooms could be a little bigger, but how much space does one person need? These things don't bother me as much as lack of washer/dryer hook-ups, cat tax, landlords and all the other apartment nonsense.
I probably won't share pictures unless I actually do buy the house, but here's the flyer description: "Cheerful, beautifully renovated home w/full basement. Solid hardwood floors, new vinyl in kitchen and bath, freshly painted in uplifting colors and all new windows. New kitchen cabinets and countertops, new black gas range and refrigerator, new fanhood, chair rail and white trim. Bathroom updated with new sink, comode and tub/shower. The basement is waterproofed and has a lifetime transferrable warranty. New windows were added in the basement. New 1.5 car garage was built in 2002, has adjustable built-in work bench and shelves, and includes a garage door opener w/2 controls. Newer furnace and A/C, new water heater and upgraded electrical 100 amp service. In 2004 a new deck and patio were built, along with new landscaping. Charming front porch and fenced in back yard. Adorable home in move in condition."
It really is small, that's pretty much why it's in my price range. I'm okay with small, though. That means less up-keep and lower utility bills. Anyway, I could ramble on forever about this, and I probably will in the future, but I'm done for now.
I told everyone two and a half months ago when I was promoted & given a notable raise that while yes, I would certainly be moving out of my parents' home, I absolutely would not be buying a house. Then I started looking into apartments a while back. They all seem like such a compromise. I can pay too much and have washer and dryer hook-ups, but no cat. I can pay less, have a cat, but be paying extra for it and have no washer and dryer hook-ups. I can live near work in a lovely spot with a cat, but not have washer and dryer hook-ups and no balcony / patio. I did finally find one that offers washer and dryer hook-ups, allows cats, has a balcony and a few other nice things, but the rent is at least as much as a house payment would be, maybe more, and it is farther away from work than where I live now, or anywhere else I've considered living.
And then there is the amazing tiny house. I have almost no complaints at all about it. I'll admit the location is not where I ever imagined living, but it's a good enough neighborhood (I know a thing or two about good and bad neighborhoods), and evilducky lives just a few blocks away. It could have smaller yard, but it's not a big yard. The kitchen features cow print wall paper below the chair rail, but that isn't permanent. The rooms could be a little bigger, but how much space does one person need? These things don't bother me as much as lack of washer/dryer hook-ups, cat tax, landlords and all the other apartment nonsense.
I probably won't share pictures unless I actually do buy the house, but here's the flyer description: "Cheerful, beautifully renovated home w/full basement. Solid hardwood floors, new vinyl in kitchen and bath, freshly painted in uplifting colors and all new windows. New kitchen cabinets and countertops, new black gas range and refrigerator, new fanhood, chair rail and white trim. Bathroom updated with new sink, comode and tub/shower. The basement is waterproofed and has a lifetime transferrable warranty. New windows were added in the basement. New 1.5 car garage was built in 2002, has adjustable built-in work bench and shelves, and includes a garage door opener w/2 controls. Newer furnace and A/C, new water heater and upgraded electrical 100 amp service. In 2004 a new deck and patio were built, along with new landscaping. Charming front porch and fenced in back yard. Adorable home in move in condition."
It really is small, that's pretty much why it's in my price range. I'm okay with small, though. That means less up-keep and lower utility bills. Anyway, I could ramble on forever about this, and I probably will in the future, but I'm done for now.
Labels: home hunt
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Call Me Chicken
4:57 p.m. / 16:57
I think I want to buy the adorable little house I've been enthusing about. Maybe. Probably. There's just one major problem... I'M CHICKEN!
More on the chicken & the coop later.
I think I want to buy the adorable little house I've been enthusing about. Maybe. Probably. There's just one major problem... I'M CHICKEN!
More on the chicken & the coop later.
Labels: home hunt
Thursday, November 08, 2007
It Had To Happen Sooner Or Later
11:25 p.m. / 23:25
I guess I was just kind of hoping for later. Here we are folks; day eight of National Blog Posting Month. I have no idea what to say tonight.
Today at work was almost as boring as yesterday at work, except for the part where I looked down and there was some many-legged insect crawling around my lap. I made a disgusted noise, jumped up, brushed it to the floor and smashed it beyond identification.
One or two of you might be looking for an update on my housing situation. It's more or less on hold. I feel like I'd be deciding to rent, except that I haven't found anything I want to rent, and there's this charming house... and yeah, mostly I'm still confused. And picky; damn am I picky! I had no idea, but then it kind of makes sense in a way. I mean, I'm not going to be out on the streets if I don't pick a place tomorrow. I've learned more about first-time home buyers' assistance. I've also realized that since I'm living with my parents, I could save a small down payment pretty quickly. So many choices; it's all very confusing.
I decided to find a book about Windows Vista at work today. I found that I can skip the first three chapters since they cover stuff like using drop-down menus and saving documents. Mostly I want to know about some of the new stuff like the photo gallery. So more or less I'm still in the getting comfortable phase with my new computer. Keep in mind, I've not quite spent an hour with it yet. I'm just trying to get familiar with what's already there before I start adding stuff. It was kind of funny when I bought it because the sales guy was fussing because there wasn't a display model to show me, but I didn't really care, I just wanted to get it and go, and that confused him for a minute. I guess most people want to talk about it before they buy it.
I guess I was just kind of hoping for later. Here we are folks; day eight of National Blog Posting Month. I have no idea what to say tonight.
Today at work was almost as boring as yesterday at work, except for the part where I looked down and there was some many-legged insect crawling around my lap. I made a disgusted noise, jumped up, brushed it to the floor and smashed it beyond identification.
One or two of you might be looking for an update on my housing situation. It's more or less on hold. I feel like I'd be deciding to rent, except that I haven't found anything I want to rent, and there's this charming house... and yeah, mostly I'm still confused. And picky; damn am I picky! I had no idea, but then it kind of makes sense in a way. I mean, I'm not going to be out on the streets if I don't pick a place tomorrow. I've learned more about first-time home buyers' assistance. I've also realized that since I'm living with my parents, I could save a small down payment pretty quickly. So many choices; it's all very confusing.
I decided to find a book about Windows Vista at work today. I found that I can skip the first three chapters since they cover stuff like using drop-down menus and saving documents. Mostly I want to know about some of the new stuff like the photo gallery. So more or less I'm still in the getting comfortable phase with my new computer. Keep in mind, I've not quite spent an hour with it yet. I'm just trying to get familiar with what's already there before I start adding stuff. It was kind of funny when I bought it because the sales guy was fussing because there wasn't a display model to show me, but I didn't really care, I just wanted to get it and go, and that confused him for a minute. I guess most people want to talk about it before they buy it.
Labels: home hunt, on the job
Friday, November 02, 2007
Tired & Confused
11:00 p.m. / 23:00
Today I saw one apartment, three houses and talked to a loan lady at the bank. I am no closer to deciding what to do. I liked the aprtment. I loved one of the houses, the other two I'm not considering. Do I love the one enough to make that kind of commitment, though?
The apartment I saw was alright, but it didn't have washer / dryer hook-ups. The neat thing about it, is that it's near my job, but it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. I crossed an apartment in a divided up house off of the list because they don't allow pets. I'm still hoping to hear from some people who have a duplex I called about yesterday, but since it's been more than 24 hours I'm kind of not expecting to hear from them. Should I try calling again? I also have the number of some friends' landlord to call and see about their building. So, I haven't exactly run out of options, but things are not feeling very promising right now. My mom said I need to look at more apartments and not jump into buying a house, but I'm having trouble finding apartments to look at!
The house... the house is nearly perfect. I worry a little about re-sale because it's tiny and only has one bedroom (even though it's listed as a two-bedroom), but it's just about perfect. The basement steps, although sturdy, are very awkward. Ideally, they'd be re-built eventually. That's my only real complaint. A house, with a yard, is much more responsibility than an apartment. Is it worth it? One of the great things, aside from it being adorable, in great shape with all kinds of new and re-done stuff, is that it comes with a stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. I'd have to buy some rugs for the nice hardwood floors, but that would be cheaper than appliances, right?
Oh, I'm a mess.
Today I saw one apartment, three houses and talked to a loan lady at the bank. I am no closer to deciding what to do. I liked the aprtment. I loved one of the houses, the other two I'm not considering. Do I love the one enough to make that kind of commitment, though?
The apartment I saw was alright, but it didn't have washer / dryer hook-ups. The neat thing about it, is that it's near my job, but it feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. I crossed an apartment in a divided up house off of the list because they don't allow pets. I'm still hoping to hear from some people who have a duplex I called about yesterday, but since it's been more than 24 hours I'm kind of not expecting to hear from them. Should I try calling again? I also have the number of some friends' landlord to call and see about their building. So, I haven't exactly run out of options, but things are not feeling very promising right now. My mom said I need to look at more apartments and not jump into buying a house, but I'm having trouble finding apartments to look at!
The house... the house is nearly perfect. I worry a little about re-sale because it's tiny and only has one bedroom (even though it's listed as a two-bedroom), but it's just about perfect. The basement steps, although sturdy, are very awkward. Ideally, they'd be re-built eventually. That's my only real complaint. A house, with a yard, is much more responsibility than an apartment. Is it worth it? One of the great things, aside from it being adorable, in great shape with all kinds of new and re-done stuff, is that it comes with a stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. I'd have to buy some rugs for the nice hardwood floors, but that would be cheaper than appliances, right?
Oh, I'm a mess.
Labels: home hunt
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Joy! It's NaBloPoMo Again!
10:00 p.m. / 22:00
In honor of the first day of National Blog Posting Month, I wanted to write something special. That isn't going to happen; I don't know what I was thinking. If you're new to A Work In Progress, welcome! If you're not new, welcome to you as well! I enjoy comments very much... I'll even let you criticize my writing if you'd like; I do! I admit, though, I'm very bad at responding to comments, other than I like to check out the blogs of first-time commenters.
If you read the posts below, you'll see I've begun a new job recently. If you read the posts to come, you'll learn about my search for new housing. I currently live with my loving, but none the less annoying, parents. Now that I've been promoted, I'm searching for my own place, but I'm picky... maybe too picky, and I'm also having quite a debate with myself over renting vs. buying. My friends and family are somewhat divided in their advice on the subject. I've lived with roommates at times, but I've never lived alone and I have to wonder if it's too big of a leap to buy a house right now. On the other hand, I'm supposed to see this adorable little house tomorrow. Hmm... just so you know, I'm normally one to use the word adorable.
Well, for everyone participating in NaBloPoMo, good luck!
In honor of the first day of National Blog Posting Month, I wanted to write something special. That isn't going to happen; I don't know what I was thinking. If you're new to A Work In Progress, welcome! If you're not new, welcome to you as well! I enjoy comments very much... I'll even let you criticize my writing if you'd like; I do! I admit, though, I'm very bad at responding to comments, other than I like to check out the blogs of first-time commenters.
If you read the posts below, you'll see I've begun a new job recently. If you read the posts to come, you'll learn about my search for new housing. I currently live with my loving, but none the less annoying, parents. Now that I've been promoted, I'm searching for my own place, but I'm picky... maybe too picky, and I'm also having quite a debate with myself over renting vs. buying. My friends and family are somewhat divided in their advice on the subject. I've lived with roommates at times, but I've never lived alone and I have to wonder if it's too big of a leap to buy a house right now. On the other hand, I'm supposed to see this adorable little house tomorrow. Hmm... just so you know, I'm normally one to use the word adorable.
Well, for everyone participating in NaBloPoMo, good luck!
Labels: home hunt
