"You will have to make an offer before noon tomorrow to get in on that house." said my agent about the only decent house I saw last week.
I didn't realize such simple words could cause a headache, high blood pressure, intense sugar cravings, sweating, and possibly a mini stroke. I'm realizing I SUCK at real estate decisions.
While I love to hunt down the bargain on criagslist or the local thrift store, it is a whole other ball of wax when it involves large loans, quick time frames, commutes times, safe neighborhoods, proper cooling, square footage, window bars, flood insurance, access to Gluten free shopping, fencing... blah, blah, blah.
Here is the breakdown after two weeks of house looking.
-super crappy houses that I can afford but would have to invest a fortune to make livable- 15-20
-kinda crappy houses or condos I can afford but not in the best neighborhoods- 2
-Nice house I like and can afford with more land than I want or need in a sketchy neighborhood far from work-1
-Nice house I sort of like in a great neighborhood close to work, but will really stretch my budget.-1 (this is the one I have to offer on by noon)
So I'm up re-looking at listings (already knowing no miracle listings have been put on in the 2 hours since I last looked), and wishing I had a "make the best choice" hat I could put on just now.
Somehow I thought writing out the specifics would help. In truth the factors are a bit more complicated than what I listed there, so I still haven't seen a clear decision, but it is nice feeling like I'm venting to someone.
5 comments:
Here is the deal. I would just make a low offer(one that would make it a little more affordable to you) on the one that will stretch your budget. If they accept it then It was meant to be, right.
The reality is you don't have to find a house in a two week priod of time. Sometimes it takes months (I have friends that it took years) of looking until you find one that is right for you.
With all my houses, I have know they were the right house the minute I walked in the door, Jason has to make a list of the top ten things we want, in order of importance, and try and find the house that fits all those.
Don't stress, I know it is a big commitment, but think of it this way. You are never stuck, if you end up hating the house put it on the market and find another one.
I love you
Oy! It DOES seem like looking for houses "should" be fun. The reality is that when you need to find a home it is TRAUMATIC! And the weighing of the lesser evils can drive you bonkers. I would pray about it. I would continue with the lists, pondering and then pray. It can't hurt right? And it has helped me to feel calm about decisions.
Des is right about the waiting.But once you start looking it seems to get pressing huh.
Are you going to be able to take advantage of the $8000 incentive money? I heard that it might apply to anyone who hadn't bought a home in the last 3 years...?
Ahh life! If only every decision could be easy! If you don't feel "right" about it, it probably isn't right. I think you'll know when all the peices fall into place. Take your time. (How's that for all the tried and true responses). Hang in there!
I think the only people that have fun buying houses are those on HGTV's House Hunters, with a budget that spans two or three hundred thousand dollars! Seriously how do you have a budget between 500,00 and 800,000 anyway? Talk about a big difference in house payment!! You could always be one of those that spends that kind of money on an apartment with only 800 square feet! I am with Des, don't rush it, it will work out if it is suppose to. Sorry about the stress, that is no good, worst case, you can always come live with me:)
I'm with Karen. I haven't prayed as hard about much as I did about finding the right house. My realator was so sick of me saying,"It's a great house, but it just doesn't feel right." The right house feels right and don't rush. It's to big of a decision and there will always be another if you can wait. Love you.
Post a Comment