Pretending My Way to Adulthood

[affreca]

We've gotten the married part out and the job part (at least for lawnchairof the way, so we've started on the property owning part. First big step was securing a pre-approval letter from the bank (don't worry, we're cheapskate paranoids with math, so it is something that shouldn't get us in trouble). Next step was going to an open house for our favorite prospect (otherwise known as the purple house). Told the realtor what we were willing to pay, and told it was to little (by the owner. Realtor claims to agree with us that the owner is asking to much, but the realtor might be trying to get this one sold as it has been on the market for almost 6 months).

So we decided to get our own realtor. We get to meet with her tonight. We'll see. First house she suggested is outside what we're willing to pay. I don't want someone who keeps trying to upsell me. I know how much we can afford. And the house is one I used to know. In my childhood neighborhood, where a friend from elementary school lived. I want to tour it, even if I don't want to buy it.

Comments

[frith]

When I was house hunting, way back sometime last century, like 1990, I eventually had three agents on the go because the one I started out with was not delivering. I was looking for something I could afford that was preferably within 30 minutes by bicycle from work and that had a minimum of one acre of land. I did a lot of rummaging through house listings on my own too.

On the news today there was mention that the best deals right now are second-hand houses, not new buildings. I don't trust brand-new buildings anyway. With old stock you've had time for flaws to show up, like cracked foundations, sagging floors, moldy bathrooms, leaky roof, short circuits...

[lisichance.livejournal.com]

Getting your own realtor is a good idea. Sometimes bureaucracy sucks, but sometimes having that extra link in the chain can get you a much better deal.

I find it weird that anyone with their house on the market that long would balk at lowering the price- unless it's over mortgaged and your offer would not pay back their mortgage.

If you ever decide you want to branch out into owning rentals, I'll sell you my rental house. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just that after working full time in a rental house office, going home and doing more of the same isn't fun.

[verminiusrex.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Stick to your budget, beware of any realtor that wants you to sign an exclusive contract especially if they keep trying to upsell you, and remember that there are plenty of houses on the market right now so there is no real rush (at least I don't think you are in a rush).

Owning your own home is great, until that strange moment of realization that when something breaks, there is no landlord to call and get it fixed.

[annamatic.livejournal.com]

We're beginning to consider buying a house too. Yay adulthood! (at age 33 and 36 respectively, :P)

[queza7.livejournal.com]

Off-topic, but I got your gardening book in the mail yesterday. Is next Tuesday ok for a drop-off at costume group, or would you like it sooner?