So the last time I wrote anything it was after our engagement and when we were house hunting. Naively, I thought I could chronicle that experience in my blog, while planning a wedding, going to school and working.... ha, ha, ha.
So here is a quick summary on buying a house, IT IS INTENSE.
For any couple that is just diving into this, I highly recommend deciding on how you want to go through this as a couple.
Alain and I decided to treat it like a project and set a project lead, me, to deal with all the communications. This was the best idea because everything was channeled through one person, however it was extremely stressful for me.
I didn't know it was possible to be so excited and so stressed at the same time. I feel like I gave birth to this house. Every week I had a new person to deal with, a new surprise would come up. Buying this house became my second job. After many tears, screaming on the phone to mortgage brokers, bank loan agents, student loan companies, etc. We closed on August 12th.
It was one of the happiest days of my life, to be soon replaced by our wedding day just four and a half months later, but I'm jumping ahead.
We moved in and felt at home right away. Feels like we have always been here. I hope that part happens to everyone who buys their first home. It's a rewarding feeling that reassures you that you made the right choice. There's nothing like looking around and realizing that it's yours.
Then you realize you are responsible for it all and the fear settles in the pit of your stomach.... holly crap I bought a house. Do I make enough money for this? Am I actually doing this? Are WE actually buying a house TOGETHER? Suddenly you realize you are an adult, but you get through it and life changes, but in a good way.
For those who are entering this process these are my tips:
Ikira
So here is a quick summary on buying a house, IT IS INTENSE.
For any couple that is just diving into this, I highly recommend deciding on how you want to go through this as a couple.
Alain and I decided to treat it like a project and set a project lead, me, to deal with all the communications. This was the best idea because everything was channeled through one person, however it was extremely stressful for me.
I didn't know it was possible to be so excited and so stressed at the same time. I feel like I gave birth to this house. Every week I had a new person to deal with, a new surprise would come up. Buying this house became my second job. After many tears, screaming on the phone to mortgage brokers, bank loan agents, student loan companies, etc. We closed on August 12th.
It was one of the happiest days of my life, to be soon replaced by our wedding day just four and a half months later, but I'm jumping ahead.
We moved in and felt at home right away. Feels like we have always been here. I hope that part happens to everyone who buys their first home. It's a rewarding feeling that reassures you that you made the right choice. There's nothing like looking around and realizing that it's yours.
Then you realize you are responsible for it all and the fear settles in the pit of your stomach.... holly crap I bought a house. Do I make enough money for this? Am I actually doing this? Are WE actually buying a house TOGETHER? Suddenly you realize you are an adult, but you get through it and life changes, but in a good way.
For those who are entering this process these are my tips:
- Find a good realtor, someone who knows the lay of the land, who will be on top of it all and knows how to negotiate. This person will be your ally so you need to be able to trust them. We worked with my cousin Margarita Faria and had great results. Contact info: margafari@gmail.com
- Get an appraisal of the property and hire a GREAT inspector. This guy is key in your life. Don't skimp on costs for this one. This person will let you know everything that is wrong with this new house of your dreams. You will realize quickly if it's a good idea to buy it, and once you buy it you will know what needs to be fixed in order of importance.
- HAVE PATIENCE!
- Find a good mortgage broker, this person will get you the best financing and hopefully be dilligent in the process to make sure you close quickly.
- Pressure everyone. I send daily emails to all parties involved asking what was the next step. If it wasn't because I was that intense we wouldn't have closed on this house. Take it like your second job and you are everyone's boss. They have other properties they want to sell or buy etc. it's up to you to make this one their priority.
- Do research if you are buying a house in short sale.When in doubt about a line item you have to pay for ASK... ask your friends, professionals, lawyers etc. Sometimes you wont realize your getting swindled.
- Research govt programs that may help you with down payments etc.
- If you are buying a house as a couple, talk about who handles what and set budgets for everything. Make sure you are on the same page always.
Ikira
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