How I did it: almost 2 years, 60+ houses, 2 agents, 2 home inspections, 3 failed purchases, days upon days of stress and perseverance and finally some good karma.

Lessons & tips: Don't be upset when something goes wrong or falls through, ESPECIALLY when it wasn't in your hands.  We are the epitome of "everything happens for a reason".  With everything that went wrong we realized the next house was even better and even more perfect and were glad the original plan fell through and now we're in our ideal location on purrrrre built up karma because we got into a half million dollar neighborhood for half the price and in our budget.  That was a feat in itself and well deserved after all we went through.

Resources: Do a LOT of mortgage research.  Don't be ignorant to the cost of your monthly payment.  We knew from the get go that our mortgage wasn't our only expense and made sure to set our price point accordingly based on our overall expense and not just our principal and interest.  Be aware of the HIGH cost of taxes and insurance and how they affect your monthly payment.  For us it was another $500 so don't let it be a shock to you like we know it was to some of our friends when they didn't listen to us.  Don't be too proud to listen to those who have been through it and learn from their mistakes instead of your own.  Oh, and know some good trades people and don't be overwhelmed if you get hit with a shock upon move in (for us it was termites...eek).  There is always a solution!

Oct 26, 09:05AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer