First House

When Chris and I bought our first house back in 2000, we were over the moon. We had been renters, and we couldn't wait to have our own place to fix it up exactly as we wanted. Since I grew up as kind of a vagabond, it really meant a lot to me to truly have a home of my own. We both had full time jobs, and after working all day long we'd happily (seriously!) spend hours stripping wallpaper, painting, and chiseling brown cork (that had been glued on circa 1979) off the walls. A labor of love, that's what it was. 


Once we had our home, we knew we were ready to start a family. I mean heck, we already had a dog and a cat, why not add a baby? (And then a second dog while 6 months pregnant - not the smartest move we ever made.) We loved that house. I remember being so content.


Well, hindsight is 20/20, right? If only...we had been smarter with money and just waited to buy a house until the bottom fell out of the real estate market. I suppose I don't regret anything, because if we had waited to buy a house maybe we would have waited to have a baby too, and then maybe we wouldn't have the family we have today. But jeez Louise! People buying their first homes right now - at least in Michigan - have it made!


We're in a better place now (literally and figuratively), and everything worked out in the end. Are you thinking of taking advantage of the real estate deals available right now? If you're in the military, or have served in the past, I hear that VA mortgage rates are particularly good right now. There are many loan facts you need to know, so make sure you do your research! Also make sure you clearly outline what you want and need in a house, and don't compromise too much on the important things because it's a buyer's market. There's definitely no need to over-pay for a home that doesn't even meet your needs. 


Happy house hunting!