tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769064464276090155.post4916527519523251814..comments2023-04-06T07:03:35.478-05:00Comments on Keeping Up with the Joneses: The first twinge of fear....Jessie Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13813918466198341752noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769064464276090155.post-36706221812395311292010-06-03T11:05:23.186-05:002010-06-03T11:05:23.186-05:00Dont be in a hurry, look at everything...even stuf...Dont be in a hurry, look at everything...even stuff you dont like. That helped us solidify what we did like. NEGOTIATE and dont be afraid to walk away. Comer and I set a price that we would walk away at. This was hard for me as I loved the house, but eventually the owner wanted to sell it so they met us. We did start our negotiations a lower, expeciting to come up some. Also, we negotiated in our contract for them to leave the washer, dryer and refridgerator. Lots can be negotiated and just remember that. The house filled up faster than we thought! We have been in it for just over a year and now with baby #1 on the way it seems tight! We plan on staying there for another few years, but be realistic about the space you will need. Lastly, we did all of our budgeting as if we were a one income family. Of course we both work, but we didnt want to be pinched for cash due to a large home mortgage. It has worked great for us and the extra money we have used to upgrade stuff on the house or purchase stuff we otherwise may not have been able to (china hutch, shipping of a baby grand piano, a fence put in, screened porch, etc.) Not saying you have to do it this way as it is the conservative way to go, but the bank people tell you you can afford WAY more than you may be comfortable with (like 1/3 of yalls take home)...that said, we did it only on one and then we went from there. Sorry this got really long really fast! Let me know if you have questions!Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01971032006465053719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769064464276090155.post-45798232631161778312010-06-02T12:56:05.871-05:002010-06-02T12:56:05.871-05:00I have no advice, as I'm not a homeowner. But ...I have no advice, as I'm not a homeowner. But I am so sick of apartment living and I'm so excited for you!<br /><br />I hope you find your dream home!!!Life of a Doctor's Wifehttp://lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4769064464276090155.post-37232708848369702322010-06-01T21:08:50.719-05:002010-06-01T21:08:50.719-05:00Same as I said on Twitter, think about what's ...Same as I said on Twitter, think about what's most important and BE PICKY.<br /><br />I love our house, but since we cook so much, I should have been more selective about kitchen size. Instead, I just said "it must have a window in the kitchen." And our kitchen is teensy.<br /><br />I also should have thought through having 3 pets and mostly carpet. Not ideal.<br /><br />Lots of things when you invest in that place where you know you'll stay... be sure your list is realistic and do NOT be afraid to keep looking till you find exactly what you're looking for. If you don't, you'll end up wishing you did.<br /><br />That said, owning your own place is amazing. There's this sense of pride that I never had renting, and even when we have to fix things, after it's all said and done, I'm so glad it's our to fix. <br /><br />Have fun with it, but never settle. <br /><br />All that advice... not even necessary though. I know you'll be great and get exactly what is perfect for you!!chelseahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02504630214028691439noreply@blogger.com