So we've signed contracts to buy a little brick bungalow, circa 1924 w/ some mid-90s 2nd floor and kitchen build-outs/upgrades. Very excited...a real house, w/ character, fantastic neighborhood.
And damn if it isn't going to near break us financially...but it seemed the time to make the move, as prices had dropped on what we were looking for, and we're in the throes of starting a family, so...
Now I'm just trying to cover all the bases on work that needs to be done (fence needs mending, some older electrical needs re-working, garage may need serious work as its an old structure and the pad is crumbling due to nearby large tree roots). Not to mention my stumbling about, trying to secure the best financing strategy possible...we went into this aggressively to get the property and no one seems willing to take contingencies AND drop prices, so we'll have two mortgages (a 3-bdrm condo) for a while. And the new place is going to run us double monthly over the old--yowza. Big boy pants, indeed.
So, this is a very thrilling, but TERRIFYING time for us. So much to think about, to learn and hopefully not make huge ignorant blunders.
And, yes, I still love my e-lectronic toys (so I'm getting a PS3 before the finances shrivel up completely
).
How to make it all work? Don't relish being so 'house-poor' that I can't enjoy life...
Any advice/insights from you all would be most welcome.
And damn if it isn't going to near break us financially...but it seemed the time to make the move, as prices had dropped on what we were looking for, and we're in the throes of starting a family, so...
Now I'm just trying to cover all the bases on work that needs to be done (fence needs mending, some older electrical needs re-working, garage may need serious work as its an old structure and the pad is crumbling due to nearby large tree roots). Not to mention my stumbling about, trying to secure the best financing strategy possible...we went into this aggressively to get the property and no one seems willing to take contingencies AND drop prices, so we'll have two mortgages (a 3-bdrm condo) for a while. And the new place is going to run us double monthly over the old--yowza. Big boy pants, indeed.
So, this is a very thrilling, but TERRIFYING time for us. So much to think about, to learn and hopefully not make huge ignorant blunders.
And, yes, I still love my e-lectronic toys (so I'm getting a PS3 before the finances shrivel up completely

How to make it all work? Don't relish being so 'house-poor' that I can't enjoy life...
Any advice/insights from you all would be most welcome.