Buying a House!

Bruinsmama · 04-25-2004, 07:36 PM

Hi everyone!
Last week we decided that we are going to start looking for a house in the Fall!
My Father in Law is all alone up in Maine since my Mother in Law passed away in March, and we want to bring him down here so he won't be lonely! Also we want a better neighborhood/schools etc for my son (almost 2 years old!)
We are planning on a 2 family. I am very nervous & excited!
If anyone has any advice I would love to hear it!
My DH was in Air Force so we can get some kind of Govt loan. We are not starting process til after Summer!
Thanks for letting me share, this is BIG news for my family!

Chris

04-25-2004, 08:37 PM

That is such exciting news. We are looking to sell and then to buy again, possibly on the East Coast or as far south as Florida. (Jobs will be the determining factor for us.)
When we were looking to buy this house, we drove around neighborhoods where we heard the schools were good and I read the crime reports in the newspaper to check that part out. We went to sites like realtor.com to check out housing prices in those neighborhoods.

I wish you the best of luck in your search!

Kathleen · 04-26-2004, 08:08 AM

Wonderful news. I agree start checking out neighborhoods now.

Get Pre Qualified for a mortgage so you know exactly where your ball park for price is check on line for houses in the area as you might just find one that is just right sooner than you think. Most people want to move before the school year starts.

Drive around the areas you might want to live in and check out the houses for sale.

Attened an open house ocassionaly in your price range and see exactly what is out there.

BEST OF LUCK !!!!!

Bruinsmama · 04-26-2004, 09:54 AM

Thanks you guys!
My son is only 2 now but we will definately want an area with good schools/preschools.
My DH and FIL plan to search for a week in the Fall. DH just started a new job so wants that te settle in before we tackle the house issue!
Once they narrow it down then my son & I will go see the places they choose.
It is a BIG step!

Chris

fancyfree · 04-26-2004, 10:10 AM

Hey girl, just make sure you keep us all posted with your new address, and good luck to ya. That's great news.

Bellingsworth · 04-27-2004, 03:51 PM

CONGRATS!!!! That is great news. I hope you find your perfect home with little troubles. You can also talk to people in the neighborhood to see what it is like. Attend a PTA meeting in the area school and then you can talk to other parents about there experiences with the school.

Bruinsmama · 04-27-2004, 07:16 PM

Wow

You guys have so many great

s!
Thanks thanks so much!!

Lightnin · 04-30-2004, 06:23 AM

One thing that we did right when we bought our house was shop around for a loan. I was also in the AF, and the gov't loan was more expensive than a conventional bank loan. I'm told that it has to do with what part of the country you live in.
One thing we didn't do right when we bought our house, was we thought we could fix anything. Do some soul-searching, and find out what you're willing and able to fix. Then look for a house that doesn't have anything needing repair that you aren't willing to handle. Before you buy the house, have it inspected thoroughly by a liscensed inspector. The cost is $200-$500 and is worth every penny. That way, you can make informed decisions about what needs to be fixed, and feel confident that there isn't some $7,000 repair job lurking around the next corner.

Bruinsmama · 04-30-2004, 11:43 AM

Thank you all so much!
We are planning on having my Father In Law come visit in September & begin the hunt for the house then!

I just have to tell my Mom about our plans. She may be

at first since we are now living in 2nd floor of the 3 floor tenement she co-owns ( and lives in!) with my aunt. So she will not see us every day. But we are staying local & I know she will agree it is the best thing for us to do. I am just nervous about telling her!

05-01-2004, 05:41 PM

Got my fingers crossed that she takes it very well!

Bruinsmama · 05-04-2004, 01:25 PM

You guys
I told my Mom today that we are planning to buy a 2 family house with my Father in Law and she took it really well! I am so happy! She is our upstairs neighbor now so I thought she may be

that she won't be so close to my son, her only Grandson, but she was really supportive!
my Mom rocks!

Chris

Bellingsworth · 05-04-2004, 07:42 PM

I'm glad your mom was supportive. It makes life so much easier when family doesn't try ot

you with everything you do.

Summerwaters · 05-11-2004, 02:05 PM

But I'm sure glad I know/have you ladies to turn to for advice.
My sister is presently "House Hunting". You could turn to her as well.

Thanks for all your information!]

Summerwaters

Bruinsmama · 05-21-2004, 04:35 PM

Well we aren't even looking yet but we may have found a place in our FIRST CHOICE town! (Fairhaven, Mass). A co-worker of my DH wants to sell his 2 family, and we drove by today, we are very intersted in it! It was built in 1850 but he did a lot of work inside. DH wants us to see inside now. My Father in Law also sounded interestedwhen we called him!

I know it is early and it may not work out, so we are not getting too hopeful just yet! A lot of details remain. Please send up

ers and good thought for us!

thanks, you guys!
love
Bruinsmama

Summerwaters · 05-21-2004, 09:15 PM

Fairhaven, huh? Sounds Great! My Sis has been looking in Brockton, MA. She & BIL have been approved. So it's just a matter, of finding the right house. In my last post, I meant to say that I had her and everyone here to turn to.

I do hope and

, your Dreams Come True As Well. I'll also be rooting for you!

Summerwaters