Basement or no basement? Bonus room or just stick with 3 bedrooms? Separate dining area or eat in kitchen? Where should the half bath go? Mess with cathedral ceilings, or no?
Those are the "minor" decisions Chris & I are faced with. We met with our realtor yesterday and looked at two of the homes which models she had originially mentioned. We weren't in love with either one - mostly because of the lack of yard. So many homes now are putting garages in the backs of homes to be able to put more homes on a block - which equals ZERO yard space. I just kept thinking about the yards I played in as a kid, and I just couldn't imagine having kids in a yard about 20' by 6'.
So we left that community just outside downtown, and we immediately decided the area was NOT for us. Definitely a rougher part of town, and while the short commute was attractive, being afraid for my life in the middle of the night - not so much.
So we drove out to a community east of Columbus and immediately fell in love with the first model she showed us. It was more of a traditional style home, with the garage in front, and has the option of both a partial/ full basement and a 4th bonus room. BUT - the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are tiny, it's an eat in kitchen (not sure that our table will fit) with a half wall into the main room downstairs, AND the half bath is off the kitchen. I know my mom has never liked that about our house in Terre Haute.
We then went to a different model and loved the floorplan even more. Hard to explain, but basically the "great room", half bath, laundry and foyer (with cathedral ceilings) is on the first floor....the kitchen and dining room (or what they call a flex room) is half a flight of stairs up (and looks over the downstairs) - and then another half flight of stairs up is a "catwalk" that looks over the entire kitchen and great room that leads into 3 bedrooms. It's 200 square feet bigger right off the bat, but also starts out at $5,000 higher price-point wise than the other. So, probably wouldn't be able to do a basement. BUT - it's not your "cookie cutter" type home so the resale potential is probably a little higher.
None of these are life-altering decisions, but I feel like we need to make decisions that we'll be able to live with for the next 5 years at least.......b/c barring anything major, I want to stay in this house at least 5 years, to build up equity. And 5 years is a lot of life. 1 child, maybe 2....changes in jobs? Etc, etc.
I feel like I need to sit down with an Excel spreadsheet and put down pros and cons and look at things from a black and white perspective. Obviously cost and mortgage payment is going to the overriding factor, but within that, what can we live with, what do we have to have, what don't we have to have?
We look at lots on Thursday and potentially sign a purchase agreement to lock in rates as early as the middle of March. I just want us to make the right decision(s)....it's a big step! An exciting step, though :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
New Adventure
Oh, milestones.
Sweet 16. Getting your first car. Prom. Graduating high school. Getting into college. Turning 21.
Graduating college. Getting married. Getting your first "grown up" job. Having babies. Doing grown up things, like buying a car that isn't 10 years old. Taking vacations without your parents. Etc, etc.
Also....buying a house. Eek!
I have a lot of friends that have bought houses. Coworkers buying houses. Seems so grown up! Paying a (duh duh duhhhhh) mortgage....it is something that we have resisted since we've been married....at first because we just wanted to get settled into married life......then there was so much uncertainty in our marriage last year.......but this year.......well, nothing major happened to change our minds, except for a teeny little flyer we got in the mail last week.
Turns out, our apartments are owned by (partnered with?) Dominion Homes. Also turns out, 20% of the rent we've been paying here since October of 2009 can go towards the purchase of a new house (wow). That is a big perk. Also a big perk is that we have very little saved towards a down payment (seeing as how we just started thinking about this, oh, 2 weeks ago) - they have programs that would basically get us out of a down payment (a program called Helping Hands).
The perks are huge - Dominion only deals with new builds and new property. They don't sell "used" homes. This is good for us because say the roof gets damaged or the water heater blows or the air conditioner goes out - all of it is brand new, so it's all warrantable, which means no money out of pocket for us. The money we've earned through our apartments would more than cover our closing costs, and the Helping Hands program is really nice. Basically, it means that they build our house. But instead of hiring a painting crew to come in and paint the inside of the house, they supply all the paint and brushes, and we do it ourselves. Instead of hiring a landscape company to install mulch and shrubs, we do it (pretty sure I could bribe a guy or 2 to come do that for me). Neat, huh?
Downfalls - really the biggest and only one I can think of is resale opportunity. We basically would pick a model and they would build it. But, there would be a lot of houses just like ours around the city. And buying a house together - what a huge step. HUGE. And a little scary.
Sounds like everything is a "go" for the financial side of it, so we're taking a big step this weekend and going and looking at a couple houses. With a realtor. TO BUY A HOUSE.
Hard to wrap my mind around. Holy crap.
Wish us luck!
Sweet 16. Getting your first car. Prom. Graduating high school. Getting into college. Turning 21.
Graduating college. Getting married. Getting your first "grown up" job. Having babies. Doing grown up things, like buying a car that isn't 10 years old. Taking vacations without your parents. Etc, etc.
Also....buying a house. Eek!
I have a lot of friends that have bought houses. Coworkers buying houses. Seems so grown up! Paying a (duh duh duhhhhh) mortgage....it is something that we have resisted since we've been married....at first because we just wanted to get settled into married life......then there was so much uncertainty in our marriage last year.......but this year.......well, nothing major happened to change our minds, except for a teeny little flyer we got in the mail last week.
Turns out, our apartments are owned by (partnered with?) Dominion Homes. Also turns out, 20% of the rent we've been paying here since October of 2009 can go towards the purchase of a new house (wow). That is a big perk. Also a big perk is that we have very little saved towards a down payment (seeing as how we just started thinking about this, oh, 2 weeks ago) - they have programs that would basically get us out of a down payment (a program called Helping Hands).
The perks are huge - Dominion only deals with new builds and new property. They don't sell "used" homes. This is good for us because say the roof gets damaged or the water heater blows or the air conditioner goes out - all of it is brand new, so it's all warrantable, which means no money out of pocket for us. The money we've earned through our apartments would more than cover our closing costs, and the Helping Hands program is really nice. Basically, it means that they build our house. But instead of hiring a painting crew to come in and paint the inside of the house, they supply all the paint and brushes, and we do it ourselves. Instead of hiring a landscape company to install mulch and shrubs, we do it (pretty sure I could bribe a guy or 2 to come do that for me). Neat, huh?
Downfalls - really the biggest and only one I can think of is resale opportunity. We basically would pick a model and they would build it. But, there would be a lot of houses just like ours around the city. And buying a house together - what a huge step. HUGE. And a little scary.
Sounds like everything is a "go" for the financial side of it, so we're taking a big step this weekend and going and looking at a couple houses. With a realtor. TO BUY A HOUSE.
Hard to wrap my mind around. Holy crap.
Wish us luck!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Siblings
I became a big sister when I was 3 years and 3 months old. I don't remember Megan being born or holding her for the first time, but I do remember that when she came home, people came to see her and brought me presents - to this day I still remember a plastic chain-link red necklace that you could buy different "charms" for, along with some tiny slinky-like bracelets - pretty cool stuff to a 3-year old! Sure, I'll take the crying, wailing, takes-all-of-mom's-time thing if you keep the presents comin'! :)
Fast forward another 8 years. I became a big sister for the 2nd time at the age of 11. I don't remember as many presents that time around, but I do remember sneaking out of the house while Dad slept with Megan to buy ingredients at the corner store to make some "welcome home Mom & Anthony" cookies (snickerdoodles). Dad was PISSED. He got over it.
The next 7-9 years were tumultous ones with my siblings, moreso with my sister than with Anthony. Megan always wanted to butt in on me and my friends, wanted to wear my clothes, stole my shoes, used my makeup, and generally did all those things that I know now were forms of "flattery" but then those acts were enough to spark some pretty major fights. I did some pretty mean things to her as a know-it-all big sister and cringe at some of those memories. Yeesh, I was mean.
But.
Fast forward another 8 years or so. My sister is one of my best friends, a major confidante, a shoulder to cry on. There is no secret of mine that she doesn't know. And yesterday, she sends me a one-line email:
"Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you. Alot. And I love you."
At work. I burst into tears (okay, not sobbing uncontrollably tears, but enough to make me tear up and get all blotchy). I had to actually leave for lunch to chill myself out.
And then today, I posted a HARD HARD HARD 45-minute run on facebook, and Anthony comments, "There ya go sis." (When I lived at home between Muncie and our wedding, he and I would run together 2-3 times a week; at the time he was only 13 and I had to push myself to keep up with him!)
I sometimes forget what an honor it is to be a big sister. Not everyone gets to have younger siblings. But there are days like yesterday, and today, that I am reminded of how grateful I am.
Fast forward another 8 years. I became a big sister for the 2nd time at the age of 11. I don't remember as many presents that time around, but I do remember sneaking out of the house while Dad slept with Megan to buy ingredients at the corner store to make some "welcome home Mom & Anthony" cookies (snickerdoodles). Dad was PISSED. He got over it.
The next 7-9 years were tumultous ones with my siblings, moreso with my sister than with Anthony. Megan always wanted to butt in on me and my friends, wanted to wear my clothes, stole my shoes, used my makeup, and generally did all those things that I know now were forms of "flattery" but then those acts were enough to spark some pretty major fights. I did some pretty mean things to her as a know-it-all big sister and cringe at some of those memories. Yeesh, I was mean.
But.
Fast forward another 8 years or so. My sister is one of my best friends, a major confidante, a shoulder to cry on. There is no secret of mine that she doesn't know. And yesterday, she sends me a one-line email:
"Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you. Alot. And I love you."
At work. I burst into tears (okay, not sobbing uncontrollably tears, but enough to make me tear up and get all blotchy). I had to actually leave for lunch to chill myself out.
And then today, I posted a HARD HARD HARD 45-minute run on facebook, and Anthony comments, "There ya go sis." (When I lived at home between Muncie and our wedding, he and I would run together 2-3 times a week; at the time he was only 13 and I had to push myself to keep up with him!)
I sometimes forget what an honor it is to be a big sister. Not everyone gets to have younger siblings. But there are days like yesterday, and today, that I am reminded of how grateful I am.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Mini = 77 days away
January was a strong month for me. I didn't get 40 miles in as planned/ "resolved"....but I did get in about 25. I didn't beat myself over it, I was able to stick to my training schedule to a T. My viral/ bronchitis/ sinus/ CRAP hit about 3 weeks ago, though, and I was only able to run ONCE in that time......a whopping 1.5 miles this past Monday.
I vowed to myself to get back on track this week as the weather got nicer, and I did. Yesterday, my schedule called for a day of cross training and I was finally able to do my NYC Ballet video I ordered a couple weeks ago. IT. WAS. HARD. I had forgotten how strong I used to be when I danced!! Today, the schedule called for 50 minutes of running or 4 miles. I was a little wary, but I was determined to finish, and I did! In just under 47 minutes, which definitely is NOT going to break any speed records, but for basically being on hiatus for 3 weeks, I feel pretty good about it. One thing I really found out is that it's not my endurance that needs work - it's my leg strength. I need to figure out how to get some weight-bearing exercise in over the next 11 weeks so my legs (hips especially) gain strength and I don't end up crawling to the finish line on May 7!
At least the weather is getting nicer - I ADORE running outside in only 2 layers instead of 5! :)
I vowed to myself to get back on track this week as the weather got nicer, and I did. Yesterday, my schedule called for a day of cross training and I was finally able to do my NYC Ballet video I ordered a couple weeks ago. IT. WAS. HARD. I had forgotten how strong I used to be when I danced!! Today, the schedule called for 50 minutes of running or 4 miles. I was a little wary, but I was determined to finish, and I did! In just under 47 minutes, which definitely is NOT going to break any speed records, but for basically being on hiatus for 3 weeks, I feel pretty good about it. One thing I really found out is that it's not my endurance that needs work - it's my leg strength. I need to figure out how to get some weight-bearing exercise in over the next 11 weeks so my legs (hips especially) gain strength and I don't end up crawling to the finish line on May 7!
At least the weather is getting nicer - I ADORE running outside in only 2 layers instead of 5! :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Weekend
This time last year, I had made a major chink in my marriage's armor. It was a strained weekend with friends, and of course it all came crashing down around my ears about a month later.
Of course I still regret every moment that put Chris in any kind of pain and put such a burden on our relationship. However, this past year has been probably one of the most productive years we as a couple have experienced. In the 8 years we've been together, this was the most challenging one. The fact that Chris gave me (a lot) of 2nd chances is the most amazing thing; the next most amazing is that how I feel about him after everything, and how he still feels about me. It really is true that you don't know what you have til it's gone - and while it never got to either of us leaving - it came close. And we've come out on the other side of it. Stronger.
So anyway. We went down to Lexington, KY to stay with some friends over the weekend, and we had a lot of fun. More on that tomorrow.
But let's just say one of the biggest highlights of the trip was today, on our way back. We had the radio off, Chris was driving, I was just sitting in the passenger seat, and we were just....quiet. Commenting on random things we passed, but we were completely comfortable in the silence. The smallest things - are the biggest things.
Without a doubt - I am lucky.
Of course I still regret every moment that put Chris in any kind of pain and put such a burden on our relationship. However, this past year has been probably one of the most productive years we as a couple have experienced. In the 8 years we've been together, this was the most challenging one. The fact that Chris gave me (a lot) of 2nd chances is the most amazing thing; the next most amazing is that how I feel about him after everything, and how he still feels about me. It really is true that you don't know what you have til it's gone - and while it never got to either of us leaving - it came close. And we've come out on the other side of it. Stronger.
So anyway. We went down to Lexington, KY to stay with some friends over the weekend, and we had a lot of fun. More on that tomorrow.
But let's just say one of the biggest highlights of the trip was today, on our way back. We had the radio off, Chris was driving, I was just sitting in the passenger seat, and we were just....quiet. Commenting on random things we passed, but we were completely comfortable in the silence. The smallest things - are the biggest things.
Without a doubt - I am lucky.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
This Time 9 Months Ago.....
Seriously, was there something in the air? Something in the water? This day 9 months ago.....let's see. May 8. Nothing too special about May 8. Perhaps the spring air? Indy 500 getting people excited?
Haha. I know a LOT of people that are having babies right now. Or just had babies. Let's count.
AOII sisters:
Laura - just had little Blake last week
Mckenzie - expecting their little Emma anyday!
Kim - apparently one good contraction-stopping medicine away from delivering their baby (sex unknown!)
High School friends:
Wendy - a really good friend that was in guard with me - Braylee was born today!
Family:
Courtney (cousin) - just welcomed Miss Lachlan Rae into the world a couple of weeks ago
I really feel like there are more than that out there. Babies are everywhere. EVERY. WHERE. No, not in this girl's uterus. Not right now. Not yet. But I will say...........we're planning......and checking some things off........maybe not SOON soon....but soon-ish? We'll see!
Kay, that's all.
Oh, except for the fact that Justin Bieber's movie is coming out this weekend. Gag. Isn't it like his "true story" or whatever? Sickening. How much real life have you really experienced in 15 years? Or 17? Or however old he is. Not a fan. In fact, my fave commercial from the Super Bowl was Jack Osborne's answer to dad Ozzy's question "What's a Bieber?"
"I don't know, but it looked like a girl."
Haha. I know a LOT of people that are having babies right now. Or just had babies. Let's count.
AOII sisters:
Laura - just had little Blake last week
Mckenzie - expecting their little Emma anyday!
Kim - apparently one good contraction-stopping medicine away from delivering their baby (sex unknown!)
High School friends:
Wendy - a really good friend that was in guard with me - Braylee was born today!
Family:
Courtney (cousin) - just welcomed Miss Lachlan Rae into the world a couple of weeks ago
I really feel like there are more than that out there. Babies are everywhere. EVERY. WHERE. No, not in this girl's uterus. Not right now. Not yet. But I will say...........we're planning......and checking some things off........maybe not SOON soon....but soon-ish? We'll see!
Kay, that's all.
Oh, except for the fact that Justin Bieber's movie is coming out this weekend. Gag. Isn't it like his "true story" or whatever? Sickening. How much real life have you really experienced in 15 years? Or 17? Or however old he is. Not a fan. In fact, my fave commercial from the Super Bowl was Jack Osborne's answer to dad Ozzy's question "What's a Bieber?"
"I don't know, but it looked like a girl."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl XLV
Well, I HAD been waiting for this day up to about October 2010......until my Cowboys decided they didn't want to take advantage of having the best shot in Super Bowl era-history to go to, and win, a Super Bowl in their own home. Since they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in November, I've been ready to get to this day and for this day to be OVER.
Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing for a World Championship (I hate that they call it a "world" championship...........no other country in the world plays this game, but whatev), in MY TEAM'S house.
One of Dallas' most storied & hated rivals (I remember the intensity of the games in the 90s; fans older than me remember the grudge that started in the Ice Bowl) vs. the team that got to 6 Lombardis first.
I don't know how Roger Staubach is going to hand off the trophy tonight without running off the stage with it.
You're always supposed to root on your conference, and at least it isn't the Eagles.
Go Pack.
And hopefully the CBA holdouts won't last TOO long............I'm ready to get the bad taste of this season out of my mouth!
Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing for a World Championship (I hate that they call it a "world" championship...........no other country in the world plays this game, but whatev), in MY TEAM'S house.
One of Dallas' most storied & hated rivals (I remember the intensity of the games in the 90s; fans older than me remember the grudge that started in the Ice Bowl) vs. the team that got to 6 Lombardis first.
I don't know how Roger Staubach is going to hand off the trophy tonight without running off the stage with it.
You're always supposed to root on your conference, and at least it isn't the Eagles.
Go Pack.
And hopefully the CBA holdouts won't last TOO long............I'm ready to get the bad taste of this season out of my mouth!
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