House Hunting Update!!

After all the time spent researching the real estate market, learning about the home buying process, and visiting all the potential new townhomes in midtown Atlanta... I'm finally under a contract on for a HOUSE!!

Yes! A house - actually a brand new craftman style home on the westside of Midtown. I'm so excited - the expereince has been fun and exhausting. I've been dreaming about townhomes, lofts, loft-style townhomes, single family homes, furniture, and all sorts of house-related 'stuff' since I've dived into this home buying process. I'm serious! A few weeks ago I dreamt about one townhome I was previously interested in making an offer on - in my dream I was already under contract, when a huge storm went through Atlanta. The next morning I went to the unfinished townhome to find everything turned into mush! I was shocked and angry - confronting the builder, he said " Well that's what happens when it rains!".

I woke up and decided that I still needed to keep looking.

A few days later, I found 'the House', then went home to do some more research on the neighborhood (crime rate, future development, taxes, CMA, etc...). Three days later, the first offer was made and the builder finally accepted after 3 rounds of negotiations. Closing date is set for the 30th of June.

I can't even express how happy I am :) From origianlly looking at condos, lofts and townhomes to actually being just one month away from moving into a new single-family home - wow - it amazes me. There are just too many condos on the market and since 'every day is an opening day', there are only more in the works to be developed. So I wouldn't consider condominiums a good investment, unless you plan to keep it for awhile...

I've limited my (domestic) traveling since I've been back and I'm still picking up shifts on the weekend to help save up for all the costs associated with buying a home. Note to first time home buyers: Closing costs are not cheap. Don't fall for those gimmicks that claim there are no closing costs. Trust me, I've been to 3 various home-buying seminars, reviewed several other programs, and talked to many lenders. Your best bet is to go with a large credible bank, like BOA, and work with a really good loan officer that knows about the programs he can offer you.