Dear Reader,
I already want to be done with the house shopping. It’s exhausting. But more than that, I very much want to be out of my apartment soon. When I moved into the complex I live in there hadn’t been any arrests on the premesis, there was security, and a gate. Today none of that is true. On my way out this morning I passed a guy from the building across the parking lot being arrested. I want out of this apartment and since the plan is to get a house – I want to get a house, now.
I’ve picked one out. I love it. My parents hate it. No, they won’t be living there but they are giving me the downpayment for the house and taking care of closing costs so their oppinion does matter. So we’re looking again. To date we’ve looked at around 20 houses and have about 15 more ear marked to look at.
While looking I’ve been shocked at how trashed many of the houses are. Funny odors, carpet I’m scared to walk on, walls I won’t dare touch and unknown stuff smeared on walls or the ceiling. Some of the houses I’ve wondered if I would leave alive. And then there are others that are very nice. Those are usually out of my price range and priced below what they’re worth, which is still a little more than I can afford.
The issue I’m having is my parents think I can get something that is in good repair, nice quality and acceptable location for about $70,000 – because that’s what my grandmother got about four or five years ago. They refuse to understand that the market where my grandmother moved is different. That I’m looking at houses that are newer and the economy has changed.
Last night my mother went shopping with us. I’m not sure if she grasped what it is we’re looking at or if she understood it all better. Here’s hoping she did, because we have 11 houses to look at tonight and the idea exhausts me.
