7.08.2008

We went looking for houses yesterday....

...and found out that this is the only thing we can afford in southern California.


Bummer.

Okay, well maybe not that bad. But pretty dang close!

Nathan had the day off yesterday, so we went with our realtor to see about 10 different houses in our area. We're trying to stay in our ward, but that is becoming less and less of a reality. (Unless, of course, we want to go in on a house with another family in our ward....hmmm, that would be interesting!) I'm still praying for a miracle, but it's one of those things that I can't set my heart on and then be disappointed about, because then that would really stink.

So, again, with our small-ish budget (those of you in the mid-West would choke if I told you what our 'small-ish' budget was!), we are faced with some slim pickings, even if it is considered a buyer's market. I've had to come to terms with the fact that we will have to put a lot of work into our first home. Which is fine, I've just had to literally let go of the idea that "in Texas, we could afford a brand-new, 5 bedroom home for this price". It's been hard, but I'm determined to be a good sport for Nathan. His job is good right now, and this is the best area for him to succeed there. So I'm being a good, supportive wife, and gearing up to rip out cabinets and replace stained carpets. Yuck.

At least now I can put all that HGTV-watching to good use, right? :)

So please, wish us luck as we venture into the world of home-ownership. And trust me, we're going to need it!!

11 comments:

Pixel Fairy Princess said...

OMG - I don't know where in TX you are but Dan was offered a job in Dallas and I about died at the cost of housing! Fingers crossed that you find something :D Until then - I like your positive attitude! If it is any consolation - that brand new 5 bedroom HOUSE isn't all its cracked up to be. When we moved to ATL we built the "dream housee" and sold it 2 years later for a quaint 3 bedroom, older cottage with tons of charm. Six years later (we moved in on July 6th) we have gutted that kitchen and remolded it, finished the basement, and are now in the process of landscaping and we have a HOME.

BTW - LOVE the trim work on your Blog :D I'd love for you to share with me how you did it :D

Ladybug hugs,
;D

Emily Busath Murdock said...

Yeah, that sucks. Of course your small-ish budget would be smaller if you were me. Zero is smaller than any number ;)
GOOD LUCK! You'll find something. If not, you could always live at Disneyland or Wal-mart like that pregnant girl in that movie. You've got options.

Laurel said...

Hahahaha, well, it's good to know that I've got options! :) LOL, thanks Em!

Barlow Fam said...

Yep, stinks to be you. Glad to find you in the blog world. : ) Eli is darling, and congrats on the new baby!!! I'm glad to catch up and read everything.

Anonymous said...

This is hardly encouraging--seeing as how I will be out your way in 8 (EIGHT!) weeks to live. I absolutely REFUSE to live w/ his parents (even if it would only be for 1-2 weeks). We probably WILL end up in that sad little shack, for real. Oh the stress!! Excuse me while I go throw up...
Well, maybe I'll try to adapt your positive attitude, although most of that is all going towards planning a wedding at impossible odds (as in not everyone can be happy (so it might as well be me). HA! :) Anyways, we can always joke about it and laugh til we cry. Kinda like the salad story at Claim Jumpers and the epic, yet scenic drive through the "mountains" of Cali.
Good Luck w/ all that house business, I do enjoy a good paint. :)

Laurel said...

Yay Susie, glad to see you too! I betcha didn't know I was a silent stalker! :)

Laurel said...

And Summer, don't you worry -- finding a place to rent will be much easier for you guys. You don't need a house right away. And plus, as long as we can hang out, I think it will be more bearable. :) I can't wait for you to move down here! :)

Kara Busath said...

Looking at the land that shack is on, I'd have to say you couldn't get that property for less than a cool 2 million, based on our experience in northern CA.

Bill

Laurel said...

That's what I'm saying -- we have a small-ish budget! :D LOL.

Rebecca Busath said...

The shack looks good to me, I'll come help you re-do the house. We'll tile and paint and do something with the landscaping, it'll be your dream house soon enough!! It can be the love shack!! LOL

Shalae said...

Hang in there Laurel, I know what you mean! Something is bound to turn up, and it's not so bad doing some fixer up things! :) With your creativity it would end up looking amazing!