It’s done! I am in my new house. It’s so empty I feel like I could play basketball in here. I am leaning against the wall…this has been a long time coming.

  1. I read books on how to buy a house. I would rather look at books on designing and decorating homes.
  2. I looked at dozens of homes in a dozen of neighborhoods. I tucked the classifieds in my back pocket and rode my skateboard from home to home.
  3. I decided what was important to me and refined my priorities (Good.) I know I am young and I have to shake off my youthful fascinations. I could buy a 1500 square foot tree house with a fireman’s pole, but who would buy it from me when I am done? There are only so many eccentric people.
  4. I read more books.
  5. I talked to several realtors and chose a good one. I hope. Who’s really on my side? Who is willing to work hard to find the right home? Who won’t lie to me just to get me into a house so they can get their commission?
  6. I prayed. God help me. Do You help people buy houses too?
  7. I looked for house I am really doing this. There are adults working with me. Can I do this?
  8. I researched how to take out a mortgage. More fun than a box of dirt.
  9. Looked for a house. Ugh…is there a perfect house? Yes, but it’s not the perfect price. This house smells funny. What could possibly make that smell?
  10. Where do I want to put my money? The stock market could pick up.
  11. I liked a house and decided to buy it. Someone bought it first. That’s not cool.
  12. I liked a second house and decided to buy it. Someone bought it first. That’s not cool at all.
  13. I shopped around mortgage brokers. These people will lie to you, manipulate information, and not tell you a lot of stuff. It’s as much fun as licking a dishrag.
  14. I found a house I liked and “bought it” that day. That was scarier than a roller coaster.
  15. We played ping-pong with the price of the house. It’s fair. I was hoping for “darn cheap” but it’s a good house.
    16.I had the place inspected, then fixed.
  16. I found a title agency. That was not particularly exciting, but there were ten women for every one guy who worked there.
  17. Got a homeowners warranty. Brochures are boring.
  18. Found a good insurance policy. Again, making sure I was getting the best coverage at the right rate.
  19. Signed my life and fortune away with a wobbly hand.
  20. Went wild on the last day making everything connect.

This afternoon I’ll finish packing up my apartment so we can move out tonight. Just maybe I’ll be sleeping in the same bed, but in a new house. Something I worked very hard for.