However, unless you are financially ready, I think having to worry about the important part in buying a house (enough mortgage money) can turn your happy dances into some miserable moments.

We’ve been living in the same house that my husband already own before we got married. Thankfully, it is big enough to grow a family in. But I do however would like to find another place one day. We live in downtown Chicago and having a backyard is way too much of a luxury that only few can afford. I want to be able to stay in the city, but still have some kind of grass to actually place some outdoor furniture. Lots of financial aspects are involved in looking for such a place. Either we move to the suburbs for cheaper housing or wait and see if we can find a good price within our reach in the city.

for us, at the time, it was cheaper to buy than to rent. (forest fire = rental housing shortage.) but that was this town at that time and there is almost no way we would have come across the same situation anywhere else.

we worked with a great realtor who knew the market and what kind of financial options were available for first-time buyers with nothing down. we got a good loan. 100% financed with no PMI. but i don’t know that the same kind of “deal” exists in canada or even at this time considering all of the mortgage restructuring of late.

is this my dream house? not by a long shot. but i don’t know that there really is such a thing. in my family we’ve always been fixers, remodelers, and builders. if it isn’t your dream house, fix it. but that’s just the way i grew up.

i’m impressed by your training. i’m hoping to get myself active again soon. school is starting next week, so i should have some time with only one kiddo to haul around. and i finally have a limited amount of energy after baby #3’s birth. (of course, i would have more if i weren’t up until midnight posting on blogs!)

and as for blogging goes, since willow’s birth, i find i simply don’t have time for all of the online communities i am a part of. some of them have seriously fallen behind. and i’m sorry for that. but it is what it is. i have to give more attention to my kids than to my “imaginary friends” (as jeff likes to call them).

You have been mightily busy! I hope you find that balance …. sometimes we can readjust and manage it all …. other times, somethings do have to take a back seat. I am finding at the moment that I want to sew, but don’t have the time to just sit and do a big project all at one time, so am doing a little bit here, 5 mins there … and it’s taking shape slowly, but surely!

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As for buying new house, I remembered before we decided to move into this private apartment, my hubby went shortlisted on his own first before bringing me to a few areas. When I went to see this showflat I just ‘fell in love’…you must feel good about it and there is this positive vibes that you know is going to harmonious the family.

I am glad we bought this house back in 1999 and yes, more harmony at home and everyone is happy.

I wish you the best in buying your new house and living in perfect harmony

Also, you will enjoy running in the cool weather. We run in the cod except for 2 months and we run indoors. HUGS

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Go get em!

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My husband and I bought our house a year after we were married. We didn’t want to keep paying rent. All the apartments here are crazy money! Might as well put that money into a house, we figured.

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Now…I think when moving to a new city that you should wait at least a year. Go through all the seasons, holidays, check out ALL the areas before you buy. Your year is almost up isn’t it?

Also, isn’t it possible to sometimes get a better ‘deal’ when buying in the new year, with it being winter and all!

When we were looking around back in 2003 in TO first time buyers only need to put down 5%.

Do you know the area you want? Or are there many?
We know when we FINALLY end up home we’ll buy on the Peninsula (99.99% sure) as I grew up in the Connaught/Chebucto area and Callum in the south end. You always want what you know!

Balance, how I crave it.

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