At the same time its been insanely busy. I've actually taking to scheduling things like 'do laundry', 'go to library' on my google calendar. I'm not sure why it got so bad, but we are regularly juggling house hunting, work, social events (I am terribly bummed that I missed seeing Harry Potter when it opened with other people), agro finances (building up a down payment), and your usual chores like shopping and laundry. The down payment is kind of silly. We have excellent credit. We pay our bills and pay down our debt. Which means that we are cash poor most of the time. But we need a down payment soon. So now we are not spending any cash, but buying only what we need on our credit card (for a month or so only) to make the payment with our own money. Apparently american consumerism dicatates that we should be more fiscally irresponsible.
Beyond this our weekends have filled up startlingly fast. Many house guests as well as travel on our part, I think things will slow down in Feb 2008. Speaking of travel, say a quick pray for the wetzel's as they begin the travel portion of their adoption adventure. By this time next week, we will have a new wetzel in custody. :)
On the housing market we went yesterday on our second house-showing. (I keep wanting to call it a 'viewing.' Silly freudian sense of humor!) This round was all about condos and townhomes. I was joking with the realtor that the only way I would even *consider* a condo is if it was the Taj Mahal of condos (ie, close to work, in our price range, beautiful, with all appliances. Guess what we found? A lovely condo (structurally) which has had an unfortunate incident with some mustard paint. (it's the only thing we can fine wrong with it.) It backs to an open space (read:park); 10 minutes from work for Paul, 15-20 minutes from work for me; all appliances new (including central air); larger than the place we have now. Oh, and for the first time ever we would have a mountian view.
Hands down, it is a great short term solution. It solves all of our problems from now into the next 3 years. I can't see if it is a long term solution (5-10 years) because I am blinded by how fabulously it fits us here and now. There are other houses further away, more costly, and needing more work, but this one is so obvious a winner. Probably good resale too based on its location and neighborhood, at least for a condo. The biggest problem is that is, well, a condo.
So here is the second quiz for those of you playing along at home:
1. To condo or not to condo?
2. Why?
3. Should we take short term solutions over long term goals? Keep in mind anywhere we move will be cheaper than here. (ahem, pgh, ahem)
2 comments:
Sounds very good. With a condo, just double check resale values. we've been told here in MI that they never appreciate as fast as a house does; but again, if you end up moving to a less expensive area next, that may be less of a concern.
I think a condo is good for you guys; can do what you want inside, but still less work than a house would be...
As for short vs. long term considerations, do whatever you're comfortable with. If your goals in CO are for the next 4 years or so, then it's perfect. If you plan on staying in the area longer/having a change your lifestyle, then you need to consider different things.
And THEN do what I do, throw caution to the wind & make an emotional decision, and figure it will all work out for the best.
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