When I saw this image on The Sweetest Occasion blog today, I thought to myself - "That is exactly how house-hunting feels like". Everyone says, "Oh! You're house-hunting! That's so exciting!" ... and sure. It's exciting the first time you go. Then you realize that it's a process - it really is. It's not like looking for an apartment at all: you're looking for something to buy and commit to for the next 8 to 10 years, because if you want to make a profit on the house, you need to keep it for at least that long. And it's tough, because this means that Alex and I need to think about what we want to accomplish in this house. Yes, we'll be "just the two of us" for awhile, but we're not going to be "just the two of us" for ten years. In five years' time, we'll have started (hopefully) a family. We might have two toddlers in ten years, who knows? So we need at least that much space. Everything matters: location, renovations, potential, neighborhood, neighbors, how the house has been upkept, pyrite, space, layout, privacy, yard, taxes.
We have seen run-down houses, houses attacked by pyrite, houses with a low amount of pyrite (but why take the chance?), houses that have been renovated, small houses, medium houses, bungalows, splits, low ceiling basements, concrete basements. We've seen houses near boulevards, houses that were way overpriced, and houses in lovely, quiet areas. And I think we've come to the realization that within our price range, we can either (a) get a small house in the desired city/location, or (b) sacrifice location/city and get a bigger house for the same price. And I really think we're leaning towards smaller house, better location. Because better locations always sell - and their values always increase. And your quality of life is better there. But you're paying for it, for sure.
The search continues, although we've seen so far one house that would probably be perfect - if only it weren't so small.
Here is the ideal:
- Detached house
- Garage
- 3 bedrooms on the main level
- private backyard
- quiet area
- Location.
Doesn't sound like a big list, right? We don't even have anything fancy in there, such as "fireplace" or "pool". Should be easy to find, right? But factor in everything else, and you've got a soon-to-be married couple looking the like one in the photo.
Hopeful, in love, but pretty darn exhausted. House, where are you? Can we find you, now, please?
Oh I feel your pain! We bought our first house two years ago and it was HORRIBLE. Maybe if you're rich and looking at all amazing houses it's fun but when you're first starting out you end up looking at WAY too many horrible houses. But have faith, there's one out there for you! We saw some BAD BAD BAD homes before we found ours. THEN you get to deal with the banks and all that which isn't any fun either. But when it's done and you're in your new home that's yours, it's worth it :-) Good luck!
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