You think you might be prepared. I did.

There are events and occasions in life that people prepare for. Marriage, a family, moving, the impending apocalypse, what have you. Some people will meticulously try and prepare for such things so they have control, aren't surprised by financial snafu's or just because they are organized people. I've never considered my self a well organized person or obsessive, but planning to have a family or get married seemed to be "fly by the seat of my pants" events in my life. More recently or current for that matter has been buying a home. I know several people who have bought homes, my parents, sister, my in-laws and cousins of both sides of mine & my husbands families. As much as we feel we researched and educated our selves, we didn't seem to know our asses from our elbows on the matter. 

Was it some kind of secret or is the experience just that different from person to person? No one told us that buying a home whether new or used was going to cost us so much time, patience and especially money. We've spent an insurmountable time looking at homes, online, open houses, on paper. While that might be a varied experience, the technical stuff is just the same. The amount of money spent on inspections, getting the home appraised, appliances and just the down payment alone. I can simply put it this way, if you are looking to buy a home, you can easily save your self headaches, anxiety and stress by saving at least 10% of the cost of your top budget. Now a days you don't have to pay that much for a down payment unless you can afford it. It really isn't necessary. But if you are like many first time buyers that can be backed my a government loan, your looking at 3.5% - 4%, so the rest can be applied to your inspection fees, appliances and utility costs.

That would have saved me and the Mr. some time, stress and a couple of small arguments. Why was it that no one could tell us that? I think of a few people when I mention this only because they have gone through this same process just recently, considering the laws have not changed since then. I guess on the other hand I can understand that people don't want to seem pushy or like know it all's. I know there are places to educate you out there, but most of those places cater more towards poverty stricken or low income applicants. I feel better knowing that I can now pass on the information I have learned to those who follow us in seeking to own property. They say that it's the biggest investment, and most important decision you can make. I agree, but why must it be so hard? The heart ache of looking through homes, picking a few you might like to view, and the one you like and can see your self building a family in or growing old either has problems, already had offers, or you just can't afford it.

I have quickly learned that there are several things you do not want to hear when purchasing a home. "Short sale", "foundation problems", "electrical problems" are among a few. The fun part is imaging your self decorating or just settling in, but then you get to the inspection and all you see is multiplying dollar signs. Not in that good way that Scrooge McDuck would get and then swim around in his money vault, but the type where you can see your bank account dwindle and your pockets turn out with nothing but lint and a used piece of gum wrapper crumpled up left. My rant isn't about money really, yes I know that's what it sounds like, but it's about preparedness. Emotional roller-coaster, rejection, disappointment or worry is a given I know, but a heads up is greatly appreciated. 

I suppose the aftermath of purchasing a home easily erases the stress, worry, and doubt and a sense of relief quickly veils it with ownership, responsibility and then HOLY CRAP! ...mortgage, insurance,  and the like. Safe to assume that these people are busy worrying about property taxes and how they are going to adjust to remember all the trauma they just went through to get to that next stage of debt. Why am I so eager to get into debt my self? Probably a question I can answer once I actually have a home of my own to live in. My husband might have a different answer, or it could the be same but I know we are ready, just not prepared.

So here is to all those who have taken this journey, and especially for the many more to plan your trip. I hope you were/are more prepared than I was.