Two weeks ago I moved out of my parents and into my very own home. This is the third time I have bought a place but this time there was a little more stress.
First, the rules for getting a mortgage have changed. Suddenly lenders are much more critical of who they are willing to lend money to. My credit was/is fine but the application has expanded and there is even more paper work to fill out. I felt like they were scrutinizing every financial decision I have ever made. Part of me feels like the lenders should have been more careful all along but that's just my opinion. It did amaze me how much money they were willing to lend me. I opted to stay on the lower end of that range since I don't want to be house poor and I'd like to be able to go out to eat, turn a light on and furnish the place.
The second stressful part was explaining why I spent a year working in Afghanistan. Apparently banks aren't eager to lend money to someone who as they said "had a real salary, didn't and do again." I was offended that I had to explain my choice. Yes, I agree it isn't something many people do. Yes, they do need to be careful in who they lend money to however doesn't my financial history demonstrate credibility? It must because they gave me a mortgage or maybe they aren't as stringent in their lending decisions as they would like for us to believe.
The move went well and many thanks to the friends that helped.
Its been exciting to unpack and get settled in. My stuff has been in boxes for almost two years -it was a little like Christmas opening each box. I forgot what I saved. Only a few times did I ask myself "why did I save this?" Its also been fun to buy the stuff I sold or gave away; couch, chair, plates, silverware and TV.
The picture is of my first uninvited house guest. Last weekend I was sitting on my patio and a wild turkey came down to welcome me to the neighborhood. I am so thankful for my new place. Its more then I expected and I truly feel blessed. I am looking forward to living in this town and in this house for as long as this chapter in my life will be.
Keep Smiling
