“I can see you in a cute little house, puttering around barefoot, incense burning, windows open, lots of sunlight. Puppy napping on the couch.” - my friend Hayley, in reference to me having my own home
I need to buy a home. (Related: I may also need to set up a Paypal donation button.)
Some folks may not know that I have a dog. A big dog. A big, 60 lb mixed/mutt/staffordshire terrier dog.* I don't talk about her much because I find it very emotionally painful that she's not able to live with me. My folks have kindly let her stay at their house since we moved back to California. So while I stay in a little 1 bedroom down the way, she stays there. It's not ideal for anyone although I am comforted knowing that she's well taken care of.
But no one wants to rent to us. Everywhere I look there are "breed restrictions" and size restrictions. My list of wants in a rental place are kind of specific (a back yard area, dedicated parking, first floor or cottage) and thus far I've had no luck despite being flexible with said wants and with budget. So we need a house. But I can't afford to rent a house, and ironically, it might be cheaper in the long run for me to buy one. Does anyone have any experience with HUD? I'm looking into down-payment/cost assistance programs with one of their affiliated lenders. Their website is quite a maze of information so I'm starting off with a HUD-approved educational seminar on home buying and financing. I need to get a bearing on what all is involved and how it all works.**
There are pros and cons to this enterprise.
Pros
Lala would have a happy and safe forever home
I would have my own space to do whatever I wish
It is an investment in my future
I'd stay close to family
Cons
Owning a house is expensive
Owning a house is a lot of work
I already have a house-worth of student loan debt
I'm not sure I want to be tied to So Cal
Hmmm. That's quite a bit to think about. But in the meantime, I little education won't hurt.
*sometimes called by the misnomer "pit bull."
**there is a certain amount of me telling you my future plans here but because I want to honour my intentions not to "tell you what I'm planning to do" I'm going to keep mum about the details until I've actually attended and have something to report. For now, just know that I am registered.
3 comments:
Here is my Dream World wish for you: You find a kindly homeowner who has a tiny house out back; a mother-in-law house or a carriage house. This person is an understanding dog lover. In exchange for a few small chores around the property they give you a great deal on rent. It's a win-win. I'm wishing for it.
So far I have known 3 "pit bull" type dogs and they have all been the sweetest most loving dogs I've seen.
I really hope you find a lovely place.
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