Thursday, January 7, 2010

winter storm, longhorns, a touch decision, and NEW YORK, NEW YORK!

Well, It's a Thursday afternoon, I'm home from school, and still in my pj's. Home sick? Thankfully, no. We're under a winter weather warning, so school was cancelled today. I obviously loved being able to sleep in and do nothing on this gloomy day, but I'm pretty sure that missing today means that we'll have to make up the day. I don't really want to do that. Bah humbug. Still, it was probably wise to make the decision to cancel school today, as it looks as though the temperature will drop later, causing the rain
on the ground to freeze. There's no need to take the chance of having school buses driving on roads that could be frozen.
I'm hoping the roads aren't completely frozen later tonight, because I have plans to watch the championship game and check out the new Grill tonight with Tom and Heather. I have had a tough time deciding who to pull for tonight...Alabama (I strongly dislike UA, BUT they're a part of the SEC, which I want to support!) vs. Texas. After several days of going back and forth and weighing out pros and cons (yes..I take this very seriously), I think I've made a decision. I'm pulling for the Longhorns! Bringing myself to say "Roll Tide Roll" is almost as difficult as bringing myself to say "Hotty Toddy". I can't do it and can't be associated with it. I just can't.
HOOK 'EM HORNS!
Speaking of tough decisions....
I have another (more serious) decision that I'm trying to make. I've been renting this 2 BR apt./house..whatever you want to call it, for 3 1/2 years. I've enjoyed living here, and even now I still don't mind it at all, but I've reached a point where I'm tired of throwing away $ on rent! I realize that becoming a homeowner is a huge decision, and will definitely be more costly, but at this point, I realize that buying a house might be a wonderful investment for me. During my 2 week break, I met with a mortgage loan officer, got pre approved for a loan (yay!), met with a realtor, and found a house I love! Becoming a homeowner before age 30 and still single is not something I ever thought would happen. It's a huge commitment and a lot to think about! I mean-- Am I willing to give up some of the fun things I love to do? What happens if I buy the house, amazingly meet the "man of my dreams" shortly after, get married and move away...am I going to want to have to worry about selling the house? Should I just stay where I am, knowing that I'm just "OK" living here? So many tough decisions to make here. I go completely back and forth, one day thinking I'm ready to make an offer, and the next day thinking that I should just stay where I am. Any advice?
I'll keep you posted!
And FINALLY, for some fun news! I'm planning a Spring Break trip to NY! Alexa's sister Cynthia lives there and has invited me, Alexa, and Alexa's friend Courtney to come visit. How can I turn down a free place to stay? :) I've been to New York one other time with my family in 2000. We did a lot of the touristy things that you just have to do there, and I just fell in love with it! I've wanted to go back and spend time doing other things like shopping and eating at fun restaurants! I can't wait!
I suppose I've done enough "blah blah blahing" (aka "stalling") on the blog right now. I suppose that since 3 pm is creeping up on me, I should actually get out of my pj's huh?
Happy Thursday!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm the boring, responsible poster, I guess. If you have the money to cover a minimum of 20% of the offer price, I don't see a big issue. Your job is secure, and any hunk you meet may be content to live in Starkville in your house. If not, you can sell it. I wouldn't dwell on what-ifs and maybes. I think it's a financial decision. Can you afford the monthly payments (mortgage, electric, trash, etc.) and all the incidentals of homeownership (maintenance, replacing hot water heaters, etc.)? If so, go for it!

Congrats on your big NYC trip. I love The City!

-Boring Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Alabama makes me want to vomit. Good choice going with Texas. Hook 'em Horns!

Anonymous said...

I'm assuming you're looking at something small...... I'd say buy something you can see paying off in less than 10 years. If you ever want to move within the city, Starkville is an easy place to rent a small house. That way it can become a long term investment even if it doesn't turn out to be a long term home.

Katie said...

Congrats on homeownership! I think it is an amazing step for you. One good possibility for when the man of your dreams comes (and he will) you live in town where renting is always an option. If selling weren't a possibility due to the market, some cute college girls would LOVE to rent your sweet abode I'm sure. Just a thought...

Jessica said...

I definately think you should be a homeowner! It is always a great investment and if you play your cards right, you will almost always make money in the long run - especially in Starkville since you can always find a renter if you can't sell right away. I know its a super scary decision, but just pray about it and everything will fall into place!

Unknown said...

the house is so great - I say do it! You will make the right decision regardless.
And I am SO J about your NYC trip. can I come? I will be very large by then, but I will tons of fun, I am sure!!

Colby and Daniel said...

Lucky to get the snow day!
If you really love the house I say go for it. Throwing your money into rent stinks. You can't worry about what is to come down the road. You know you can rent it if not sell it in Starkville. Who knows the man of your dreams may be the reason the house is presenting itself now! Good luck. I am sure your Daddy can offer great advice in this department too!

theelliottfamily said...

Buy the house. Owning your own home is a great investment. When you do find the man of your dreams, you won't have any trouble selling it. If for some reason you do, you can certainly rent it for a small period of time. However, I don't think you would have any trouble selling it. Equity is the best. BUY, BUY, BUY!

Sara Beth Green said...

LT- buying a house when you're single is a GREAT choice. I did it and you can too. No need to wasted money while sitting around waiting on our mate to appear...it'll never happen so DO IT and become a homeowner. Yes, you will be broke but if I can do it, you can too. You're going to love revisiting NYC. My family and I just got back and had the best time ever! All I did was eat, eat and eat some more, walk, walk and walk even more and went to a gazillion shows. I have some good recommendations if you're interested in hearing them. Hope all is well!! :)SB

Allyson Windham said...

So wanting snow here, but didn't get it. Maybe next time. I say get the house. I rented for years when I was in Houston, if you add up all the rent I paid, I could have bought a house and sold it once Joey and I were married. House debt is actually a good thing, much better than credit card debt. Again, I say make an offer.

NYC! Love that city. Have fun!

The Andersons said...

No idea you were thinking of buying a house, too! I'll tell you what our mortgage lender told us (and I'm sure told you)--If you know you'll be in the house for 5 years, then go for it. If not, wait, because it's too much trouble if you're not going to stay in the house for a while. I know people always say "you can rent the house out...." but renting out a house is work for you (Would you want to be a landlord?!) and renters can sometimes tear the place up, costing you more money to fix the place before you can sell it. Or if you don't rent the house out and try to sell it, it can take you a while to sell the house, especially if the economy doesn't get better.......and you may have to pay some closing costs, etc. when you sell. That's what we were told. Buying a house is exciting AND scary (as we are now finding out!) I know you'll do whatever is best.