How to buy a House

"God ordained!"

How I did it: I lost my job while in escrow on my first house.  So I stopped the entire process altogether.  I was frustrated because I'd prayed so hard before beginning the journey to make sure it was a part of God's plan for my life before I even began.  See, I've learned that when I try to make things happen that aren't in His plan, I go through a lot of frustration and disappointment for no reason...

Anyway, I kept praying and I really felt like this was still in His plan for my life.  And lo, and behold, when I thought my job as an educator had no future in California, He brought me to another school in my district (teaching 8th Grade English instead of 3rd grade), not only do I love it, I have made a ton of great friends, my job is more secure than ever, and I found a great house just 10 minutes away.  He then brought me the sweetest little dog ever, so I wouldn't have to do it alone. :)  I love Him and am forever grateful for the blessings I received.  Can I get an Amen?  :)

Lessons & tips: Just look, look, look.  Don't get discouraged, and don't settle.  I wish I'd held out for a bigger kitchen, but I was tired of looking, and was running out of time for the first time homebuyers tax credit.  In the long run though, I think I will hold out next time.  Also, I didn't want to pay closing costs and I lost out on a few great places because of it...and in the end, I had to pay them...So, I'd say, if you have it, don't ask the seller to pay them.  You'll get a better deal if you pay them yourself.  Also, you won't get any of the bank owned properties asking for closing costs.  

Resources: My realtor, Pat Sargent.  She's the mother of my oldest friend.  I've known her for 25 years.  She's incredibly patient and looks out for what you really want in a home. She's all about you, and not about the sale.  Let me know if you want her info. :)

It took me 2 years.

It made me

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