Sidebar

I have updated my sidebars to reflect buying my first home. I have deleted my home downpayment fund (although it may soon be replaced by a car fund), and depleted my emergency fund. That is my first priority....getting back to saving $3,000.00. However, that shouldn't be too hard, with the goverment giving me $8,000.00 for being a first-time homebuyer. I am claiming it on this year's taxes since I owe the IRS $2,500 in taxes (which I don't have anymore - long story for another post) and paying back a loan from my grandfather for $2,100.00. All of the leftover funds, around $3,400.00 will go immediately into my emergency fund.

OFFICIAL

I am officially of HOMEOWNER! I know that I have been out of touch lately, but believe me I have been busy. You wouldn't believe the leaps and bounds you have to cross to buy your first home. So, $7,139.32 later, I now have a place to rest my head, and a hefty mortgage payment. I couldn't be more excited. TIME TO DECORATE.

Rant

WORK, WORK, WORK...is all I seem to do lately. Besides playing tennis.

I have been trying really hard to get in "swimsuit" shape before the start of summer. And I have been doing really well. As I have previously stated, I vowed to work out at least 4 times a week for lent, and I have been sticking to it. Plus, I have basically cut out all snacks and trying to stay within 1200 calories a day. I tell you what, a little exercise, does the trick. I have probably last 3/4 pounds. I just need to keep up the momentum.

Speaking of exercise, does anyone own a Bender Ball? My friend has one and she swears by it. I went to Walmart earlier this week to find one, but with no luck. I am going to check out another Walmart to see if they have one, I was just wondering if it was worth the money. I would love some abs.

Quick Update

I wanted to give a quick update on my first home buying experience. We have set a closing date for March 31st (although this date is flexible). So, the paperwork process begins. It is absolutely amazing the amount of paperwork that you have to gather to buy your first home (or probably any home). They need Verification of Employment, Verification of Rent, two forms of identification, two months worth of bank statements and savings accounts, retirement, pay stubs, previous two years of W-2's and the lists goes on and on and on and on (you get the point). So, basically my broker is my new best friend (although in my instance it is my mother so she was already my best friend).

Then, you have to order appraisals, termite inspections, home inspections, hazard insurance.

But, overall - it has been a great experience and totally worth it once I am in that new home that will be MINE.