Tax Assessment

So I received a nice (meaning: horribly complicated) letter in the mail saying my property taxes were going to go up significantly. They said my property, in one year (and a down turn economy), increased in value over $20k! I am going through the appeals process because it IS NOT worth that.
One of the options for the appeal is to send in a copy of the final HUD statement and a copy of the appraisal. I hope they decide to re-evaluate my taxes. I don’t want to be paying for something that sounds OUTRAGEOUS! Yeah, it’s nice if my home increases in value, but this is just absurd!

It's been a while

I know it's been a while since I last published a post. I've been hard at work sprucing up my condo and then I realized that I needed to stop due to funding. I have filed an amended tax return to get my $8000, but they have to mail checks for amended returns and it hasn't arrived yet. That being the case, the funds I did have for updates and improvements dried up quickly. I essentially have everything painted that needs paint now. I have also been able to update light fixtures and a few other odds and ends. I took some time yesterday to make a detailed to do list for each room. I'm a bit of a stickler for details so I put even minor things on the list. I hope to slowly be able to cross things off. The items that don't cost much, or any money will come first. The things that are more expensive will of course need to wait awile.
Since money has gotten tight I've been trying to come up with ways to save a little here and a litte there. I love reading the newspaper, but I know that I don't have time to read it every day so I subscribe to the Sunday only edition. This allows me to get all the adds with all the deal and coupons and of course the news updates. I go through all the coupons and cut out all the products that I use, even if I don't need them that week. Then I put them all together and go through them before I go to the grocery store. On my last trip to the grocery store I spent about $13 and my savings was $8.50. I thought that was phenomenal. I only purchased the items on my list and now I've got food for a week. I sure do love saving money!!!
I've got plans to go to a Bees Baseball game soon and I was able to get free tickets. In one of those advertising mailers there was a coupon for 2 for 1 entree at a restaruant I enjoy. Now I'll be going to the restaruant and then to the game. What a perfect date.
I know these tips don't work for everyone, but I just thought I'd share what I've been able to do.

Shelves are finished

I finished building and installing the shelves for my pantry. YAY!!! Now other little projects. I'm really starting to feel like this place is my home.

Shelves

I started to work on building shelves into a small closit next to my kitchen. I have to finish the shelves so I can put my kitchen together. I made a fun comment to someone at lunch today about how I enjoy being a single woman who can bring her lunch in a Lowes bag and talk about using her new saw the night before and building a set of shelves. It's just so much fun. Fitting everything in my schedule has been difficult, but I'm managing. I hope to make some serious progress this weekend.

Moved in!

I moved in this past weekend. I was so incredibly blessed with 6 additional sets of hands to help me move. I got some stuff set up right away, but I've still got boxes and am still working on putting everything away.
I've been keeping myself busy with small home improvement projects. I've been continuing the work on the quarter round for the baseboards and I've also finished painting one room. I'm hoping to get through with the other bedroom this weekend.
I have discovered a truth other homeowners probably know: doing stuff to your home can be EXPENSIVE. Every time I go to a home improvement store I spend nearly $100. I have been spening the tax credit that I got so I can afford that right now. Otherwise I would need to hold off and save up for some of this work.
Everything has been going well, but I've been busy busy busy. Doing condo work after regular work just takes time.

Painting etc...

I've been taking some time before I move my stuff into my condo to work on a few things. I've been painting and doing small fix jobs. Nothing major, just makes things homier and look nicer. I've been adding quarter round around the base boards because the people who did the carpeting didn't do the best of jobs (or weren't paid to do the best of jobs, could be either). It takes time to miter all the corners, but looks fantastic afterward. My bedroom is about done. I need to paint the two doors and put back all the outlet covers and I'm done with that room entirely!!!
I had a new oven/range and dishwasher installed yesterday. Lowes was very good at helping me pick the best products and I got a good installer. I figured I could have written into my initial offer on the condo new appliances, but they probably would have asked for a higher sales price. That price would have likely been more than I paid for the appliances. And good ol' Uncle Sam is sending me an $8000 check to cover the costs.
My next project is to pain and add quarter round to the front room. This one will take more work because I'm doing it 3 different colores: one color below the chair rail, another above it, and then the chair rail itself. That's the next project
I did buy new "pulls" for my kitchen cabinets. I've installed all the drawer handles and they look great, but I have to drill an additional hole for the cabinet handles so I haven't done that yet. It's amazing what changing those can do to a kitchen. I plan on changing all the hinges as well, but that might involve re-painting the cabinets too so I'm not sure I'm up for that just yet. Maybe next month?
I know some people would like to buy a place and move in and not worry about painting. Truthfully I could have moved in, but I really like making the place my own. I just spent a ton of money on it, I want it to feel like it's mine.

Closed and done!!!

I closed on the condo Wednesday! I did a final walk through with my mom at 8am, then closed at 9am. I signed my name a million times. They wanted my middle initial in my signature and I never use it so that made me stop and think EVERY time. It was about an inch worth of papers that I signed and dated. I had my mom there with me for support and because she's bought homes before.

It took about 45 minutes to sign everything and I decided my escrow officer was great at reading upside down.

After it was all said and done, my lender and my realtor gave me gifts. That was cool. I must say the two of them, Jessica and Steve, were absolutely wonderful to work with. Everything went smoothly. They did everything they could to help me. I trust them and would recommend them.

I didn't get keys to the condo until the day after about 2:30pm. They wouldn't give me the keys until the title was recorded. So I headed over and picked out some paint colors and went to Home Depot and got ready to paint. I also grabbed a new lock for the door (good idea for safety) so one else could possibly have keys. I also put up new smoke detectors and 1 (of several to come) light fixtures. I didn't have a lot of time yesterday evening to work, but I got some crucial prep things done.

I'm a home owner!!! How did that happen?

Packing

I started packing the other night. I don't have a ton of boxes, but I figure it's a start. That way I can go and unload some boxes and bring them back to refill. I'm getting excited!

I went online and set up my power bill. I still need to call the newspaper and deal with my internet company so that I can move all of that over pretty quickly. I just haven't had a moment at home to take care of any of it. I've been go go go with life.

I also still need to go to my bank and get a chashiers check for my down payment. FYI the fact that it's a cashiers check is IMPORTANT!

Things to do!

IDA check

I submitted my documents to get my IDA money early so I already have my checks for the title company. Now I'm just waiting for my closing. I do need to get the funds from my personal account in a cashiers check form for closing.

I walked through the condo again with my parents and they looked at everything and turned everything on. It was good to walk through again with a different set of eyes. I received good suggestions from them as well.

I have begun to gather my documents to amend my 2008 tax return to get the $8000 tax credit. I'm pretty darn excited about that! Next year I'll itemize my deductions and hopefully get more back due to mortgage interest.

Now I'm just hanging out until closing with a bunch of IDA money in my "pocket."

The waiting continues

I have been playing the waiting game. My lender (Axiom financial) called the other day and wanted to lock in my interest rate and a pretty darn good rate. So that's done.

I've called and talked to my renter's insurance people and asked about homeowners. I got a quote from another company that doesn't beat my current insurance company.

The seller is fixing the one plumbing issue. And I'm going over to the condo tomorrow evening (the last day I have to pull out and keep earnest money) to double check everything and show it to my family.

I've just had time to think about moving in and the colors I want to paint rooms, etc. I've also begun collecting boxes so I will be able to pack up my apartment.

I talked to my landlord and let him know my closing date and that I would like to stay if something goes wayward. I also told him that I would pay for all of May's rent even though I should be out before the end. He said he would refund me money for the days I get out early, so that's an incentive, but doesn't make me rush. I figure I'll probably be out a little over a week after closing. I just want to have time to clean it all after I pack and then I'll need to clean everything at the new place before I unpack. Fun fun fun! I'm glad Costco sells cleaners :)

Inspection report

The inspector came today. I think everyone should get an inspection even though it isn't required in Utah. He tried everything out and saw if it worked and did a visual inspection and will be sending me a report. There was only one thing I want the seller to fix. It's shower related and means the shower is not functional until the plumber comes. I don't want to pay a plumber and this item keeps me from moving in so I want the seller to fix it. I have some paperwork to fill out regarding it, but that shouldn't be too bad.
So all in all minor things are "wrong" (the place was built in 1970 so small items are expected) but they are all little and don't prevent me from moving in. I'm glad I found out about them from the inspector.
I hope all goes well from here.

Inspector

So my nerves are much better. I had to call today and schedule an inspection. Since it's a condo my inspection fee is less. I'll be meeting him in the middle of the day Thursday.

I spoke to Jessica and she said everything is going well. She let Steve, my lender, know that I'm buying. It's been great.

I GOT IT!

The seller decided to make me wait until the deadline to find out what they decided to do. They countered for asking price, but will pay closing costs. This was the max I was willing to spend so I took it. I sent in the last of the paperwork last night and now I get to pick an inspector and appraiser etc.
I feel relieved and I'm excited. I'm going to be a homeowner!

Decision

I put an offer in on a condo today!! I asked a little below the asking price and wanted the seller to pay closing costs. I should hear back by Monday on whether or not they accept it. I must say that was the most nerve racking thing I have EVER done. Committing to spend the most money I have ever spent was a little intimidating. I had to sign all kinds of documents and forms and initial and date EVERY page. It took about a half hour to complete the paperwork. I did ask for a home warrenty paid for by the seller and I hope to get that. It covers most big ticket items for a whole year.
My next steps are to wait to see if they accept, reject, or counter offer. Then I'll get an inspector in and read over the HAO documentation. If I agree to everything then I'll keep going. I could own this place in a month!
I'm really excited and my stomach is still in knots so I hope everything goes well. I did speak to my landlord so he is in the loop. I wanted to give him a heads up and tell him my current plans.
Now I just need to breathe and wait.
Here are some pictures that I took off another website. I didn't take them.

Out front

the view, but not from a window in the condo, of the complex

The front room with fire place

The kitchen

Looking from the kitchen into the eating area

And the looking continues...

I went out this morning and looked at three more properties. The first one was on the high end of what I want to spend. The courtyard was quite nice and so were the grounds. It had easy access from the street. The apartment needed some upgrades, but was move in ready. The stove/oven was not a full stove/oven. The kitchen sink was shallow (a lot like my current apartment sink). The carpet was older in the main room, but well maintained. The rooms were pretty good. It had a HUGE balcony. The batroom sink was about the size of a sink you see in doctors offices and the tub was really shallow. It wasn't bad, but I didn't "love" it.

The second place we went to had previous smoker tenants. It had new pergo style floors in the entry way. It had cute little dishwasher that would be perfect for one or two people. I couldn't get past the smoke smell and it was also in need of paint and carpet cleaning and a few minor repairs. It was going through the short sale process and I could see why.

The last place we visited had extensive landscaping that was very "natural." There were ducks and gease and mature trees everywhere. The HOA fee was considerably higher than other places, but with that kind of landscaping I can see why. The condo had two large bedrooms with good sized closits. The kitchen was in good shape and there was an eating area. There is a gas fireplace and new carpet. I really liked this place. It comes with a detached 1 car garage too. I asked Jessica to get more information on the HOA fee and I think if I don't mind the restrictions I will likely put in an offer. It doesn't have washer/dryer hookups but there is coin operated machines on the bottom floor shared by about 6 units. I think I can give a little considering it has a garage and nice sized rooms.

The first outing

I went and saw three condos today and it went well. The first place we went to was in a decent neighborhood, but the driveway area was filled with pot holes. When I looked inside, the carpet needed to be replaced and it definitly needed some paint and a few other fixer uppers. It was the biggest place I looked at but I really didn't care for it much. I didn't feel like it was move in ready.

The second place we went and saw was quite nice. I was concerned about the neighborhood, but the complex is gated. There was also a basketball court, playground, and pool. The inside had many updates such as cabinets and ceiling ornamentation. The bathroom was quite nice. It was a little weird because the family that lived there was home and stayed inside while I looked around. I didn't feel like I could spend much time because of that. Although this was my favorite place. It was also the least expensive place I saw. But I'm not sure if it's the place I should live as a single woman. I'm doing some outside research to know better. I do like how there are bike lanes right out of the complex and it's not far from work. I want to see some more places before I make a decision on this one.

I stopped at one other place that had 3 condos for sale in the same complex. We were only able to look in one. Interestingly each one had a different squarefootage so they are probably different. As we walked into the building it smelled like smoke and also had the feel of an apartment complex. The one unit we were able to see was tiny. One of the bedrooms would barely fit a single bed and dresser. It was clean and in good shape, but just not for me.

So now I'm going to look at some more places and see what else is out there and then make some decisions. I feel like I know a bit more about what's out there and what I'm looking at. I hope to go back out next week.

Excitement

I received an e-mail from Jessica (my Realtor) and she's set up showings for the properties I want to see Saturday morning. I got a bit excited and felt the need to blog.

We are going to see 5 places that I picked from the MLS listings Jessica sent me. Most of them have my specifications, if they included them in the listing. I'm trying not to be too picky. I'm looking at condos and townhomes because I don't have time for yard work. They are all reasonably close to work and school and in my price range. They all have 2 bedrooms and decent square footage. Not all of the listings mentioned washer/dryer hookups, but some did. I'm sick of the laudromat! It costs too much money. They all have at least a carport so I don't have to remove snow all the time. That will be a step up since currently I park on the street.

I can't wait to see properties I like and don't like and add more to the list than the current 5. Then I get to make the big decisions about putting in offers and negotiating the price etc. Now I just have to wait (but I don't want to!).

The Hunt begins!

I got prequalified with my second institution on Monday! It has been a good experience. I have had a wonderful experience with Steve Roberts from Axiom Financial. He looked over my other good faith estimate and explained the differences between his and theirs. He even did what he could to match the good parts and beat the bad parts.

I finished up my HUD certificate yesterday and had a housing counselor review my budget and goals. It was a good experience as well. We discussed how the new mortgage would impact my budget and I showed her how I would accomodate the difference in price. We also talked about future goals and using the $8000 tax credit to improve the home and pay down principle.

Today I looked over a list compiled by my Realtor, Jessica, and picked a few to inquire about and then go see. I haven't the slightest what will happen, but it's great. I hope to go looking on Saturday.

In other financial news that helps this home buying process; I received a partial scholarship for next year in graduate school. This will help free up some money for this home. Or more likely, make it so it's not as tight as the semester draws near.

The pre-qualification process

I met with my local credit union and got a good faith estimate. It was about what I expected. I'm going in tomorrow to meet with another lender about pre-qualifying. I haven't heard back from the other bank I inquired about. If they don't get back to me, then I don't see why I would like to use them as my lender.

Not much else is going on regarding my home purchase. I hope to get looking at homes this coming week. It'll be an adventure!

Preping for Pre-qualifying

I'm getting my stuff together to go to my credit union tomorrow to get pre-qualified. Then I'll hit up my IDA bank, then one other institution. I've been gathering my pay stubs, rental information, bank statements, tax returns, and employment history. I've received two lists of items that told me what to take with me. I will take 2 forms of ID.
I'll let you know how it goes.