Home Buying 101
Good morning! 
Sorry that I didn’t fit in an afternoon post yesterday. Mal and I have been up to our eyeballs with house hunting stuff. We’ve decided to dive right into it, so we can take advantage of the government’s $8k credit. Plus, it’s just a good time to buy!
So, last night, we met with our realtor to check out a few houses. We saw a lot of houses that we liked, but nothing that we fell in love with. We’re seeing a few more homes on Wednesday, so maybe we’ll find our “dream house” then! Wouldn’t that be nice?!
After house hunting, Mal and I chatted over reheated leftovers from our Family Dinner and then stayed up late to get pre-approved for a mortgage (eek!) and talk with a loan officer. Sometime being a “grown-up” is hard work (and stressful)!
The scene from last night…
Breakfast
I ate pumpkin oats for breakfast again this morning. This batch was particularly creamy.
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2 tbsp wheat bran
- 3/4 cup vanilla hemp milk
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
I topped my oats with raisins, Honey Roasted Almond Accents, and Barney Butter (not pictured).
Of course, oats with iced coffee…
Question of the Day
At what point in your life did you realize that you were a “grown-up”?
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) — June 16, 2009 @ 7:25 am
Oooh – that question is an easy one for me today! I realized I was grown up the day I brought my baby home from the hospital!
MB — June 16, 2009 @ 7:29 am
I’m still fighting it. I keep growing older but not up
tami — June 16, 2009 @ 7:41 am
even with two kids i still don’t feel grown up but i agree with Emily, driving away from the hospital with our babies was pretty crazy….then driving away with a 22 month old and a newborn was even crazier! the house buying didn’t bother me at all. Sometimes when I have to make medical decisions for my children I feel grown up as well.
sirenjess — June 16, 2009 @ 7:45 am
That’s a good question, I think last week.
Rachel — June 16, 2009 @ 7:55 am
I’m 28 and do not feel like a grown up at all. I still feel like I am 20 years old!
Marissa — June 16, 2009 @ 7:58 am
I got married last summer like you, and, I have to say the last year of home ownership has made me feel like an adult. It’s been great, but there’s a lot to it, especially for newbies like my husband and I!
Melissa — June 16, 2009 @ 8:01 am
Grown up? HAHA! I’m 26 years old and am still living with my parents. While I’m pretty independent, the fact that I’m still living at home makes me feel like a child… But things as small as going away for a vacation without my parents makes me feel grown up(as corny as that may sound…)
Erica — June 16, 2009 @ 8:03 am
Hey Tina! Home buying is so stressful! I hope you guys find a place you really love! Hmmm I think I realized I was a grown up when I got married and then again when I made my first mortgage payment!
jenna — June 16, 2009 @ 8:10 am
we are house hunting too!! its a long process!! blah!! not fun!
Abbey — June 16, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Last year – 2008 – when I graduated from college, started my job, bought a house, and got married – all within 5 months. Now I live for the times when I can briefly revert back to being not so grown-up
Although the home buying process is stressful, it’s totally worth every minute because the first day you come home from work to YOUR house, it is such a great feeling to know that this is now HOME. Good Luck!!!
Victoria — June 16, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Good luck! Buying our house was fun (well, the looking was) but very stressful too!
bobbi — June 16, 2009 @ 8:26 am
when my kids at school called me Mrs.McCormick! Congrats on the house hunting its so fun!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous — June 16, 2009 @ 8:28 am
Great Q!
I’m not sure!
It could have been when I moved away, to different countries away from my parents…
or it could be this summer when I am getting married..
but no matter what I always need my parents so maybe i’ll never be officially grown up in my eyes!
Matt (No Meat Athlete) — June 16, 2009 @ 8:29 am
It still hasn’t hit me yet… maybe I should work on that one.
Natalie — June 16, 2009 @ 8:35 am
House hunting can be stressful…but worth it at the end!
I think I realized I was a grown up when 1st moved into a place all by myself a few years ago. But I’m still mostly a kid at heart
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats — June 16, 2009 @ 8:40 am
I probably felt the most grown up when my husband and I bought our first house…although, moving in I kind of felt like I was still a little girl getting a house and it was very odd!
Lauren — June 16, 2009 @ 8:43 am
When I graduated from grad school and got a job, and began paying a ridiculous amount of money for a studio apartment in Manhattan! haha
I felt even more like an adult two years later, when my boyfriend and I got a bigger apartment together. Being “grown up” can feel very odd, but it also has many advantages!
Jennifer — June 16, 2009 @ 8:52 am
I’m in the same boat as you- my bf and I are starting the buying process- we’re looking at a condo in D.C. or in Arlington- and the thought is scary/exciting!
Meghan@traveleatlove — June 16, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Hmm. . . so far we’ve been married, bought a house, had real jobs, traveled the world alone, and most of the time I still feel like a kid! I still refer to other people as adults sometimes. . .
Lynne — June 16, 2009 @ 9:01 am
I’m 29 and still don’t feel like an official grown up. Maybe next year when I turn 30…
rhodeygirl — June 16, 2009 @ 9:02 am
you mean to tell me those bright bright pictures were taken without a flash??? insanity! your brekkie looks awesome even though I don’t like pumpkin oats!
Congrats on house hunting! My unsolicited tip: when you do find the one you want, don’t get too emotional about it and counteroffer too high. When I found my condo I was obsessed with it and wanted it so badly that I kept counteroffering until I was all the way to the end of my limit- NOT the way to go! Should have followed my head and offered ONLY what I thought it was worth! The appraisal is now 25% less than what I paid for it. Ick!
In other news, I realized I was a grown up when I was living in my condo and had to start paying bills/keeping my home clean ALL BY MYSELF!
Recipes for creativity — June 16, 2009 @ 9:03 am
I still struggle with remembering I’m a “grown up”. I bought a house when I was 26, three and a half years ago, and that certainly helped, but I think it’s now that my friends are all having kids I’m starting to realize I’m not as young as I used to be! Turning 30 this year definitely reminds me of that, too!
Rebeca — June 16, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I remember I’m a grownup every month when I spend an hour online paying bills
Bridget — June 16, 2009 @ 9:10 am
OH man…this is all too familiar haha, from someone who litterally JUST got through the process, let me know if you have any questions!
Nicole — June 16, 2009 @ 9:17 am
There were two moments that I really felt like a grownup. The first is when my younger sister had her first baby and the second is when I woke up in my house that I had bought and realized that I had to fix the front door that was starting to come off..lol. Finding out that I couldn’t just call the super to fix something and I actually had to fix it myself was huge!
But I think there are still moments when I will think man when did I become an adult!
K — June 16, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Good luck with the house hunting!! I’ve got my fingers crossed for you guys
Danielle — June 16, 2009 @ 9:21 am
I still don’t really feel grown up, we’re starting to plan our wedding and at times that feels grown up but for the most part I’m still a big kid.
Carrie — June 16, 2009 @ 9:33 am
After I was married, moved 3 1/2 hours away from my family and gave birth to our 1st (out of now 2) son. Wow, now I feel old.
Maria — June 16, 2009 @ 9:45 am
Good luck house hunting! We got married last June and bought a house in August, talk about a crazy summer, but a good one! We are so glad we have our own place. It is so much fun!! And you are right, it is a great time to buy!! My fingers are crossed for you!
Katrina (gluten free gidget) — June 16, 2009 @ 9:46 am
When I had to get my own medical insurance… That was a special day…
brandi — June 16, 2009 @ 9:47 am
that’s so exciting! I hope you guys find something you love, and if not, maybe it’s not the perfect time right now! I hope you do, though. I love having a house that is “ours”.
I realized I was an adult after we got married, had to find somewhat “real” jobs, get insurance, pay bills! other than gas…it’s hard to find out how much other responsibility you get after being done with school and getting of your parents insurance, etc.
Deirdre — June 16, 2009 @ 9:49 am
I realized I was a grown-up when I wrote my first rent check. It was the largest check I had ever written!
Amanda — June 16, 2009 @ 9:56 am
I am still denying the whole grown-up thing. Although I’ve been out of school for a year now and I pay all of my bills, I still rent my apartment and am pretty much only responsible for myself!
Alison — June 16, 2009 @ 10:02 am
For me it happened in one year – I got married, my husband and I bought a house, and my parents sold my childhood home. All of a sudden I realized “home” was something I OWNED with my HUSBAND and I couldn’t go back to being a kid at my parent’s house. Very surreal, but very awesome. Good luck in your house search!
SarahF — June 16, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Great question. I loved reading everybodies answers.
When I first moved out on my own (and into residence at University) I felt like I was grown up and knew all the answers. 5 years later I feel like I don’t really know anything and I’m too young to be making decisions that will affect the rest of my life. I think I did it a little bit backwards….I’m still waiting to feel like I know what’s going on but I’m beginning to think that feeling will never arrive
Kaye — June 16, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Every time I sit down and pay a bill I “remember” that I am a grown up
No one else is going to do it if I don’t!
Good luck with the house hunt…I found it to be incredibly exciting, but at the same time nerve-wracking. But now I have a home that I love and pretty much every day I look at my surroundings and say, “WOW, I actually own part of this!” It’s a great feeling!
Hangry Pants — June 16, 2009 @ 10:16 am
Good luck with the house purchasing! I am not quite sure I’ve had that realization yet, but it was quite shocking when my little brother got married!
Emily — June 16, 2009 @ 10:21 am
I feel like a grown-up more this year since getting married, becoming a homeowner, and now trying to grow our family. But it’s fun when I can forget it sometimes like when I’m at my parents’ house and my mom makes me dinner.
gina (fitnessista) — June 16, 2009 @ 10:22 am
i’m still fighting it but i think it’s when i was living in a studio apartment by myself senior year of college (i’d always had roommates) and got the first set of bills with my name on it.
good luck with the home purchasing! we’re going to buy one this year for the tax credit, too
have a great day!
Bree — June 16, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Good luck with the house hunting, it can be stressful at times but it is so worth it to own your own place!
Maggi — June 16, 2009 @ 10:33 am
When did I feel grown-up? The first day I taught class at the University. I walked in and realized that all of these folks were actually paying to hear what I had to say. It was freaky. I still don’t dye my hair because the little bit of gray I do have lends to my credibility.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — June 16, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Coming home from a long day at work and having to make dinner and do laundry makes me feel like a grown up. I think I’ll really feel like an adult when I have my own children. When my mom was my age (24), she already had a husband, house, and toddler. I’m definitely not ready for that yet!!
Rose — June 16, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Good luck to you and Mal. This year is certainly the time! If Bill weren’t a student, I would consider the same, but I can’t swing it on my own.
This is a great question, Tina! Honestly, some sort of realization came over me this past weekend at Bonnaroo. I kept looking around at all the crazy and very ridiculous people and thinking… wow. I am so old. While everyone around me was clearly intoxicated, I had no desire to do anything but enjoy the music. I think it finally hit me that I’m definitely getting older. My body can’t handle as much, and routine fits me like a glove these days. I think finally – after two years of being out of school – I am OK with that.
Danica — June 16, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Hi Tina!
I’m new to your blog but love it so you know I will get all caught up! Happy early birthday and good luck house hunting!
Anne — June 16, 2009 @ 11:10 am
When I bought my own house. I was only 24! It was a great investment.
Christina — June 16, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Congrats on deciding to buy a home, I must have missed that post! Good luck with finding your dream house
I just graduated but I think I’ll consider myself a “grown-up” either when I get a real job or move out of my parents house.
Julie — June 16, 2009 @ 11:38 am
I still haven’t!
Kerry — June 16, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Buying in Massachusetts is hard, it is an expensive place to live! Don’t get discouraged and know your “right” house is out there, don’t settle until you have the feeling!
Tina — June 16, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
@Kerry: Yes, it is! Sort of depressing too!
Andrea of Care to Eat — June 16, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Congrats on house hunting! I’m a Real Estate Agent and I’m so happy when I hear of people taking advantage of that tax credit! You lucky duck! It’s stressful (even for a pro like me!) but so rewarding at the end
Despite the fact that we had been married for a couple years and owned our house for longer, I felt like an adult when my hubby and I got life insurance. It was surreal.
Karina (Like Some Cat from Japan) — June 16, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I used to have pumpkin oats every morning. Delicious.
I would answer your question, but I have yet to reach adulthood. I have matured a lot though thanks to the tumultuous events that have occurred recently in my life and just realized it not long ago.
Good luck finding your dream house,
take care!
<3
Johanna B — June 16, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
I remember our first house. We were lucky enough to be able to build a house to our specs. It was an amazing experience. We have an entire album of pictures of the construction process. I wish you and Mal the best of luck in your search.
Lee — June 16, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
I’m 31 and I still don’t feel like an adult.
caitlin — June 16, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
being an adult is overrated
Hallie — June 16, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
Still waiting to feel like a grown up! Right now I feel like I’m just pretending
especially when I do silly things like get drunk (hardly ever happens, but still) or spend an entire day on the couch in my PJs watching movies or trashy reality TV. (and sometimes those two go hand in hand, right?)
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — June 16, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
being grown up is crazy! I think once I started paying my own bills, I felt like a grown up! love love love those pumpkin oats!
Lauren — June 16, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
Great-lookin’ oats!
I first officially felt like an adult when John and I were living in Houston and Hurricane Ike swept in… we had just bought a beautiful house, and a tree fell through the roof during the hurricane. Instead of freaking out, we composed ourselves and dealt with it. About half way through the reconstruction, we found out John’s job was moving him back to Boston – great news, but a bit stressful giving the timing!
Fingers crossed nothing like that happens after you and Mal buy a house
. I’m excited to live vicariously through you guys – house hunting can be a headache, but it sure is fun! I can’t wait until we’re in a position to buy a house around Boston.
Marianne — June 16, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
Who says I’m a grown up?
I don’t know that there was a defining moment. Perhaps when I started having to pay rent/bills/buy groceries/do my own laundry.
Hope that your house buying adventure goes well. I would love to get into the housing market, but alas, it’s never been the right time when I’ve wanted to.
Andrea (Off Her Cork) — June 16, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
After graduating college. I actually didn’t care for being a kid and being dependent on my parents and always having someone be an authority figure over me. I couldn’t wait to be an adult! And I love it and couldn’t imagine saying, “Oh I wish I was in HS again or college again.” Forget that! Adult living is so much more fun and freeing!
Katherine — June 16, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
I have a feeling I’ll start to feel like a grown up when I feel settled in my job, I’m seriously considering having children and/or when I own a home. Either that, or I’m going to wake up on my birthday next month and decide 28 is my year to become a grown up!
Good luck with the house hunting!
Cassidy — June 16, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
Im only 21 so the process is still going but I would have to be when I told my mom I was only coming home for 2 weeks of the 4 week winter break. (I realized last summer I couldn;t live at home for along time anymore) Between that and all my friend’s weddings and babyshowers it seems to be catapolting faster!
Susan — June 16, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
Tina – have a discovered/tried North Trail nut clusters? They are a yummy treat!
Sarah L — June 16, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
i think that i felt “grown up” when i had to buy a fridge. such a grown up thing to spend money on… not so much fun, but a necessity… and i was really proud of it! my husband and i are in the process of buying a house and we are definitely learning a ton! good luck on find a house you love and congratulations on deciding to take this step!
ash — June 16, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
im 15 so i guess im not really “grown-up” lol im gonna hold onto it while it lasts!
lainb — June 16, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
When I was 16 yrs. I’ve always felt older than my age (I just don’t look it). I’m 29 and wish I was 39 so I would at least feel my age… I’m always waiting to catch up to the age I feel. When people make comments about how “young” I am, I secretly wish “if only they knew.”
Stacey — June 16, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
At 17 when my sis and I lived by ourselves in my moms house!! It only took two years and I was in my OWN home working full time and going to college full time too! Still am actually
Some things don’t change soon enough!
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now — June 16, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
The oats look delish!
Erin — June 16, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
Congrats Teen! Get ready for LOTSA paperwork. I realized I was all grown up at the age of 25.
It was then when I moved to Texas with my hus and our two cats and we bought our first house. Sigh!
Nicole — June 16, 2009 @ 9:33 pm
Hi Tina!
I realized I was a grown up last November/December when my boyfriend lost his five year battle Ulcerative Colitis. (he’s alive, don’t worry–he had a major surgical procedure done and the recovery turned into a nightmare) It’s just the two of us out here so it was a slap in the face when I realized we were dealing with a situation that people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s don’t have to deal with. Yeah, that was a real eye opener for me!
Also, where are you looking to buy? What area are you looking? just being nosey