Closed yesterday on my first place!

sakigt · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 06:33 AM

I finally got to bed at 11pm last night and was exhausted! Took forever to sign papers and my keys couldnt be picked up until 9pm!

Also found out my mortgage is $100 less than I budgeted. Im already paying $70 over each month to pay it off early so that $100 can go to paying off the credit cards

Not to mention my roomie is going to be covering half of it anyways.

What a deal! Good thing is this is a brand new condo so I wont have to put out much more money for a while.

Heres how I saved on furnishing:

Craigslist - Got in touch with a guy who was moving cross country so he gave me a great deal on a bulk of stuff

Haverty's Outlet

Ebay - Search for furniture and put in your zip code and search within 50 miles. You find a lot of "pick up only" stuff that goes for cheap! I got a $400 leather sectional with a pullout bed and two recliners!

Discount stores - Ross, Marshalls and TJMaxx were my buddies!

Craft Stores - Garden ridge took care of my frames, pillows and plastic dishware

Target - The clearance section rocks!

In total...spent right around $1,000.

sweeps · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 06:36 AM

Congrats!

Does your mortgage payment include taxes and insurance? If not, be sure to budget that as well.

poundwise · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 06:42 AM

A hearty congratulations!

sakigt · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweepsplayer

Congrats!

Does your mortgage payment include taxes and insurance? If not, be sure to budget that as well.

Yup. Its all included

The only thing I have extra is the homeowners assocation...but thats deferred for 6 months b/c I got a deal on my unit

Broken Arrow · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 07:54 AM

Congrats!

Fern · #6 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 08:44 AM

Congratulations, very exciting, i know.

if you ever need more cheap furnishings, or better than cheap...FREE... check out freecycle.org for a chapter in your area. People post items they don't want on the site, and the only rule is it has to be free. it's very popular/active in my area.

shengmei · #7 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 09:46 AM

Freecycle is extremely popular in my area, because it is a college town. Nothing stays unwanted for more than a day in my town. LOL.

I like to get as much free furniture as I can lay my hands on. If I don't need them later I can always give them away to my family.

Congrats on the house. I can't wait to be able to afford a house with my hubby

#8 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 07:02 PM

Might I just suggest that you separate the amount you are paying extra each month, and send it in a check marked "Principal only." If it is part of the total you pay - the mortgage company may just apply it to your next month's mortgage as part of principal and interest.

That is what Countrywide did anyway. They told me I would have to send in a separate check specificed for principal for it be treated that way.

Congrats on your place! Sounds like you got a great plan.

#9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2006, 07:33 PM

Major Spam

lillyb · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 06:29 AM

Congrats on your new place. The carpeting just feels different when it's yours.

rob62521 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 07:42 AM

Way to go on getting your new place! Sounds like you've thought stuff through. Paying extra on the principal is an excellent idea.

Ima saver · #12 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 01:43 PM

Good going!! Yes, always make out a seperate principal check when you pay the mortgage.