Going to see this townhouse today!

[gamecock43]

I get the dog thing. I have 2 large dogs. I knew it was a challenge when I adopted the first, and knew it was sheer impulse adopting the second dog.

I have rented for the entire 6 yrs I have had the dogs. To top it off my fiance plays baseball and we move to a new apartment complex every couple of months and have to pay the dreaded pet deposits (per dog!), and lie about our dogs breed. (Ones a rottie, the other is a pit bull...but if we are renting they suddenly become a black lab mix, and a boxer mix LOL).

So I get the dog thing. Renting becomes 90% a bigger hassle, and when I am given the news that we are moving again, I just sigh, start searching out pet friendly apartments in the new city and start narrowing down the list from there.

Do I regret the dogs? Absolutely not. I knew what I was getting into, but owning a dog was not something I was willing to give up for this lifestyle. I would live in my car with my dogs if I had to.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I'm glad you both understand. And my father says, "Yeah...we will get another one someday..."

Well - when is that? My father is 74 and I am going to live at home for another 3 years max.

Grrr.

[DebbieL]

The fact that your father is upset that you want to move out concerns me. You CANNOT be responsible for his happiness. I think the longer you stay - especially if you and your fiance live with him for a couple years, it may become harder and harder to break off on your own. You are 27 years old, and although he lost your mother, he should be prepared for you to go out on your own and live your life. I would think it would be great if you guys had him over for dinner lots and vice versa, took him to movies (or whatever), etc.

That's great that you loved the townhouse. I understand the dog thing. We rent a condo and there are no pets allowed. Actually, Victoria is notorious for NOBODY allowing pets. Usually even if you rent a house the owner allows no pets. I do miss having a dog. We are on the waitlist to get into a co-op townhouse that has a little yard and allows a small dog. I can't wait (it's also actually a couple hundred dollars cheaper per month too- after you put in the $5000 for your share in the co-op).

I'm sorry that your dad is feeling sad about you wanting to leave. Does he go out and socialize on his own? Are there any seniors groups around you? It sounds like he needs to find a social network outside of just you - at least that's what I'm sensing from what you've written. Good luck.

[ScrimpAndSave]

He doesn't really have a social group...no. I don't really, either!

He has always been busy on his own...redoing a bathroom or renovating the basement. Family over often...

I know it is not my job to babysit him...I just don't know what to do. I think he is more upset about the financial move we are making rather than seeing me go.

[DebbieL]

I think he just doesn't want you to go. You have a pretty good handle on the finances from the sounds of your posts. You know what you can and can not afford. I think he doesn't want to let go. While I sympathize with his situation, I would encourage him to meet some more people. Maybe he can get involved in volunteering. It sounds like he's handy, no?

[ScrimpAndSave]

Yeah, he is definitely handy...such a talented guy.

His view is:

I need to save up for a 20% downpayment to make a reasonable purchase (he is well aware I don't have to put that much down - but he figures if I have the power to stay home and save it, then why not?)

I need to save up for the wedding...which I do. About $5,000...but I have more than a year to do it!

I need to help my soon-to-be-husband out of $20,000 of credit card debt and $140,000 of student loans.

I see his point. He doesn't know why I need to be in more debt while I am marrying into debt.

I'm just itchy to get out of here.

[DebbieL]

You may be marrying into debt as you say, but come on - the guy's not exactly going to be on the welfare. He's an attorney. He SHOULD be able to make some kick-ass money. I think that since you are basing the affordability of the house on your own income alone that you will be fine. Honestly, even if you weren't buying something my advice is still to get out on your own. You are too old. It's time. Sorry.

[gamecock43]

Are you pre-approved for a mortgage? Did you and your fiance apply together? I am in a similar situation where I am considering buying a house, but since my fiance and I are cash rich, but job poor, I'm not sure how much we would be approved for. I dont have debt, but dont have much of an income right now either...I plan to get a job right around the time I get a mortgage.

[ScrimpAndSave]

You guys are the best.

I appreciate your words because most other conservative people tell me to stay put and save save save.

And Debbie - you are right. He may have student loans...but my salary over the next 5 years is:

2008-2009: $50,296
2009-2010: $57,725
2010-2011: $67,232
2011-2012: $75,849
2012-2013 $84,894

I did get pre-approved for a $130,000 mortgage...but that was a low end ballpark number I gave them. I think if I am serious, I would look in the $160,000 range and have no problem getting approved. After looking at houses, I am seeing that houses over $150,000 are much better than the houses below it.

If I buy before I marry, I am not going to have his name on the title or have him considered with it comes to the loan. My credit scores are:

Experian: 779
Equifax: 767
Transunion: 771

His....after maxing out credit cards in order to live...are around 660 (not bad for his situation).

When we get married, I will add him to the title. Until then, he will not be considered monetarily when I buy the house.

Kick-ass money? Man, I sure hope so.

[gamecock43]

What kind of paperwork did they need? And did you just use the local bank you reg use, or shop around? I'm sure the pre-approval process isnt all that hard, but I'm wondering what I will need to be prepared. Thanks.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I went through coutrywide, eloans and bank of america (my bank).

I didnt need much more than my personal information,...did it over the phone!

[gamecock43]

ok scrimp, that sounds easy. Did it cost anything? If you did it over the phone, did you need to fax or email them anything? Did your realtor require you to be pre-approved before you went house hunting?
Tomorrow I am moving to Minnesota for the summer but I will be meeting a realtor in July to look around Savannah some. I am wondering if I have to get pre-approved first, and I'm wondering what paperwork I need so I can be sure I take with me in the move....

[ScrimpAndSave]

My realtor told me that I should get pre-approved by a local reputable bank...but she did not require it. I did not need to mail or fax anything.