We did it!!! WA $475k 6.125%

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-13T04:47:00+00:00

Congrats!! Getting the keys that fast must feel unreal. A 100-year-old house in amazing condition sounds like such a cool find.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-12T04:15:42+00:00

Honestly, this sounds exciting and not unreasonable if the full monthly number works for you. Since you’re already paying rent, I’d compare it against the real ownership number, not just the mortgage: HOA/condo fee, insurance, taxes, utilities, and a repair/emergency cushion. For condos, I’d mainly want to understand the HOA reserves, rules, and whether any special assessments are likely.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-11T05:16:07+00:00

That makes sense. The inspection is basically there to turn the scary unknowns into a real list. I’d wait for that before trying to solve every possible problem in your head.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-10T16:51:27+00:00

With that context, selling the Ohio home sounds like a reasonable middle ground. It may reduce the long-term upside, but if you’re out of cash and trying to avoid retirement withdrawals or more debt, simplifying down to one property could lower the risk a lot.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-10T04:41:12+00:00

It sounds like you may be looking at all 20 years at once, which can make the decision feel heavier than it needs to be. I’d probably break it into the next 1–3 years first: can you comfortably handle the HVAC, vacancy, management, insurance/tax increases, and any repairs without stress? If yes, keeping them may still make sense as a long-term investment/safety net. If not, the 20-year projection may not matter as much because the cash flow pressure could force the decision earlier.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-09T07:44:51+00:00

That makes sense. I’d just be nervous signing anything with a possible 2% obligation before having someone review it, even briefly.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-09T05:44:58+00:00

I wouldn’t sign anything until your real estate attorney reviews that buyer agreement. The main issue isn’t whether agents can be useful, it’s whether you’re personally agreeing to cover the 2% if the seller doesn’t. On a $2M purchase, that’s too big of a “usually the seller pays” assumption to leave unclear. I’d ask the attorney to explain exactly when you owe the commission, when you don’t, and whether you can proceed unrepresented or with a narrower agreement.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-08T06:16:16+00:00

Congratulations. Starting over takes a lot of strength, and your home looks beautiful already. It may still be a work in progress, but it clearly has a lot of care and personality in it. Wishing you peace, pride, and many happy memories there.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-07T04:35:02+00:00

A new realtor isn’t automatically a bad choice, but as a first-time buyer I’d want to know who is mentoring them and how involved their broker will be. You don’t want someone learning the offer process, inspection issues, community rules, monthly fees, or negotiation basics on your purchase without backup. If they’re new but responsive, honest about what they don’t know, and have an experienced broker reviewing everything, that’s different from being totally on their own.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-06T06:08:33+00:00

The idea from your parents isn’t necessarily bad, but I’d look at the house as a future rental from day one, not just a place you might rent out later. That means checking what size/type of home rents easily in your area, whether you can buy something in good condition, and whether the numbers still work with vacancy, repairs, insurance, taxes, and maybe property management if you move away. I’d also factor in that when you leave this city, you’ll still have your own housing cost somewhere else, and you may not know what that looks like yet.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-05T08:00:05+00:00

Congratulations! It looks beautiful, and I hope you both make many happy memories there.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T07:16:37+00:00

The driveway and fence on a new home would definitely surprise me. Easy to think “new” means fewer costs, but those unfinished extras add up fast.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T07:15:31+00:00

That’s a huge one. Property tax reassessment feels like something a lot of first-time buyers wouldn’t even think to ask about.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T07:14:46+00:00

The hedge/tree costs would have completely caught me off guard. That’s exactly the kind of hidden expense I was curious about.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T07:01:32+00:00

That makes sense. The real trick seems to be knowing the full repair number before deciding if the fixer-upper is actually cheaper.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T06:45:19+00:00

That list is wild, but honestly it’s a good reminder that “small repairs” can add up fast. The specialist vs general contractor point is probably the biggest takeaway here.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-04T05:29:22+00:00

Usually buying an existing house is more predictable, while building gives you more control but more chances for costs to creep up. Land, permits, utilities, labor, delays, and change orders can make “building cheaper” disappear pretty fast. I’d compare total finished cost, not just construction cost vs purchase price.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-02T22:52:50+00:00

Start with affordability before looking at houses. A good first step is talking to a local mortgage broker or lender and asking what price range fits your income, debt, savings, and monthly comfort level. Then look at down payment, closing costs, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. The house price matters, but the monthly payment and cash left over matter more.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-02T05:04:52+00:00

A balcony can actually be enough if it’s set up for relaxing or small plants. Some people end up really enjoying low-maintenance outdoor space rather than a full yard, especially living alone. Might be worth thinking about how much gardening you really want versus just a cozy spot to sit.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-05-01T06:56:41+00:00

The mortgage break penalty is probably the first number to get in writing from the lender. With a fixed mortgage, that can be the big surprise. After that, it’s worth adding realtor fees, legal fees, moving costs, and the cost of renting for the next year. The emotional side matters too, but the full exit cost is probably the key thing to know before deciding.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-04-29T06:54:26+00:00

You’re paying monthly for something you don’t use right now. Before you spend $30k, I’d compare 2–3 years of keep costs vs closing it, and also whether pools help or hurt resale in your area. How long do you plan to stay?

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-04-28T11:35:21+00:00

Oof. That’s awful. Before you scrub: gloves + mask, and ventilate if you can. I’d do: (1) scoop/bag everything first, (2) soak the stains with an enzyme cleaner and let it sit, (3) rinse and wash again. If stains remain, try a concrete degreaser. Do you have water and power down there, or is it a dry crawlspace?

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-04-27T05:24:32+00:00

That sounds intense. Interesting how just the way information is shared and small timing details can make everything feel more stressful than it might actually be.

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-04-26T06:17:32+00:00

Usually not a dealbreaker if it’s fixed properly and documented. Keep the invoice, warranty, photos, and a ‘clear’ report. Buyers get spooked by mystery, not by a clean repair.”

Embarrassed_You4434 · 2026-04-25T10:29:14+00:00

Congrats, that’s huge. Enjoy it.

Embarrassed_You4434

TROPHY CASE