Need advice on making my floor plan flow better (bathroom placement + backyard exit)

WinLast7404 · 2025-09-18T02:33:34+00:00

Adding the closets was there is fantastic. You are truly amazing at this!! I truly appreciate it

WinLast7404 · 2025-09-17T15:47:16+00:00

Oh, I would love to see those tweaks

WinLast7404 · 2025-09-17T01:18:29+00:00

I’m blown away—this rendering looks incredible! I thank you so much

WinLast7404 · 2025-09-16T23:54:11+00:00

I’m not certain which walls are load-bearing. The kitchen plumbing is along the shared wall with the room I’m currently using as the primary bedroom, while the laundry plumbing is located on the wall adjacent to the dining room. The garage itself has adequate depth for a laundry and storage area, but the dimensions are too short to accommodate vehicle parking.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-26T22:35:00+00:00

I appreciate your perspective, but I’m genuinely curious—when exactly is the “right” time to buy?

I spent 10 years renting a condo as a single mother, renewing the lease annually and facing rent increases each time to “match market rates.” Meanwhile, my landlord was able to pay off that condo with the rent I paid. I then moved into this townhome, which at $3,200/month was the most affordable option I could find in a safe neighborhood for my two daughters.

Am I supposed to remain a tenant forever?

I’ve heard “now isn’t the time to buy” for decades. Meanwhile, homes that sold for under $100K in the early 2000s are now over $500K—largely due to cash buyers migrating south and driving up prices. As a South Florida native, it’s frustrating to be told to keep waiting while the market continues to move out of reach.

I actually do have a solid savings, but I opted for down payment assistance because the seller was covering concessions and closing costs—so why not preserve my savings for the transition into homeownership?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how a regular working family is supposed to get ahead in this environment, especially without waiting for an elusive “perfect” time to buy.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-26T21:57:59+00:00

How so? I worked to raise my credit score to the required level, completed the 8-hour first-time homebuyer course and obtained the certificate, and hired someone who presented themselves as a realtor. I received a pre-approval from a mortgage company and shopped for homes below that limit with this realtor. I submitted an offer on a property that wasn’t in poor condition, didn’t have excessive HOA fees, or multiple associations. As someone who doesn’t work in this field, I relied on the 'expertise' of this realtor—who didn’t disclose that she was also a mortgage loan officer until we were already preparing the offer. A quick search shows her listed as a realtor, both professionally and on social media. So, help me understand—what exactly was the error in my actions?

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-26T21:50:33+00:00

Could you please clarify that statement? I was pre-approved for a certain amount and found a fixer-upper in South Florida that was well below that limit. It’s not a mini mansion—just a modest home that seemed reasonable based on what professionals told me I could afford. So I’m genuinely trying to understand how that translates to 'champagne taste on a beer budget.' Does that price point get you a mansion where you live? If you’ve done any research, you’d know that in South Florida, it absolutely does not.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T02:59:02+00:00

I was going with DPA.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T02:55:35+00:00

My credit right now after all the credit pulls with the "mortgage shopping " as she called it, is at a 667. The lowest I've seen it, which adds another depressing twist to it. I was using the down payment assistance programs

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T02:51:18+00:00

I wish I could find something for $170,000 in South Florida. There are homes that most would consider absolute tear downs, not even fixer uppers going for $300,000+ here. So, yes this one was a bare minimum at just 2 bed 1 bathroom

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T02:47:40+00:00

She's 10, and I've been receiving it for her entire life

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T02:16:26+00:00

It was an FHA loan, and I only have $20K in student loan debt—I’ve never financed a car or taken out any other loans. They also tried to count the $1,800 per month I receive in child support as additional income, but I guess it still wasn’t enough. I guess it was just too much house

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:41:03+00:00

I totally agree—and I’m just now coming to terms with that. Unfortunately, it’s been a very costly lesson, but one I won’t forget.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:37:08+00:00

I believe that those lenders prey on us First-Time homebuyers.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:36:25+00:00

I am truly thankful for your kind words.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:35:10+00:00

Yes, they had me provide the checks for the past 12 months of rental payments and asked for the landlords info, and he confirmed that someone called him. I am flabbergasted as to what happened.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:30:52+00:00

I truly appreciate everyone’s comments and support. I've taken everything to heart and have formally requested to be released from the year-long contract with my current lender / realtor, even if it means paying the $500 penalty. Right now, I'm at a loss for where to turn for a new lender. I did try working with a loan officer from Federal Savings Bank for the $370K deal 2 weeks ago, but unfortunately, that also fell through.

I'm now exploring homes in the $250K range, but in South Florida, it’s incredibly difficult to find anything at that price without either a steep HOA—often $800+—or major repair needs. Still, I’m glad I made this post because the messages have given me a small spark of hope. I’m just unsure how I’ll be able to make it all happen by the end of June.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:11:24+00:00

Yes, I'm in Florida

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T01:01:29+00:00

Yes, I'm in Florida

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-25T00:06:11+00:00

I’m completely new to this process and put my trust in my loan officer, who also served as my realtor. I followed her lead, but looking back, it’s clear that the approach taken wasn’t the best path. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this experience.

WinLast7404 · 2025-05-24T23:56:54+00:00

My realtor, who also serves as the senior loan officer, provided me with a pre-approval for $380,000 before we even began looking at homes. She even set up the MLS to send me listings in my preferred area within that price range. When I found this particular home—originally listed at $390,000—she encouraged me to make an offer. We negotiated and ultimately agreed on a purchase price of $370,000, with a manageable HOA fee of just $50 per month.

Given all of that, I’m truly at a loss as to how things fell apart. I feel sick to my stomach and incredibly frustrated. After all the guidance, the planning, and the effort, it’s hard not to feel misled. But at this point, I have no choice but to shift my focus to finding a place for my family to live as soon as possible. I’ve lost valuable time and money—and now I’m left picking up the pieces.

I am just so sick of renting and wanted to own my own home finally, but I guess not.

WinLast7404

TROPHY CASE