It's even harder to believe that as of today, it is now our home. As in, belonging to us. As in, we're homeowners! So, while we still have another month and a half in the bay area, we officially have an Arizona address (and are landlords, too, since this home has officially switched into a rental property for us).
Reflecting back on the experience? It was much easier than I imagined it would be. A lot of that has to do with entering an inexpensive market (compared to the bay area) with savings put away with the idea that we'd be entering a much more expensive market. There was also a decent amount of inventory in our price range and, though the price was low by our standards, it was still on the high side of midrange out in Phoenix, so there was less competition. Add in a very helpful real estate agent who had a strong connection to a creative and effective loan officer, and you have a prefect mix for a great experience. And, of course, having an amazing, easy to work with husband helps too :)
While we got, "congrats" phone calls from both the loan officer and our real estate agent, it feels like there should be something more, like some kind of certificate that says, "Congratulations, you've completed the home buying experience!" Ed said that that's what the house keys are.
Until then, we'll drink champagne and celebrate being one step closer to our move :).
Congratulations, that's so exciting! I remember when we bought our house three years ago, after the closing I spent hours in the empty house, just opening closets and walking from room to room, I couldn't believe how much space we had (we moved from a 1 bedroom apartment).
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you have some renters in there until your move!
Ed's right about the housekeys :-). Congrats!!! Huge milestone.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Adelyn!!! I would make you a Home Ownership certificate if I could! :) I was fortunate to own a house when I lived in Goodyear during my first 2 years of teaching. (GY is the further-west side of the Phx metro valley.) I loved choosing paint colors, planning furniture and all the shopping/designing that comes along with owning a house!! Sooo much fun in ownership- though expensive, ha! Glad you guys are embracing the adventure! (You DO know it'll be about 7463* when you move this summer, right?) ;) Congratulations again! Are you going to be teaching in Gilbert this fall?
ReplyDeleteAww...thanks :). I'm actually going to be teaching in Tempe (my husband and I will be able to commute together!).
DeleteCongratulations, Addy! :) That is so awesome, and I am glad you had such a great home buying experience. It is a lot to negotiate, and you must have had some fantastic people to work with. Very cool! Good luck with the move! :)
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations! No matter how many homes you own: it is always a new experience and one worth champagne I think!
ReplyDeleteAnd I second Lindsey with the 7463* this summer! HA!
Thanks, everyone!! I'm hoping I'll build up the craziness of the heat in my mind so when I get there it won't be as bad. That'll work, right?!?
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome!!!
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