From time to time, we all need a fresh start. I've been wanting to get back into a blog, but LiveJournal has lost its appeal for me. After a quick bit of research, I've decided to go with Blogger, simply because I have the option of not submitting any readers I might have to advertising.
Katie and I have been living in Sidney, Montana for a year and a month now. While we have good jobs, and have become fast friends with a couple here in Sidney, what we lack is a home of our own. We still live in my mom's basement, a situation that galls not the least because of just how cliche it is.
While the economy sluggishly begins to move throughout the rest of the country, this area of Montana and the Williston basin in North Dakota are racing along at a furious pace. With new oil and gas wells being sought, planned and drilled on a daily basis, the influx of workers from outside of the area quickly overwhelmed what little rental housing there is in the area, and is fast saturating the affordable housing market. Indeed, the housing market is rapidly becoming unaffordable. As a result of this, Katie and I are working hard on getting ourselves into a position where we can try to buy a house. If that phrase does not strike fear into your heart, then you are a braver person than I.
The whole home buying process is overwhelming to me. If I think about it one step at a time, I'm just fine, but when I try to wrap my head around the whole of it all at once, I end up feeling nauseated and getting a headache. A down-payment and closing costs are of immediate concern, though I am going to look into the possibility of acquiring a USDA Rural Development loan, as they do not require a down payment. This would be helpful, as we are several months out otherwise, and new listings are projected to start showing up around the end of May / beginning of June. The sooner we are able to get a house, the less we will pay for it in all likelihood. The price being asked for houses in the area is working hard to overtake their actual value, though I suppose value in real estate is defined in part (in not as a whole) by the price people are willing to pay. At any rate, I have to just keep reminding myself that this will all work out.
Katie's mom, Jill, is coming out to visit us this weekend. We haven't seen her in over a year, and are both excited for the chance to spend some time with her. I don't know yet what sort of activity we might find to engage in, but just spending time together will be nice. I am not vocal enough about how much I value the love and support of the family I married into. Katie's dad Jim, her mom Jill and her sister Libby are each a blessing to me. and I am so glad to have them in my life. Continuing in that vein, I treasure each and every one of my friends and family members. I don't think I can say enough how much they mean to me.
Blessings.
love you!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about buying a house. When I bought my condo last year, it was the most frightening thing I've done in a long time. Have faith and all will work out as it should. :-)
ReplyDeleteSee if you can have the closing costs paid by the seller? That might be harder to do in a sellers market though. Best of luck and blessings, friend!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I remember the day we signed for our house. Goodness, it was almost 30 years ago. Terrifying to think of such a huge investment and commitment! Should have had it paid off by now, but we refinanced. Oh well, just a few more years off. It's a scary, but very satisfying time. Glad to hear you and Katie are doing well.
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