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| Garden Tub, Dual Vanity, and a peek of Tray Ceiling |
I tried to focus mostly on Structural items instead of so many Cosmetic items. For instance, we wanted the extended covered back patio and obviously that is something we really couldn't do ourselves after moving in, we would have to hire someone. Same with ceiling height and electrical things (tray ceilings and recessed lighting). Don't get me wrong, yes, these are things you can always do later, but by that point it's considered more of a renovation in my mind, requiring a contractor of some sort... not just a "hey this weekend we're gonna paint the 2nd bedroom." type of deal. So the structural took a bit more priority.
Our 3 main "Must Haves" were
(1) Covered Back Patio
(2) Split Shower & Garden Tub in Master Bath
(3) Study w/ French Doors instead of the "Flex Area."
Once those were figured in, I made the rest of the remaining budget fit. I tried to keep it real. I established a "Splurges" column on my excel sheet and pulled non-essential items off if the Grand Total got a little higher than I felt comfortable with. The only other higher-end items we opted for were quartz counter tops, and Ceramic Tile floors that look like hardwood (throughout, except bedrooms). Everything else was pretty standard and/or only considered a Level I upgrade.
I.... was... ready. I had been a budgeting fool.
Now it was time to reach out and start making some real progress. From my initial research on leasing a house, I knew what kind of house payment my salary could cover. I have been super protective of my credit and knew going into this that at some point a credit check would be required.
Now was that time.
I had set a tentative date of my Birthday (Memorial Day) to have the ball rolling on this, if it were to be a real thing. This would correlate nicely with the lease end. So, I did reach out to a couple real estate agents.... but being completely ignored for weeks (eventually they did get around to returning my call) I never bothered calling them back. I had also heard multiple success stories from coworkers concerning their experiences going directly through the builder for added incentives. SO.. I made the leap. I emailed the amazing Sales Agent that helped us the day we drove by and told her I was ready to speak to the Financial People. It was know that I was a first-time home buyer and etc, but I reiterated that I was literally starting from square one, and would be utilizing them for the Pre-Approval/Pre-Qualificiation and Mortgage.
Again, I had tried to reach out to other loan agencies.. my calls either being ignored completely or the polar opposite -- spammed so much by bullies trying to get my credit info I had to block the numbers. In the end, the woman who did our Pre-Approval was a total gem. She answered so many of our questions. I even had a momentary panic and wanted to go back over the financials, and she was more than willing.
Once we got approved, it was a few weeks of intense emailing back and forth again with the Sales Rep. One hiccup we encountered was the actual Lot Price. Our first choice ended up being WAY too expensive. The second lot we settled on got snatched up mere days before we could have it included in our contract. So we ultimately got our 3rd choice as far as lots are concerned. It's still in a great location (front of subdivision, close to community center but not directly next door, on a cul-de-sac street) Oh, and it was like 30k less than our first choice. LOL So, hell yeah.
We were so excited to see our little plot reservation turn red. The front of the house faces north, if you are at all superstitious like I am. That means the master is shielded from both bright morning sun (we love sleeping in) and the living room won't have any direct setting sun glares (yeah, we're spoiled).
(1) Covered Back Patio
(2) Split Shower & Garden Tub in Master Bath
(3) Study w/ French Doors instead of the "Flex Area."
Once those were figured in, I made the rest of the remaining budget fit. I tried to keep it real. I established a "Splurges" column on my excel sheet and pulled non-essential items off if the Grand Total got a little higher than I felt comfortable with. The only other higher-end items we opted for were quartz counter tops, and Ceramic Tile floors that look like hardwood (throughout, except bedrooms). Everything else was pretty standard and/or only considered a Level I upgrade.
I.... was... ready. I had been a budgeting fool.
Now it was time to reach out and start making some real progress. From my initial research on leasing a house, I knew what kind of house payment my salary could cover. I have been super protective of my credit and knew going into this that at some point a credit check would be required.
Now was that time.
Nevermind the effect the Global Pandemic has had on the mortgage rates?! I knew it was really getting to the point to make serious moves.
I had set a tentative date of my Birthday (Memorial Day) to have the ball rolling on this, if it were to be a real thing. This would correlate nicely with the lease end. So, I did reach out to a couple real estate agents.... but being completely ignored for weeks (eventually they did get around to returning my call) I never bothered calling them back. I had also heard multiple success stories from coworkers concerning their experiences going directly through the builder for added incentives. SO.. I made the leap. I emailed the amazing Sales Agent that helped us the day we drove by and told her I was ready to speak to the Financial People. It was know that I was a first-time home buyer and etc, but I reiterated that I was literally starting from square one, and would be utilizing them for the Pre-Approval/Pre-Qualificiation and Mortgage.
Again, I had tried to reach out to other loan agencies.. my calls either being ignored completely or the polar opposite -- spammed so much by bullies trying to get my credit info I had to block the numbers. In the end, the woman who did our Pre-Approval was a total gem. She answered so many of our questions. I even had a momentary panic and wanted to go back over the financials, and she was more than willing.
Once we got approved, it was a few weeks of intense emailing back and forth again with the Sales Rep. One hiccup we encountered was the actual Lot Price. Our first choice ended up being WAY too expensive. The second lot we settled on got snatched up mere days before we could have it included in our contract. So we ultimately got our 3rd choice as far as lots are concerned. It's still in a great location (front of subdivision, close to community center but not directly next door, on a cul-de-sac street) Oh, and it was like 30k less than our first choice. LOL So, hell yeah.
We were so excited to see our little plot reservation turn red. The front of the house faces north, if you are at all superstitious like I am. That means the master is shielded from both bright morning sun (we love sleeping in) and the living room won't have any direct setting sun glares (yeah, we're spoiled).