What have you done this week to help you achieve your goals?
1. Create a realistic plan to buy a house within the next year. As you know, Dave and I have narrowed down our search and set up a realistic budget for a home. We decided to take our relationship with house hunting to the next level, as we attended an open house this past Sunday. We had found this house online, and it was one of our favorites by far. We were pleased to discover that not only were they hosting an open house (so that we could check it out before we had even contacted a real estate agent), they had recently dropped their asking price...significantly.
Of course, we fell in love. It was everything we were looking for (and more) for a reasonable price. Well, not a reasonable price. It was at the top of our range, but it was a lot for that price. The emotional shopper that I am, I totally panicked. This family wanted to move by August, we wouldn't have enough saved for a down payment by then, this house wouldn't be available any longer by the time we could afford it, and we were NEVER going to find a deal this good.
So how did I calm my nerves? I talked to my dad. He gave me a good reality check, then gave me the contact information for his real estate agent. We called him up immediately. The first thing he told us was that we did the wrong thing by going to an open house before we were prepared to buy. The second thing he told us was that anything was possible; if we found something we really loved, we may be able to negotiate being under contract for a while, then closing later on. Or renting to own. Or something. Basically, he encouraged us to keep looking, but reminded us that as buyers, we have the upper hand in this market.
After further discussion (ah, the foundation of newlywedded bliss), we've decided we're less attached to this house than we initially thought. It has everything, but others will, too. We've actually decided to look into this house a little further, and probably look at a few more too. If we're able to negotiate something ridiculous, we might just move in the next month or two. If not, we'll put the search on hold til later this summer, and probably move this fall. Either way, we've most likely moved up our projected move-in date. But more importantly, we've learned a lot about house hunting in the last few days. I'm excited to learn more, and I'm excited to continue on this adventure!
2. Maintain a minimal level of clutter. Cleaned out the closet and gave a bunch of crap to goodwill. Now, I just have to clean under the bed, under the sinks, and in the other closets. I swear I'm not a hoarder. Wedding planning just does this to you!
3. Act like newlyweds in order to feel like newlyweds. Our open house adventure was a great newlywed experience. I panicked, Dave calmed me down. He started talking about spending more money and needing more space, and I brought in my financial sense. We had some great discussions, all of which ended in hugs.
4. Make more good meals. Y'all, new favorite: put three chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Top with that red can of Goya black bean soup. Cook on low all day. Shred, then serve over lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Best taco salad ever.
5. Remember why you're building your family's roots in Atlanta. We took my dad to the Fabulous Fox Theatre and it was fabulous. Plus, we saw Spamalot
What did you do this past week to make you feel good about yourself?
Remember last time when we got those wonderful wedding prints from myPhotopipe? Well, they are up on the wall! Ladies and gentlemen, this week's positive pictures are pictures of pictures!
Granted, we may not be in this apartment long enough to enjoy them, but at least they're up for the time being!
With two weeks left in the challenge, what goals are you making your priority?
I'm really trying to zero in on that clutter goal. Regardless of whether we buy a house next month, in three months, or in six months, I'm not moving wedding trash, clothes I no longer wear, and a broken curling iron that I keep forgetting to throw away.
Summer is just around the corner; which season do you find the easiest to accomplish goals?
For me, it depends on the goals. Most of my goals are indoors since I don't have a lawn to take care of (yet), so I think summer is the best time of year for it. It's an excuse to stay cool and, for my horribly Irish skin, an excuse not to get burned!
Fun Question: What do you miss most about being a kid?
DEFINITELY summer vacation. Can I just have a few months off? Please?!
How are your goals coming along?
3 comments:
That slow cooker recipe sounds so good! Love your wedding pics and that frame is so cute.
I used to make that same slow cooker recipe except with salsa instead of black bean soup. SO easy! Your wedding pictures look great on your wall! And your clutter goal has convinced me that I really do have enough stuff to sell on craigslist or have a yard sale!
Thanks, Jessica! And yes, the slow cooker is amazing...love having my dinner ready by the time I get home! Clare, go for it! Let me know how it goes :)
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