HOUSEHUNTING!
This is so exciting. I've wanted to own a home since I was 14 and go to re-do my bedroom. I did a darn good job, too--but the point is, it made me yearn for my own bathroom, and living room, and whole house to decorate and call my own. Nesting is so important to me, and I feel so much more centered when I'm in a place of my own that I've made unique. I'm sure you know what I mean--you're reading this blog for a reason, right?
So, when my now-husband and I moved in together more than two years ago, we lived in a boring apartment and I did my best to make it nice (and I started this blog!). Then we moved to a tiny, poorly insulated bungalow but then I got a job that was an hour and 15 minutes away on the light rail--so we moved to inner NE Portland. It's a very cool place to be but the rents are super high, and we spend so much money for a sort of icky c. 1979 townhouse (900 square feet, 1 bath, small office that we share. I don't have room for a full-sized ironing board!). Then I got a different job anyway, also in the city but with more transportation options.
Anyway, now we're married, I have a good job, and we're ready to buy a home. FINALLY! (After moving three times in two years, never to a great place, it starts to feel like "finally.")
So, in our price range, a new place, 3+ bedrooms, means we're looking at areas outside Portland. This weekend we looked in a suburb halfway between our parents' places and my work.
This weekend we looked at SIX places.
Wanna see pics?!!?!?!!?
That's four of them, anyway. We were afraid they would all blend together and we wouldn't be able to weigh the options, but there was one clear favorite and one good backup/definitely affordable option.
We are SO excited to have our own place!!
Neither of us has ever lived in a new house (my parents have a lovely 1909 foursquare that they've restored beautifully and his parents have moved a lot but also live in an older house), and we long for the energy efficiency, convenience of multiple bathrooms, and ease of maintenance. As much as I love old houses and even midcentury houses (think of the decor options!), we can't commit to keeping up an older house right now.
More updates along the way, I promise!
Any of you have tips for househunting?
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