I've had a few questions about house hunting and how we went about it so below are some helpful tips hopefully. Please forgive me, as I probably left some things out, but this post is longer than it probably should be in the first place. :)
First step - get preapproved for a loan so you know what you can afford and want to afford. If you're financially savy and understand the ins and outs of mortgages, you can figure out what you qualify for ahead of time. To get preapproved, check with your local lender along with a couple of other lenders since rates are competitive and closing costs should be reasonable. Sometimes you will find the lender says you can afford some amount; but you as the buyer don't feel comfortable with this amount. For us, Wells Fargo was an easy choice since Matt works there, but we still looked at a few other lenders just to compare and understand what other lenders could offer. You might want to check into buying a 1/2 or whole point to lower the interest rate on a mortgage too. Matt is the financial guru when it comes to understanding these things though. Perhaps I should have him post regarding the financial side of things ha!
We would definitely suggest using a realtor. If you know what you're doing, you can get by without a realtor, but as first time homebuyers especially, it is helpful to have a realtor and their knowledge/experise. The realtor should represent you as the buyer (not the seller). We would recommend seeking an experience ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative). It's important to trust your relator and make sure they know what you like, dislike, price range, etc. It's nice if they communicate with you constantly too on what's going on.
In narrowing down where you are interested in buying a home, decide what is important to you. Prices as well as school districts vary from suburb to suburb as do many other factors. For us, the school districts, location, many trails/parks, wildlife, and a quiet neighborhood were important. Everyone is different so make a list of those preferable items as well as would-be-nice things but not necessary things. Location is important! You can change a million things about a house, but not where it's located. We also thought about resale value if and when we were to sell it. If you're thinking about an investment property this can be important too in the long run.
A realtor typically emails daily listings and updates from MLS online. We made a list of about 3-4 suburbs we wouldn't mind living in, and our realtor sent us listings in those areas. We would look through the info and pictures and could select certain houses to put in our favorites as those we wanted to see in person. We looked at about 16 houses total in-person. The house we bought was ironically the first house we saw. We knew it was the house because we felt at home in it. I would suggest looking at a lot of houses and different styles too in finding what you like. We prayed about it a lot too. For us, God seemed to lead us to the house and for some reason, we kept meeting random people who lived in the neighborhood or had lived in the neighborhood in the past. It helped us to confirm that this was "the one".
As far as the house itself, structure is critical (no water issues, major cracks in the foundation, etc.) Also, major mechanicals, such as electrical, furnace, air conditioning, water heater, etc. are important to look at too. With an experienced ABR, they can share any concerns they may have with the buyers.
Regarding energy and water costs - You can call Excel and get a monthly average (taken from the previous 12 months) for the property you are looking at. Very convenient when figuring out exactly how much electric and water bills will be in addition to the monthly mortage payment.
As for making an offer on a house, we've learned that usually serious offers are at least 90% of the list price. A realtor could help and advise on this as well. The realtor also will do a comparative market analysis to similar homes in the same area to see what they sold for in recent months. The realtor will help you write an offer letter and sign documents as well.
After purchasing a house, make sure to get an inspection. This is important and will help you learn a lot about the house. We called a few different inspectors that our realtor suggested and went with the cheapest one who did a fabulous job.
Purchase those winter essentials - snowblower, roof rake, and shovel. They are some of the best things we've bought for the house so far and have used them alot this winter (no ice dams so far!). Our Iowan snowblower was a great find by our friend Peter, and Matt loves using it!
Happy house hunting whether you're going about it now or will be in the future!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sisters
I miss my little sister a lot since she left for college. I am so proud of her and cherish the times we do spend together. Even though they are few and far between during track season, the short visits are precious.
She is one of the funniest people I know, has a great sense of humor (even when I drive her crazy), and could kick my butt in seconds. It was so much fun to see her race this weekend. Seems like just yesterday, we were hurdling garbage cans in the hallway and high jumping over a yardstick onto the couch. We still joke about who could beat who in a race, but thankfully that still remains a mystery since we never had to race each other in track! It would be tough for me to keep up with her now for sure.
Unfortunately the weather kept the weekend short, and we both headed our separate ways this morning to try and beat the blizzard, leaving dad and mom to their empty nest. We're looking forward to seeing everyone again in two weeks!
She is one of the funniest people I know, has a great sense of humor (even when I drive her crazy), and could kick my butt in seconds. It was so much fun to see her race this weekend. Seems like just yesterday, we were hurdling garbage cans in the hallway and high jumping over a yardstick onto the couch. We still joke about who could beat who in a race, but thankfully that still remains a mystery since we never had to race each other in track! It would be tough for me to keep up with her now for sure.
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| love her! |
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| typical |
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| Sisters - two are twins, two are not |
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Shamrock Season
Yes, they're back. As Matt would say, "Shamrock Shakes in all of their splendor." Normally, I can't stand McDonalds, but when it's Shamrock Shake season, we make 2-3 visits and try to ignore the fact that we are consuming 1110 calories in a large shake. Yuck! In our defense, we share it. Shamrock season officially starts after Vday, so we had to make a stop on our way to WI this weekend. It was well worth it, but we'll be paying for it this week at the gym.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Vday
Oh Valentine's Day. How can you NOT blog about it in some capacity? It's a holiday that I don't particularly like or dislike, but I do think it is a bit overrated and commercialized (don't get me wrong - I didn't say love was overrated, just Vday is). Perhaps I'm getting old or maybe it's just because we're past the "puppy dog" love phase, but for some reason it seems like Vday was SUCH a big deal in elementary, high school, and even college, but loses its excitement as the years go on. Yes, I'd say you could call me a Vday cynic.
Anyways, we do recognize this holiday, but don't go all out like we used to. My favorite memory is from Vday 2005. Matt created handmade cards and left a single rose with each note throughout the day to surprise me... homeroom, the school office, my locker, math class, my car, even one at home. But, in my opinion, love should be expressed day in and day out (read The Five Love Languages), and not just on Feb. 14. However there are perks to this day in February, like 2 for 1 Caribou drinks for instance. Oh yes, we definitely hit up that deal!
We actually went to Hallmark together and picked out Valentine's for one another (beats the Strawberry Shortcake Valentine Matt gave me from our niece's collection a few years ago lol). It was a lot of fun to laugh together while reading through the cards with one another. For us, Vday means a night in just enjoying each other's company - simple and sweet. For the third year in a row, Matt made his special Chicken Parmesan, and it was delicious as always. And we endulged on Red Velvet Cheescake from the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious, especially paired with a dessert wine (see picture below).
Hard to believe this was Vday#7 for us. Time flies when you're young and in love. I can honestly say I continue to love and cherish my husband more and more as the days and years pass by. I hope and pray the same is true for each of you!
Anyways, we do recognize this holiday, but don't go all out like we used to. My favorite memory is from Vday 2005. Matt created handmade cards and left a single rose with each note throughout the day to surprise me... homeroom, the school office, my locker, math class, my car, even one at home. But, in my opinion, love should be expressed day in and day out (read The Five Love Languages), and not just on Feb. 14. However there are perks to this day in February, like 2 for 1 Caribou drinks for instance. Oh yes, we definitely hit up that deal!
We actually went to Hallmark together and picked out Valentine's for one another (beats the Strawberry Shortcake Valentine Matt gave me from our niece's collection a few years ago lol). It was a lot of fun to laugh together while reading through the cards with one another. For us, Vday means a night in just enjoying each other's company - simple and sweet. For the third year in a row, Matt made his special Chicken Parmesan, and it was delicious as always. And we endulged on Red Velvet Cheescake from the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious, especially paired with a dessert wine (see picture below).
Hard to believe this was Vday#7 for us. Time flies when you're young and in love. I can honestly say I continue to love and cherish my husband more and more as the days and years pass by. I hope and pray the same is true for each of you!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder"
This quote is so true. We trekked up to the Northwoods this past weekend (by Northwoods I mean Northern WI obviously) to my grandparents' cabin. I have such fond memories of visiting the cabin over the years in every season. During the winter months, Papa and Grandma would take my sister and me skiing and about halfway through, Papa would stop and pull out a mini Snickers bar to re-energize us. What joy!
I find myself being rejuvenated in the beauty and the stillness of being up north. The little joys are found in walking down the middle of the road all weekend without seeing a single car, but seeing many deer tracks (shh.. don't tell Grandma!), in being cozied up in the cabin with board games and excellent company to keep occupied for hours with a warm bowl of Grandma's homemade chicken noodle soup, skiing in the woods without getting lost, or in finding the pileated woodpecker whose echoes could be heard among the trees. Sheer bliss!
On our way to Three Lakes, we stopped at a little restaurant called Cameron House. You may or may not know that I do not eat seafood or fish (I consider myself to be a seafooditerian if there is such a thing haha). However, once in a great while (okay a few times a year), I will breakdown and CRAVE a fish fry. Seriously, there is NOTHING like a WI fish fry in my opinion, and it was tasty (I think I'm craving fish now as a matter-of-fact ha!). I also like Bake-n-Shark, but seeing that it is only found in Trinidad, I'm out of luck there!
What a great little getaway we had! Papa wasn't able to join us this time due to some prior commitments, and he was greatly missed. Skiing just wasn't the same without him there! But none the less, it was peaceful to be in the woods with no one to be heard or seen, enjoying the little things in life. The weather was absolutely wonderful between 30-40*, and a light snow falling for most of the day.
While inside, the competitive spirit came out, and we played Settlers, Ticket to Ride, Skipbo, and Scrabble. I like to think I've inherited Grandma's competitive edge. :) No trip to Three Lakes is complete without wine-tasting at the local Winery so we've stocked up until our next trip back, which can't come soon enough might I add!
Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
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| Welcome to the Cabin! |
I find myself being rejuvenated in the beauty and the stillness of being up north. The little joys are found in walking down the middle of the road all weekend without seeing a single car, but seeing many deer tracks (shh.. don't tell Grandma!), in being cozied up in the cabin with board games and excellent company to keep occupied for hours with a warm bowl of Grandma's homemade chicken noodle soup, skiing in the woods without getting lost, or in finding the pileated woodpecker whose echoes could be heard among the trees. Sheer bliss!
On our way to Three Lakes, we stopped at a little restaurant called Cameron House. You may or may not know that I do not eat seafood or fish (I consider myself to be a seafooditerian if there is such a thing haha). However, once in a great while (okay a few times a year), I will breakdown and CRAVE a fish fry. Seriously, there is NOTHING like a WI fish fry in my opinion, and it was tasty (I think I'm craving fish now as a matter-of-fact ha!). I also like Bake-n-Shark, but seeing that it is only found in Trinidad, I'm out of luck there!
What a great little getaway we had! Papa wasn't able to join us this time due to some prior commitments, and he was greatly missed. Skiing just wasn't the same without him there! But none the less, it was peaceful to be in the woods with no one to be heard or seen, enjoying the little things in life. The weather was absolutely wonderful between 30-40*, and a light snow falling for most of the day.
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| Oops! a few snowflakes melted on the camera lense. |
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| I ask for a nice picture, and he does this. What's a wife to do but laugh? |
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| Of course I'm no better when it comes to posing for a "nice" pic. |
While inside, the competitive spirit came out, and we played Settlers, Ticket to Ride, Skipbo, and Scrabble. I like to think I've inherited Grandma's competitive edge. :) No trip to Three Lakes is complete without wine-tasting at the local Winery so we've stocked up until our next trip back, which can't come soon enough might I add!
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| Love this place! The wine, the cheese, the tradition, the love... |
Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Winter Carnival
We ventured out with the lovely Mr. and Mrs. Johnson this past week to experience the 125th St. Paul Winter Carnival. Below zero temps and frozen hands and feet didn't keep us out too long, but we did get a chance to admire the ice sculptures and have fun in the meantime! It was amazing to see the intricate detail carved from a single or multiple blocks of ice - dragons, snowflakes, and chairs, among many others. I love that there are events celebrating the winter season. Seriously, no need to be kept inside. Go out, explore, and be adventurous. Find something fun or new in your area to try out this winter! You can always blast the heat in your car later to warm up. :)
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| Minnesota - Land of 10,000 lakes |
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| Love Minnesota! |
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Guest Bedroom - Check!
The unpacking, organizing, and decorating continues and is progressing little by little. This week we finished putting together the guest room which is currently our bedroom. I'm not exactly sure how to describe my decorating style, but I think it's a combination of rustic, outdoors and vintage. I love old things and finding pieces that are one-of-a-kind. Usually I get a color scheme or theme in my head and just go with it. Anyways, this bedroom is our ocean-themed room with aqua blue and chocolate brown color schemes.
I found this distressed-looking accent table on Craiglist and fell in love with it (Matt calls it my inspiration). It took a little convincing to win him over with my vision, but after we brought it home and put it in place, he likes it now too. The nick nacks add a nice touch too (at least we think so). Two antique aqua colored Mason jars have since been added to this table. I have this obsession with Mason jars, but I suppose that's for another blog post. :)
Unfortunately, some of our picture frames are still in need of new pictures. They were accidentally dropped in the snow during the move (would not suggest this by the way), and I spent a lot of extra time scrapping off pictures stuck to glass last weekend. Not fun.
Thinking about redecorating a room? Check Craigslist or Consignment Shops for some cute finds and nice deals. Patience, imagination, and the time spent searching can result in the perfect inspirational piece for a new look! Happy hunting and decorating!
I found this distressed-looking accent table on Craiglist and fell in love with it (Matt calls it my inspiration). It took a little convincing to win him over with my vision, but after we brought it home and put it in place, he likes it now too. The nick nacks add a nice touch too (at least we think so). Two antique aqua colored Mason jars have since been added to this table. I have this obsession with Mason jars, but I suppose that's for another blog post. :)
Unfortunately, some of our picture frames are still in need of new pictures. They were accidentally dropped in the snow during the move (would not suggest this by the way), and I spent a lot of extra time scrapping off pictures stuck to glass last weekend. Not fun.
Thinking about redecorating a room? Check Craigslist or Consignment Shops for some cute finds and nice deals. Patience, imagination, and the time spent searching can result in the perfect inspirational piece for a new look! Happy hunting and decorating!
Randomness
I realized yesterday while shopping at Target, that things and life in general, are “random”. Take for instance the fact that I was buying two kinds of toothpaste – Colgate Max Fresh with Mini Breath Strips and Crest Regular Paste. As similar as Matt and I are, we apparently are very particular about the kinds of toothpaste we use, hence why I had two types of toothpaste in my cart. By random I don’t mean unplanned necessarily (no I’m not discrediting God’s sovereignty in any way), but random in the fact that surprises come along and are discovered in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes when realized and thought about more, these quirks can be funny in their own sense. I had never realized before the oddity in buying two different types of toothpaste. Disclaimer: Matt is very specific that I get the Colgate with the mini breath strips for him; normal Colgate just will not do.
Another random surprise of the week – Yesterday, we learned that Matt’s mom won a grand prize through their bank. The grand prize, get ready for this – 10 box seat tickets to the first regular season 2011 Green Bay Packer game. Looks like Christmas came early this year for the Kramers!
Random new love - Our lovely sister Andrea officially introduced us to Trader Joe’s Sunday. Wow! I’m not sure why I didn’t check out this store a long time ago! Indulging on veggie sticks as I type…
Embrace the “randomness” – Whether it be in day to day life, personal preferences, or those surprises that seem to come out of nowhere. Its realization usually results in a good laugh and an amusing story in the end.
Another random surprise of the week – Yesterday, we learned that Matt’s mom won a grand prize through their bank. The grand prize, get ready for this – 10 box seat tickets to the first regular season 2011 Green Bay Packer game. Looks like Christmas came early this year for the Kramers!
Random new love - Our lovely sister Andrea officially introduced us to Trader Joe’s Sunday. Wow! I’m not sure why I didn’t check out this store a long time ago! Indulging on veggie sticks as I type…
Embrace the “randomness” – Whether it be in day to day life, personal preferences, or those surprises that seem to come out of nowhere. Its realization usually results in a good laugh and an amusing story in the end.
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