New House
Saturday, December 16th, 2006We’ve officially been in our new house for a week. It’s so much nicer living in the city than out in the burbs. Every time I look out my window, I see 2-3 walkers. All I’d see in the burbs were giant SUVs and trucks with skyler and chastity behind the wheel, on their way between kmart and wallmart. I’m even safe on my bike and rollerblades now because people here actually have to look for others on the road. No more getting cut off by cars when I’m going 20 mph on my bike 
<-- Man that sucked.
First home ownership definitely is sticker shock. You need things like lawn mowers, shovels, ice picks, and snow blowers… things that your association took care of when you were renting. On the plus side, I can blast my trumpet again and not worry about playing movies at 100 db in my basement.
On the surprising side, I’ve finally activated my thermostat gene. See this movie for a reference. This was triggered by my first natural gas bill that almost made me spit out my pop (soda for lamers). We’re definitely going to be fixing the insulation in the attic to rectify some of the bill.
We’re still waiting for the first electric bill. I can’t wait.. it’ll be early christmas. Can you tell who does the budget in our relationship?
December 19th, 2006 at 10:43 am
Congrats on the new house. It most definately is sticker shock once you move in and realize that the house itself was only half the purchase. It’s probably too late to find a mower that’s still on clearance, but I’d wait until spring and buy your snowblower on clearance. It’ll save you a lot of money and I’m sure shoveling by hand won’t humble you too much during one winter. You’ll just love home owenership when your clotheswasher takes a crap on you one week before Christmas. Or when your water heater goes bunk 2 days before company visits from out of town. But those things aside, homeownership is the way to go. At least you’re gaining equity for each of those monthly payments you make. When you’re renting they just disappear into the landwench’s pocket and you never have anything to show for it in the end.
December 20th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
Nate!!!!! Long time, no see. It’s good to know you’re still alive. We actually had a snow blower donated to us by a nice couple who no longer need it, and bethany’s dad is determined to find us a lawnmower at an auction. Whatever
We are gaining equity, but not very quickly. The first 10 years are almost entirely interest, but at least it’s tax deductible, which is great if you’re in a generous tax bracket.
How’s life on your end?
December 21st, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Life’s been good. Just plugging away at it day by day. You’ll have to put up some pictures of your new place when you get the time. You’re very fortunate to have someone give you a snow blower, they fetch a pretty penny even used. A new lawn mower can cost less than a used snow blower. At least you won’t have to break your back shoveling this winter. It’s great to have a place to truly call your “own” (nevermind that it’s really your mortgage company’s for the next 30 years.) Have fun with your new place