New Homeowner

[Miami 0]

So I'm a few hours out from heading over to my realtor's office to sign the paperwork to close on my first house and I'm getting that kinda cool antsy/nervous/excited feeling...

Anyone have interesting stories from their first time buying a home?

Miami

[Jewels 0]

Wooohoooo!!! Congrats!

Be sure to actually read what you're signing.

TPM Sister #102

[NWFlyer 2]

Immediately after signing the papers, call your broker and buy stock in Home Depot and/or Lowe's.

Congrats ... it's very exciting stuff.

Here's my "interesting" story. I bought new construction, so I had the weak low-flow toilets. On my first afternoon, I managed to clog up both toilets. And I didn't own a plunger.

So I called my friends who were coming over that night and said "I need to borrow your plunger - bring it when you come over." Instead, they showed up with a beautiful brand-new plunger with a ribbon tied around it and said "Here's your first housewarming gift." I've since made adjustments so they're a little less hypersensitive, but one of these days I'm going to bring back a contraband toilet from Canada.

The other thing to think about ... make a copy of your keys and give them to a trusted friend or family member. I didn't lock myself out before I thought of that, but if it does happen and you all of a sudden realize "oh shit, I don't have a landlord to call anymore," it'll be an expensive call to a locksmith.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Miami 0]

So don't treat this like a waiver at a new dz?

Miami

[Miami 0]

No kidding on the Lowe's...the wife already has plenty of plans for paint, refinishing, shelving, etc...

This one is a 1985 townhouse, and not a single low flow toilet in sight! Otherwise I'd be stuck in the same boat...

Good call on the keys, I've had that happen before and it sucks having to wait for someone to come out and let you in!

Miami

[Jewels 0]

Who would EVER do such a thing?

TPM Sister #102

[PhreeZone 20]

Figure out the shortest route from those stores to your place also. Pay in cash if possible, its way to easy to go way over budget on simple things with a credit card.

Review all the paperwork closely. I found tiny errors in mine but nothing worth worriyng about. I know someone that signed up for an ARM and was worded as a Fixed in thier contract and when they bank went to adjust their rates they were able to pull out the contract proving the rates were locked anyways. I also know someone that the banks royally was screwing over in closin costs and things that would have never been noticed unless they read it really closely.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Miami 0]

So far the paperwork errors have only been in our favor...the business that owned the house did not list the washer/dryer in the listing but my realtor put them in the contract (they looked to be about 10 years old but functional). They didn't notice and when they cleared the minimal furnishings out they also took the W/D...they got called on it and instead or bringing back the old ones they replaced them with brand new ones!

Miami

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Congrats on your new digs Miami.

Don't do what I did when I first bought my home in '93 (spend the first few years in ignorance of not knowing how to properly maintain and modify the dwelling) and educate yourself as much as you can (maybe you already know this stuff, maybe you don't) on not only home maintenance but also certain home renovations. Learn what you can about how your home has been wired, how your home is heated and/or cooled, learn what you can about how your home is insulated, where the mechanicals are, how they work, what condition they are in, etc, etc, etc. Learn the basics of how to troubleshoot your furnace, water heater, map out your electrical panel and what switches and receptacles each circuit controls and don't overload a given circuit if it's already carrying a heavy load. In other words learn how to become a plumber, a carpenter and an electrician. Plus don't be afraid to punch a hole in the wall to investigate what's hiding behind it (ie: potential water damage in a room, improper heating/cooling and sound insulation). Walls are easy to rebuild though a good drywall mud job isn't always an easy task. Do your homework and make sure you know what to do before you start a maintenance/reno job and/or hire a contractor to do the job. It will be much easier to spot a shoddy contractor if you've educated yourself on what needs to be done on a certain job even if you've decided not to do the work yourself. But remember that if there is something wrong with your dwelling (such as mold in a bathroom as an example), it's not going to fix itself by ignoring it.

Homeownership is very rewarding. But it is a lot of work.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[ryoder 1,590]

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So I'm a few hours out from heading over to my realtor's office to sign the paperwork to close on my first house and I'm getting that kinda cool antsy/nervous/excited feeling...

Anyone have interesting stories from their first time buying a home?

Stories about buying my first home, no.

But I do have a story about selling my first home and discovering I had proof I paid for the garage space I was using, but I had no proof I owned the space. The sale was postponed 6 weeks while I hired a lawyer to straighten out the mess caused by the bone-headed developer from which I bought it.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[Miami 0]

Thanks!

My brother is an electrician and does a lot of general contracting as well...I plan on picking his brain as much as I can. I'm pretty big on trying to take care of as much as I can myself...but I usually stick to stuff I can figure out with common sense!

Miami

[Miami 0]

Ouch! I'm really hoping nothing strange like that comes up tonight when we go in to sign the papers...

Miami

[ryoder 1,590]

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Here's my "interesting" story. I bought new construction, so I had the weak low-flow toilets.

Grrr...I'd like to throttle the morons that mandated those. My current house has one so having a plunger beside it is mandatory. Will someone 'splain to me how it saves water when it always takes at least two (or more) flushes ever time you do more than just take a leak?

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[BillyVance 35]

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Here's my "interesting" story. I bought new construction, so I had the weak low-flow toilets.

Grrr...I'd like to throttle the morons that mandated those. My current house has one so having a plunger beside it is mandatory. Will someone 'splain to me how it saves water when it always takes at least two (or more) flushes ever time you do more than just take a leak?

that's why I'm glad my house was built before that mandate.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[BillyVance 35]

However, when I'm sitting on one of those small toilets, I flush my shit before I wipe my ass. Then I flush the toilet paper. No plunger ever needed when you do it that way.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[Bolas 5]

Make sure everything you want done is either addressed or scheduled before you close.

I had a few things that weren't being addressed and my real estate agent basically blew them off. That was, until I told her I was pushing back the closing date and had told the bank to hold the deposit.

She was pissed, but things got done.

Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting
If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh.

[ryoder 1,590]

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However, when I'm sitting on one of those small toilets, I flush my shit before I wipe my ass. Then I flush the toilet paper. No plunger ever needed when you do it that way.

Wanna bet???

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[BillyVance 35]

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However, when I'm sitting on one of those small toilets, I flush my shit before I wipe my ass. Then I flush the toilet paper. No plunger ever needed when you do it that way.

Wanna bet???

well, if you're over 200 pounds, all bets are off!

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[ryoder 1,590]

Another note; Having a home inspector who takes his job seriously, rather than just putting his rubber stamp on a sale is good. When I bought my second house, the inspector turned up a cracked furnace. End result: I moved in to a house with a brand-new furnace.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[wildfan75 1]

That's awesome! A big huge congrats! I bought my first home when I was 25 and my second when I was 28. Enjoy not having to pay real estate agent fees now 'cause it's painfull to dish it out when you sell. Although it sucks not have a landlord to call when shit happens, it's awesome knowing that when you write the check every month, you're paying yourself.

Now my advice:
If you're planning on doing any painting, try to do it before you have all the furniture in place. Easier to put everything in the middle of the room, paint and put it in place than it is to keep moving it.

While you're moving in, make sure you have a tool box (full of tools of course), toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap and all purpose cleaner handy. Also, a box with some toiletries and towels (you won't want to search through every box trying to find a towel after you've been moving all day and just want to take a shower).

Get to know your neighbors. You'll never know when you'll need someone to take in the mail, let the dog out occassionally, and it never hurts to have someone else watching out for your investment. Make the first move. Depending on who lived there before, you're moving into their neighborhood and they could a little sad that they lost some good neighbors and friends, and by you making the first move, they'll know that they again have good, friendly neighbors who will eventually become friends.

Again CONGRATS!!!

[DrewEckhardt 0]

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Here's my "interesting" story. I bought new construction, so I had the weak low-flow toilets.

Grrr...I'd like to throttle the morons that mandated those. My current house has one so having a plunger beside it is mandatory. Will someone 'splain to me how it saves water when it always takes at least two (or more) flushes ever time you do more than just take a leak?

They've gotten a lot better. I was afraid of impending stoppages when my 20+ year old throne cracked last year and required replacement but was pleasantly surprised that one flush on the newer models was enough to handle me; and I'm pretty full of crap.

Low flow shower heads are another story.

[ryoder 1,590]

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They've gotten a lot better. I was afraid of impending stoppages when my 20+ year old throne cracked last year and required replacement but was pleasantly surprised that one flush on the newer models was enough to handle me; and I'm pretty full of crap.

I was considering talking to CanuckInUSA about coming down to MHS to visit, and smuggling a bunch of Canadian contraband into the USA. He could probably sell out of his trunk at the DZ.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[lawrocket 3]

No interesting story - just advice:

1) Read the documents. Don't let anybody tell you, "Sign it - we'll change it later." I've had to tell more than a few people, "You're screwed."

2) Yes, Home Depot/Lowes will become a second home.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[MakeItHappen 15]

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No kidding on the Lowe's...the wife already has plenty of plans for paint, refinishing, shelving, etc...

This one is a 1985 townhouse, and not a single low flow toilet in sight! Otherwise I'd be stuck in the same boat...

Good call on the keys, I've had that happen before and it sucks having to wait for someone to come out and let you in!

Check with your city department. They may provide FREE low flow comodes. All you have to do is bring the old one back within a week or 2.

Extra keys with someone else are nice, but you could also bury some in a place in your yard.

My house was originally built in 1911 and I've done window screens, irrigation, plumbing, fencing, termite control, washer/dryer installation and a gazillion other little things.

It's the gopher control that has me stumped still.

Also make sure they fix all the things that were supposed to be done before you sign the papers.
In my case in was the kitchen vent fan, new carpeting, new lineleom (sp), stops on the irrigation valves etc.

If they have to do something after you move in and tear up your lawn to do it, make sure they put the lawn back the way it was.

.

.
Make It Happen
Parachute History
DiveMaker

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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I was considering talking to CanuckInUSA about coming down to MHS to visit, and smuggling a bunch of Canadian contraband into the USA. He could probably sell out of his trunk at the DZ.

Am I to understand that you want me to smuggle a bunch of toilets into the USA. LOL ... yah I could see myself going to the tank if Customs was to catch me.

Besides one of the three toilets in my place is a 1.6 gallon verson (6 liter for those who follow metric) and it's works better than it's two larger cousins who will be replaced with smaller ones when I get around to reno'ing the bathrooms they're in. So are you peeps doing something different to your 1.6 gallon shitters versus than what we're doing?

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over