A10CalGal

We aren't quite finished yet, but I thought I would answer what I can...with only 3 weeks to go, we've been through a lot! Quote: Originally Posted by MikkiStreak Frank and I are starting to research home building in anticipation of actually beginning the process later fall/winter. Even tho I've been a homeowner before, I've never built, and I'd like to "smarten up" about this and see what this has been like for other people. 1) Whom did you choose for your home builder and why? We didn't actually "choose" our home builder. We choose our community & found a lot we loved. Turned out the home builder has been excellent. 2) Did you finance using your home builders mortgage company? Any pros/cons to using theirs instead of your own? We found our own financing. The builder financing offer was appealing, however we did not want to commit to their financing 6 months prior to build out, which was required. We ended up taking a credit toward our upgrades instead. They were offering a 3-2-1 buy down on the interest rate, which they valued at like $13K. I felt like the closing fees were excessive with their program. I did run it past a few lenders & got comp's at the time, so I felt best about not taking their financing package. 3) What do you know now (that the building is finished), that you wished you knew then (before starting the building process)? That even though they say it takes X days to build the house, it always takes longer. They don't count any of the time for building permits or upgrade selection or "non-scheduled non-work days." 4) What didn't you expect in the process? (or, what "surprises" did you have in the process- both good and/or bad) Thus far (prior to closing) things have gone as expected. I have been pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the building process and compliance with the construction schedule. The only part that sucked was waiting for the permits. 5) What advice would you give to someone starting the process? Make sure there isn't an already built house out there for you. We really intended on purchasing a resale home. Which meant our initial timeline was like 60 days max. We couldn't find the right scenario for us, which is what led us to build. Waiting 9 months has been hard, I would have much rather been able to move in 7 months ago. Keep all documentation. And always check the math on the contracts! The sales reps that fill those things out aren't really "math people." I caught a lot of math errors during the purchase process - I'm sure they would have come to light at some point, but I"m glad I caught them early. 6) What would you have done differently if you did it all over again? At this point, we're neutral on this... 7) What did your builder consider "standard" options? And what did you choose for "upgrades"? With our home builder standard is pretty low grade. We upgraded flooring, wood work (molding, doors, window sills), counters, cabinets, etc. What percentage of your final price was due to upgrades? (example: if the home was $200,000 and you spent $25K on upgrades...) 10% of the final price was spent in upgrades - we did get $5500 toward the upgrades. 9) What kind of timeframe did you have for this---- from starting to research, making a decision, then actually building and finally moving in? We started looking for homes/home sites in September and signed a purchase agreement in the end of Sept. We will move in mid April...so 7 months. 10) What was the easiest decisions you had to make? What were the hardest things to decide on? The lot selection was easiest. Everything else was hard for me! YOu realize that you are totally responsible for all choices you make. So if something turns out lame, it's totally your fault! That's a little crazy making. Any input you feel like sharing is definitely appreciated!!! This is new, exciting, but also where I have a huge learning curve to address and your input will definitely help us! How exciting Maria! I can't wait to hear what you guys decide to do...

We visited the house today. We have 3 more weeks until we close!! The kitchen & bath cabinets are in. The linoleum is in. The fire place has been tiled. Most of the molding, window sills & doors are in. EEK! We are really getting there. Kitchen: http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/100_3525.jpg Living room fire place (mantle yet to be installed) http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/100_3524.jpg Master bath over vanity light fixtures http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/100_3518.jpg Master bath cabinetry http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/100_3517.jpg

OK, wait...it's not this Thurs, but next Thurs 3/27, right?? But I vote for Capitol Hill area - GPS in hand also

I hate to admit this, but I've smoked off & on for way too long. I quit for 3 years & got back to it via the whole "I'll only smoke when I drink" thing. I was most successful when I used Wellbutrin to quit - it kinda just removed the desire. But you also have to keep yourself out of pro-smoking situations. It's so easy to slip & have "just this one." It also doesn't help me any that I don't have the smokers cough, totally work out & eat healthy. WHAT None of it makes sense. You've got 2.5 months under your belt - you have put so much work into that. My best advice is don't let yourself give up! Every day it gets easier & soon you will wonder why it was all such a big deal.

Hubby wants Allison to come back to piss off Josh - he loves the gay tirrades he goes on! I am not sure if I care. Courtney, I totally agree about Matty - why would you let people call you that?? But he is such a slimeball. I feel bad for Natalie. She needs to get a clue.

I just checked in w/hubby to see if he'd planned anything...not really. So we've officially decided to go to an Irish Pub, eat Irish stew, drink Irish beer & pretend everybody there is throwing a party for our anniversary!!! I got this idea from Rachelle who's anniversary is Cinco de Mayo. Leave it to two wino's to pick hardy drinking holidays to get married.

Well, I will be celebrating my first wedding anniversary!! And so will the rest of the world, LOL! I'm not sure what we are doing, but I can't wait!

Holy mackerel!! Congrats! How many BDW preggos are there at this point? Tons!

What a whacko!! Yes, you officially have permission to disown your FMIL!!

Yes, there is an easier way!! When you are creating the label, you go to Tools/Letters & Mailings/ Envelopes & Labels. The dialog box that comes up allows you to do a Full page of the same label (look toward the bottom of the dialog box). Enter your label text & graphics in the "address" area, choose full page of same label and then click the New Document button. You will then get a whole page of the same label over & over!

As counter intuitive as it seems, you are better off leaving them open. You credit score looks at many things, but one of the biggies is % used of available credit - the more avail credit you show, the better off you are.

Yay!!! Beautiful cabinetry...I love the darker woods.

HAHAHA!!! Love it!

Quote: Originally Posted by DougsGirl Hmmm, could be related And good to know about the topper! if we don't get enough wedding $ to buy a whole new set I'm gonna get us one of those. If it were only that simple! Things were actually getting better before the new bed topper Quote: Originally Posted by redwards yay! Hi Christa! I feel like we haven't seen you in ages! SO happy to hear that things are coming along there in WA. yay about the house!!! You're in the homestretch! I've been here!! I swear! I just don't get to respond/post as much as I used to. Thanks though - homestretch for sure...just pending the mortgage crap...

Oh crap, one more thing. How could I forget this Today is construction day #35 on our new home. 54 working days total to build this baby. Scheduled closing date is 4/9!

Excellent thread! I am happy today for several reasons: 1. Got a bomb ass night of sleep last night thanks to my new Novaform mattress topper from Costco. 2. The sun is out! 3. It's Wednesday - as previously mentioned, it's all good after hump day. 4. My first wedding anniversary is in less than a week, and for the first time in months our household is not super stressed & pissed all the time...I think we might be coming around 5. I get to go to my yoga class tonight.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lilpaisley Is it the Walgreens Downtown or the one of the Walgreens on Captiol Hill. If it's the Walgreens up on 15th. There are some fab places in that area and parking is pretty easy. Costal Kitchen, Chutneys, Canturbury, 22 Doors, Liberty...that's a great area. Yeah, the one up on Capitol Hill. Maybe we should pick a casual spot in that area??

Ummmm....yeah....that's why I threw it out there to Kate, I don't remember the name of the spot. It's accross the street from a Walgreen's ....does that help? ('member, I've only been here a few months!)

Ugg, I loathe these commercials. I actually get angry when they come on. My husband thinks it's hilarious. Every time one comes on I have to get up & leave the room...but first I say "fuck you" and flip off the tv.

I immediately think of getting hit in the chest with that thing & how bad it would hurt. Yikes!

Kate - I liked that spot you & I met at when I first moved here. Yeah, I'm def more interested in a casual hang out environment.

I was totally wondering about this situation Drea. What a sad thing that one persons actions can ruin a good experience for an entire group of students. I bet it makes you feel good to get those comments from students though

Karen - rum cream is exactly what it sounds like...Rum & cream mixed together. It's like a white russian, only with rum, in a bottle. It's super yummy & probably very fattening. I like it poured over ice.

I'm going to count on the down town dwellers to pick a spot....I only ask that parking be feasible I can make it as early as 6pm to downtown.

Where were you last year when I couldn't figure this out