Uh huh, yeah, that's right...

They're mine. All gloriously mine. Just as it was meant to be. With the first click, as simple as that. Its a cinderella moment, my friends. Destiny. Me and my new Louboutin booties are gonna stroll off into the sunset...

Don't get your hopes up...

That's what I've been told my everyone...including my real estate agent...about my (that's right, MY!!!) home. We got all the information, put the offer together, and submitted it to the seller. Now we wait. Even if he accepts, there are all kinds of opportunities for these things to fall through.

Still, I've already been shopping for furniture, dreaming of paint colors, and debating over design aesthetics...

Fingers, toes, and all else...crossed...

...wish me luck...

There's something about a purple wall that I'm finding very attractive...especially since MY place has a lot of natural light...

I did it...

I made an offer on a condo. Now excuse me as I go and have a heart attack.

More details to come...

I love me some San Fran...

After reading about Jordan's amazing rooftop party,

...and Emily's lovely weekend around the Bay...

...I have to ask myself if I'm really ready to trade in San Francisco for the more-affordable East Bay. Hmmm...we shall see. More open houses in Berkeley and Oakland this weekend. AND, my first foreay to the Alameda Flea Market. Really, SF would only be a bridge-cross away...is that so bad? I know, I know...its just not the same...*le sigh*

Have a great weekend, everyone...wherever you are!

Oh no...

...I am in for some BIG trouble.

Louboutin. Gilt Groupe. Wednesday. 9am.

Susan. Poorhouse. Wednesday. 9:30am.

The 2-week countdown...

I leave for Hawaii in exactly 2 weeks! Whoo hoo! I'm a little bummed since I haven't been working on my bikini body quite as I had hoped...ok, not at all. I may have to resort to a tankini (gasp!). In the words of my beloved GQ, "Be gentle on yourself." So, I will. Fatness and all. I can't wait!

How to find a home...

Look, I'm no expert. This is my first time out of the blocks. And its been pretty overwhelming. But, here's where I've net out and how I got there. Some helpful tips for those planning on buying one day...

• Find out your FICO score - this will give you a realistic view on what interest rate/range you'll be paying
  
  
• Create your "list" - must haves, would like to haves, and must not haves. (for instance, snippets on my list include: I must have 2 bedrooms, would like to have a fireplace, and must not have a hood with bars on the windows.)
  
  
• Get pre-qualified (and preferably, pre-approved for a loan) - this helps you determine what your price range will be.
  
  
• Make your HONEST monthly budget - how much can you afford to pay for mortgage monthly after you eat out, pay for your car, buy your mom's birthday gift, and get your hair did?

• Save at least 3.5% of your highest possible price for a down payment - if you qualify for an FHA (first time home owners (ummm...not sure what the A stands for), you need only to put down 3.5% of the purchase price. Still, that could come to about $15k - $20k.

• Find an agent you like and trust - I found my guy on Yelp after having worked with 2 others in the beginning. I really like him and trust that he'll help me git 'er dun!

• Look, look, look - I look a lot online (craigslist, ziprealty, redfin) and then I go to about 3-5 open houses a weekend. I've already viewed almost 30 properties.

• Be patient & believe - this is a huge step. Don't rush. Don't be bullied. Don't be talked into. Believe that you'll find your perfect home and don't make a move until you do.

I'm not at the final stages yet, but I feel pretty good how far I've come. I was so overwhelmed at first and now, I'm feeling confident. I'm gonna own my own home one day...soon...