Tim and I trying to take in so much information right now. We’ve been (well, I have been) researching home loans, and are thinking about doing an FHA-approved loan. That helps us out with the issue of down-payment, since we don’t think we’ll be able to save up 30k this year. With an FHA loan, you are only required to put 3.5% down. Our finances are such that we know we can afford the mortgage, insurance and taxes (by my calculations, a mortgage would be just a few hundred dollars more than our rent) but neither of us is good at putting away for savings. Something always seems to come up (car issues, hospital bills, and ok, the vacation to Italy). Luckily, early on in the engagement Tim started up his 401k and that will help a little. This new tax refund for first-time buyers ensures that the small amount we’d need to take out from the 401k will be put back in just a few short months. We’ve also changed a few of our methods to save up a few grand to add to the kitty.

I told Tim that I get dibs on the third bedroom (that is, if we buy a three bedroom house; here’s hoping ). Depending on the size of the room, I want black bookshelves against two or three walls, like the one we have from Ikea now. Possibly a crystal chandelier and I am thinking magenta walls?

I’m going to an industry reception at Plumpjack Winery tonight. Should be fun! Heard a rumour they are serving tacos…

LOL of the week: