Buying a home...PETRO!

I was reading all the posts about homes and the work people have done on them and still have to do...and I must admit..

I AM PETRIFIED OF BUYING A HOME! Does anyone else feel this way? My dh is awesome with construction and fixing things but I know nothing! I am horrible at decorating, I just do not have an eye for it and reading what you ladies have done scares me to death. I give you all the credit in the world for all of it but it just doesnt seem like something I can or will be able to handle. Unless its one of those things where once you buy one, you just do and it comes natural?? Anyone else feel like this or am I all alone?

I am more scared that I will never be able to afford to buy a home. I have to get through that, first.

FH and I are in the process of buying (we are closing next week). It is FRIGHTENING - way more stressful than the wedding. We got really lucky b/c we got a great deal and the house doesn't need a ton of work.....just updating. It is very overwhelming to sit here and list all the things I want to do and how I want to decorate. But like Anna said....Rome wasn't built in a day.

If you are serious about buying start padding your bank accounts as much as you can (for some reason this helps with the mortgage). Buy the book homebuying for dummies......it has great tips and a bunch of other info that will really help.

It is a big step and expense but being educated is the most important thing! If you don't know what you are talking about you'll get ripped off!!!

Good luck - you'll be in a house before you know it.

I didn't know the first thing about what needed to be done with homes...but when you buy your home you usually get an inspector, who will tell you what needs to be done to the house...and as you go, you hear opinions from the sub-contracters/friends/family as to what else can be done.

As far as decorating, you can always hire a decorator, and a lot of stores will provide you with a FREE decorating service (as long as you buy their furniture).

Don't be scared, it's a lot of fun! Especially if you buy a home that you want to 'redo' or have to do a lot of work...when you're done, that place will essentially be your own custom home!

My DH isn't that handy, but his family is...but because they work regularly we are always last on the list...so I don't even have half of what you have (your DH being handy)...

I love owning a home, but sometimes I feel like you regarding decorating...but you know what Noreen, it's something you have to do gradually over time. You can't expect to walk in, have all the over-the-top ideas and expect to do them in a month. I haven't even finished one room yet!!

But, I did try a faux finish on an accent wall in the living room. And I have to say it came out great!! (yes, I WILL toot my own horn). I rag rolled a burnt sienna on a cafe color, and I have been getting MANY compliments. I even surprised myself. So, you can do a lot more than you give yourself credit for!

I have found looking in magazines and at websites very helpful. Even if it's just for ideas. Watching home improvement and make over shows helps a lot too. Hey, you can always bounce ideas off of me if you want!!

p.s. - miss you honey!! check your fm...

I am more concerned that we can't afford one than buying one. Although I must say when I bought my first car by myself (FH and my Dad were there for support) I was a mess! I started sweating, shaking, I couldn't sign correctly. My father told me wait till you have to close on your first house. You will feel like its the biggest mistake you did but in the end you know it will be the best decision you ever made. Thank goodness for my Dad and his handy man ways. He really is a wanna be Bob Villa!! LOL He has been teaching FH some things at least once a month.

I was also scared of the thought of the financial burden it would be for the rest of our lives. I wanted to look in a lower price range, and John kept upping the price range. He even got into a bidding war on one home and I told him it wasnt worth continuing (the house was WAYYYY overpriced and the bidding war was making it go WAY over ASKING price !
So just the thought of John saying 'we could do it' at a price that I was fainting over. We did wind up going with his price range just to get the home that we wanted long term so we wouldnt be 'settling' for something less and wanting to move out.
But it really is a scary thought at how much things cost. Everything that needs to be updated, maintained or purchased is so costly.

Decorating will 'come to you' as you move in to your home and have visions of how you want it/like it. My husband isnt very handy, but he is learning as he goes along, and hes getting very good I must say. He has done alot of first time things on his own, and has done a great job. He also gets help from some expert friends, but then he learns from them and does lots on his own without bothering anyone.

It definately is worth owning a home as opposed to renting. I know someone who never purchased a home because he never wanted the responsibility and isnt handy. Now his wife SOOO regrets that, and they are still renting and can very well afford a nice home. So dont let the doubt/fear hold you back. THere is a cozy home out there just for you!!!
You will regret not buying when you have the chance!!

and by the way, you have US for all the tips and tricks in the book !!!