Helpful Real Estate hint

Thought I'd pass on my experience with a problem you all may encounter.

If I could pass one bit of advice along, if you are looking for a house, PLEASE remember, you can never start too early! We are looking for a house so we can be in for our May 20th wedding and we're really up against the wall.

You should also get pre-approved for a mortgage because the housing situation is so crazy on Long Island, it's on the market for an hour and already has 5 bids on it...no joke. You must remember, you and your fiancee are now one entity and no matter how you busted your butt to have a good credit rating, his/hers counts just as much and if it's not very good, you need time to work those things out. We're learning this first-hand.

We are in no position to buy either (especially after all the expenses of a wedding) but it just didn't seem to make sense to rent an apartment or a house when you will be paying the same money in this market if you rent or buy....(try to find a 2-bedroom apartment in a halfway decent area for less than $1,100!!!). So we figured we may as well put that money into a house mortgage that we can hopefully get a return on later (unlike any rent money paid out) and build some equity! Then move on when we can afford the house we want.

We are keeping our fingers crossed. our date is 7/2/00. keep us in your prayers!

You should also get pre-approved for a mortgage because the housing situation is so crazy on Long Island, it's on the market for an hour and already has 5 bids on it...no joke. You must remember, you and your fiancee are now one entity and no matter how you busted your butt to have a good credit rating, his/hers counts just as much and if it's not very good, you need time to work those things out. We're learning this first-hand.

The market is insane...I assume by your interest rates that you and your fiancee have excellent credit. My fiancee was not as lucky. Stuff that was on his credit record way back in college have posed a problem for us....that's why I say it'snever too early to get pre-aproved....because when you're ready to make the decision, you'll sail right through it....Good Luck!

We are keeping our fingers crossed. our date is 7/2/00. keep us in your prayers!

You should also get pre-approved for a mortgage because the housing situation is so crazy on Long Island, it's on the market for an hour and already has 5 bids on it...no joke. You must remember, you and your fiancee are now one entity and no matter how you busted your butt to have a good credit rating, his/hers counts just as much and if it's not very good, you need time to work those things out. We're learning this first-hand.

Congratulations, homeowner! You must be very excited!

Well speaking from experience, I can vouch for the fact that it is not an easy task to purchase a house while you plan a wedding!! But I also must say that it has kept me level headed about the amount of money we spend and also a good distraction from the wedding. When I get frustrated with the wedding I work on house stuff and visa versa I also agree with Jen we are moving to NJ and the rent there is ridiculous and it just does not make sense to give away money like that. So I also have the extra burden of relocating. We could not afford a house also, but we stumbled across a house in Mid January scrapped together the down payment, and are scheduled to close March 31, 3 weeks after the wedding. My advise is to also be careful with your credit and get pre-approved this way you know how much you can afford. Good luck to all of you, buying a house right away is not for everyone but I sure am glad that we are doing it!

Jamelle

Jenn, my friend and her husband have just put their Northport Village House in the market. If you're interested in that area, let me know and I'll put you in touch....

Check out their web page (www.mikasa.com) and then go to a few favor stores...they may be able to cut you a better deal & save you the hassle of wrapping all those gifts (I'm sure you have enough to do already!)

Jamelle

Thank you for thinking of me...unfortunately, my fiancee works in East Hampton and that would be one heck of a commute...we're looking more towards the East End......

Yes I am and very nervous as well, I hope that I did not bite off more than I can chew!!

Jamelle