I was thinking about the summer since spring is on its way and remembering how it was one the best summers that I can remember. A part of that goodness was looking at homes. After being in my current place for almost a full calendar year I started to feel kind of restless and that I might need to make a change. I didn't want to move to another city, I loved my job, but I didn't know if I should stay in my apartment. I've moved every year since I was 18 and while I didn't want to go through the whole moving process I knew buying a home was ultimately a better financial decision [investment verses rent].
I kept hearing how low interest rates were [3%] and had a few friends buying their first homes. One big dream of mine is to have a large studio space where I can work and also shoot photographs in as well. While I absolutely love my apartment that idea of having more space and oh, new appliances in a kitchen sounded really appealing.
Of course I had no idea what I could afford and met both with my banker and a realtor the same week. It's interesting because I am rarely the one to pull a "this is because I am a young, single woman" card, but I did notice how apprehensive one of the mortgage people at my bank was. "Are you married?" Seemed to be the question I got more than once. I just felt like at my age [25 at the time] I didn't really need a ring to justify moving ahead in my life and part of growing up to me, at least, means buying real estate at some point or another.
{the kitchen of a home I looked at in North Minneapolis}
The absolute worst was when a woman said to me, "I don't think you should buy a home. I was looking at homes when I was dating my boyfriend and after we married he said, 'I'm so glad you didn't purchase a home because it would just show how you don't need a man.' So, I don't think you should buy a house, it might send off the wrong signal." Um, well, that about stood my hair on edge. Thankfully the men I'm interested in don't care if I live in an apartment and rent or own my own home.
{a home buying conference I attended, which was really helpful!}
As the weeks went by I felt a strong amount of encouragement from God to go forward with this process. I was surprised what I could afford. I think one thing I have going for me is pretty low expectations in that realm. Still, I wasn't able to buy in the neighborhoods I grew up, which is no surprise, they are very desirable. Both my parents were slightly concerned about the areas I was looking in, but I wasn't really deteered.
I looked at several homes. I figured out which area I wanted quickly: North Minneapolis was out, but I liked Northeast and Robbinsdale. I actually love Robbinsdale, it's basically the ideal place for me because it's very close to the city, but has a smaller town feel. They also have a gun range there and some good restaurants on a cute main street. The homes are mid-century with big yards and usually have only been through one or two owners. I looked at one home where the owner's adult son broke down to me because it was his parents home and his mom had recently passed away. Northeast was also great and perfect for a photographer because it's the "arts district," but houses there are in precarious shape and everything sells quickly.
{sidewalk art}
At the end of the day I realized I would probably break even renting versus buying, but I wasn't finding exactly what I wanted. I put everything on the back burner and focused instead on the mountain of photography assignments that come with warm weather and the fall.To be honest, I kind of forgot about the entire process.
I didn't really feel encouraged to look after that, although I do peek at open houses once in a great while. I think the prompting I felt from God didn't have so much to do with actually buying a place, but knowing that I could. There was something very empowering about that. The good news is, the longer I wait the more time I'll have to save and really figure out more of what I want.
I'm grateful for that.
