Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Easter
I always forget what month Easter is in - I think it's April. Which means this post is a bit overdue. For my birthday, not in April, I finally got a new digital camera - and it makes a world of difference - no more shaky blurry pictures! Still trying to break old habits of not taking pictures. I was able to snatch a few at Easter. Mom and Nick were visiting and we were invited over to the Braun's. Mom being a good guest, picked up some easter gifts for the kids - including some bubble machines. Needless to say, it was a big hit!
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Final Decision
If I were to add up the numbers they would be daunting: number of hours spent house hunting, number of towns considered, number of house viewings, number of scenarios considered, number of numbers crunched. And in the end? I followed my gut. Of all the places, I still like my current place best. So I’m moving forward with purchasing my place! Crazy that it took all that work to come to this decision.
I realized I was superimposing what other people/society thought onto my thinking. I would look at places and think - well that looks more impressive, that has a more comfortable dining room, that has a larger guest bedroom, that has a garage to park my car. But at what cost was I paying for all these things - financially I was purchasing space that I rarely use. I estimated the guest bedroom was used about 14 days last year - 4% of the year. The dining room I rarely use - mainly when I have guests and an occasional dinner party - again about 4% of the year. My car is perfectly fine living outside. I don’t use it daily so dealing with snow isn’t really an issue.
I also was sacrificing the now for the future, and in some cases the future for the future. My place is unique, it’s unconventional, it’s small, it’s really just a one bedroom so how would it resell. Should I live in a more conventional single family house that would be more straight forward to sell? Even if it wasn’t as nice and I would be financially strapped? The nicer places I could afford would mean a much longer commute with less flexibility. So I would be living a life where I spent most of my time in the car/train commuting with very little pocket money. And for what?
In the grand scheme of things, I figured I’d rather be in a comfortable place that I enjoy living, than try and fit into the mold of what I thought I should be buying. I never thought I’d own a condo. My place is small and cozy - it fits me well for this moment I am in. I continue to practice a relatively low carbon footprint, living in a dense urban area and using public transportation. I live in the best neighborhood of all the places I looked at and feel safe and secure. To top it all off, it’s the cheapest option I reviewed so I can pay back the loans for the down payment much quicker. It’s even cheaper than renting somewhere else!
So that’s where I’ve landed. I still have about a month to go before it’s legit - the paperwork, inspections, financing, etc. But I feel good having finally made a decision - I didn’t end up with a compromised living situation. Thank you to all those out there who shared their thoughts and experiences and support. It’s good to be reminded about the important things.
Next step - pull out the decorating books and start dreaming up what I want to do next with my place! I’ve had my eye on some really nice decorator wall paper for the small guest room and I’ve been eyeing some painting swatches.
I realized I was superimposing what other people/society thought onto my thinking. I would look at places and think - well that looks more impressive, that has a more comfortable dining room, that has a larger guest bedroom, that has a garage to park my car. But at what cost was I paying for all these things - financially I was purchasing space that I rarely use. I estimated the guest bedroom was used about 14 days last year - 4% of the year. The dining room I rarely use - mainly when I have guests and an occasional dinner party - again about 4% of the year. My car is perfectly fine living outside. I don’t use it daily so dealing with snow isn’t really an issue.
I also was sacrificing the now for the future, and in some cases the future for the future. My place is unique, it’s unconventional, it’s small, it’s really just a one bedroom so how would it resell. Should I live in a more conventional single family house that would be more straight forward to sell? Even if it wasn’t as nice and I would be financially strapped? The nicer places I could afford would mean a much longer commute with less flexibility. So I would be living a life where I spent most of my time in the car/train commuting with very little pocket money. And for what?
In the grand scheme of things, I figured I’d rather be in a comfortable place that I enjoy living, than try and fit into the mold of what I thought I should be buying. I never thought I’d own a condo. My place is small and cozy - it fits me well for this moment I am in. I continue to practice a relatively low carbon footprint, living in a dense urban area and using public transportation. I live in the best neighborhood of all the places I looked at and feel safe and secure. To top it all off, it’s the cheapest option I reviewed so I can pay back the loans for the down payment much quicker. It’s even cheaper than renting somewhere else!
So that’s where I’ve landed. I still have about a month to go before it’s legit - the paperwork, inspections, financing, etc. But I feel good having finally made a decision - I didn’t end up with a compromised living situation. Thank you to all those out there who shared their thoughts and experiences and support. It’s good to be reminded about the important things.
Next step - pull out the decorating books and start dreaming up what I want to do next with my place! I’ve had my eye on some really nice decorator wall paper for the small guest room and I’ve been eyeing some painting swatches.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tick Tock
I just learned that my coworker that is house hunting just won the bidding war on a place in Melrose. Here’s the list of reactions I went through:
1. That’s awesome - I’m so happy they found something.
2. Man that was fast - I thought I would be first in finding/buying a place.
3. The house is really nice. Why did I not more seriously consider buying it? (It’s a restored Victorian, but about 15% over my top limit and more house than I really need - 4 bedroom).
4. Wait, what about me. This isn’t fair, I’m the one with the looming deadline.
I’ve been operating on less than about 5 hours of sleep for the past few nights (late nights trying to figure this whole thing out plus restless sleeping) so I’m sure this is influencing things. I’m exhausted - mentally, physically, even emotionally. If it was just the house hunting, I’d be totally fine. But it’s not on my terms, so I’ve got the deadline thrown in, plus the financials not where I would like them to be, plus work has been wearing me thin with all the roles I end up playing, to all the other stuff in the mix. I’m just tired.
I’m looking at a multi-family tonight and hopefully another one tomorrow. I’m becoming more comfortable with this scenario than the others but the trick is the financing part. I’m pursuing multiple scenarios so hopefully one fits just right.
1. That’s awesome - I’m so happy they found something.
2. Man that was fast - I thought I would be first in finding/buying a place.
3. The house is really nice. Why did I not more seriously consider buying it? (It’s a restored Victorian, but about 15% over my top limit and more house than I really need - 4 bedroom).
4. Wait, what about me. This isn’t fair, I’m the one with the looming deadline.
I’ve been operating on less than about 5 hours of sleep for the past few nights (late nights trying to figure this whole thing out plus restless sleeping) so I’m sure this is influencing things. I’m exhausted - mentally, physically, even emotionally. If it was just the house hunting, I’d be totally fine. But it’s not on my terms, so I’ve got the deadline thrown in, plus the financials not where I would like them to be, plus work has been wearing me thin with all the roles I end up playing, to all the other stuff in the mix. I’m just tired.
I’m looking at a multi-family tonight and hopefully another one tomorrow. I’m becoming more comfortable with this scenario than the others but the trick is the financing part. I’m pursuing multiple scenarios so hopefully one fits just right.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Small World Stories
Started writing this Friday.
Last night I attended the AD2012 Gala. It was one of those networking events where you get to look at wonderful art that you could never afford. Ended up running into a few people I knew. But also was striking up conversations with random people. Ended up talking with this older fellow standing next to me. Turned out he was Mr. Arcari of Landry & Arcari rugs. He mentioned being involved in the 5 under 40 awards celebrating up and coming designers. I happen to know that a friend of mine, Nima won said award a few years back and designed a rug. Mr. Arcari knew of my friend Nima and spoke well of him. I was amazed, probably more than Mr. Arcari, what a small world it was. In this grand setting full of high class people, outside of my usual circle, I found a connection. And we ended up talking about other commissions he’s done. He was interested in potentially working my field into a motif for a design. He left me with a business card and the instructions to contact him with any ideas I come up with. I think I will pass for the moment. Wait for inspiration.
In the world of house hunting I’ve been taking advantage of working at a large firm with people living all over the metro Boston area. I’ve gotten into the habit of asking people where they live and what the neighborhoods are like. I’m slowly getting a feel for the areas. Friday, I asked a plumbing engineer I work with the usual question only to find out he and his wife are actively house hunting too. We compared notes and turns out we’ve been looking at the same places pretty much. Same towns and price range. At first we were leery sharing houses we liked. However, after the one Lexington property, nothing has grabbed me. He shared one place he really liked in Melrose but his wife didn’t like. It made me realize that although I would love to have a partner to bounce ideas off of and help in such a big decision making milestone, there are advantages to going it solo. If and when I find a place, I only have to convince myself that I like it. It’s been hard finding a place that just I like, can you imagine the odds of finding a place where there are two of us. I hadn’t thought of that before.
I still don’t feel any closer to coming to a decision and I have less than two weeks - ugh! My latest venture is looking into being a real estate investor and purchasing a multi-unit place. I’ve got a coworker who was running the numbers with me. Normally I wouldn’t even consider it, but right now I’m an open book. I don’t know if it’s due to my cautious upbringing (we are not a family of risk takers) or perhaps being female (women tend to take less risks overall - studies show). But part of me is wanting to buck these pre-conceived ideas I have and go out and invest. It would entail developing an LLC and everything - lots to study up on but I know several people who have gone this route (all men), so something to consider. Of course, the other part of me is yelling, “are you crazy”, what if… and there is a list of all that could go horribly wrong. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Regardless, need to do due diligence and it’s a great exercise. I do wonder where I will end up. Change is good - I must keep repeating this as I grow old and comfy in my daily ways.
Last night I attended the AD2012 Gala. It was one of those networking events where you get to look at wonderful art that you could never afford. Ended up running into a few people I knew. But also was striking up conversations with random people. Ended up talking with this older fellow standing next to me. Turned out he was Mr. Arcari of Landry & Arcari rugs. He mentioned being involved in the 5 under 40 awards celebrating up and coming designers. I happen to know that a friend of mine, Nima won said award a few years back and designed a rug. Mr. Arcari knew of my friend Nima and spoke well of him. I was amazed, probably more than Mr. Arcari, what a small world it was. In this grand setting full of high class people, outside of my usual circle, I found a connection. And we ended up talking about other commissions he’s done. He was interested in potentially working my field into a motif for a design. He left me with a business card and the instructions to contact him with any ideas I come up with. I think I will pass for the moment. Wait for inspiration.
In the world of house hunting I’ve been taking advantage of working at a large firm with people living all over the metro Boston area. I’ve gotten into the habit of asking people where they live and what the neighborhoods are like. I’m slowly getting a feel for the areas. Friday, I asked a plumbing engineer I work with the usual question only to find out he and his wife are actively house hunting too. We compared notes and turns out we’ve been looking at the same places pretty much. Same towns and price range. At first we were leery sharing houses we liked. However, after the one Lexington property, nothing has grabbed me. He shared one place he really liked in Melrose but his wife didn’t like. It made me realize that although I would love to have a partner to bounce ideas off of and help in such a big decision making milestone, there are advantages to going it solo. If and when I find a place, I only have to convince myself that I like it. It’s been hard finding a place that just I like, can you imagine the odds of finding a place where there are two of us. I hadn’t thought of that before.
I still don’t feel any closer to coming to a decision and I have less than two weeks - ugh! My latest venture is looking into being a real estate investor and purchasing a multi-unit place. I’ve got a coworker who was running the numbers with me. Normally I wouldn’t even consider it, but right now I’m an open book. I don’t know if it’s due to my cautious upbringing (we are not a family of risk takers) or perhaps being female (women tend to take less risks overall - studies show). But part of me is wanting to buck these pre-conceived ideas I have and go out and invest. It would entail developing an LLC and everything - lots to study up on but I know several people who have gone this route (all men), so something to consider. Of course, the other part of me is yelling, “are you crazy”, what if… and there is a list of all that could go horribly wrong. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Regardless, need to do due diligence and it’s a great exercise. I do wonder where I will end up. Change is good - I must keep repeating this as I grow old and comfy in my daily ways.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Butterflies
Note: wrote this awhile back in long hand and just got around to typing it up. Think this was around early October 2011.
Mondays. I was rushing out the door in a mad dash to get to work for an early morning meeting only to realize when I reach my desk I had meant to drive in today. I messed up. I could have been into the office at least 30 minutes earlier (or left a little later in a calmer stet) and now I had to figure out how to fix the issue.
The solution I came up with is lugging my laptop home at lunch to jump into my car and hoof it over to a meeting at an architect’s office two towns over from where I live. Then, instead of having a nice short commute home I need to drive into Boston to meet a friend for dinner on Newbury Street. Fingers crossed parking doesn’t annoy the dickens out of me. I’d reschedule, but we’ve already done that once and it’s taken us forever to find a new time that works.
So I leave the office a bit later then intended – hop onto the T and keep reminding myself it’s out of my control for the moment – to just relax. I grab a seat on the crowded car and a moment later in piles a dozen plus young teenagers.
I cannot even begin to describe the surreal experience I had for the next few stops. This is something I love about public transportation. It throws you into a larger mix you wouldn’t usually see or overlap with – it’s so much better than reality TV.
This group of youngsters was you’re typical bunch. I think there were one or two chaperons. The kids were from diverse cultural backgrounds and a mixture of young boys and girls. And they were talking a mile a minute, bouncing form one friend to another, choosing to stand and test their balance and talking to each other across the subway car. And there I was in the middle of it all. In and of its self, this isn’t that unusual – happened before. This time, there was a twist – they were all deaf. So there I am in the center of all this flurry of movement. They’re sitting and standing and moving back and forth between friends to get their attention. EVERYONE was talking. I was fascinated but didn’t want to appear I was staring. I suddenly became very conscious of my hands in my lap. At first there were half a dozen individual conversations. But then there was a point – in the silence of the train rumbling, where there was a burst of laughter. Someone had made a joke in all that flurry. I was intrigued at first that conversations could be carried on with one hand holding on and yet by the end my intrigue was refocused on the dynamics of the group – who was trying to talk with whom. The flirting, the playing it cool – all the regular teen stuff. Needless to say by the time my stop quickly arrived all my stress had dissipated and I made it to my meeting with time to spare. You gotta love city life!
Mondays. I was rushing out the door in a mad dash to get to work for an early morning meeting only to realize when I reach my desk I had meant to drive in today. I messed up. I could have been into the office at least 30 minutes earlier (or left a little later in a calmer stet) and now I had to figure out how to fix the issue.
The solution I came up with is lugging my laptop home at lunch to jump into my car and hoof it over to a meeting at an architect’s office two towns over from where I live. Then, instead of having a nice short commute home I need to drive into Boston to meet a friend for dinner on Newbury Street. Fingers crossed parking doesn’t annoy the dickens out of me. I’d reschedule, but we’ve already done that once and it’s taken us forever to find a new time that works.
So I leave the office a bit later then intended – hop onto the T and keep reminding myself it’s out of my control for the moment – to just relax. I grab a seat on the crowded car and a moment later in piles a dozen plus young teenagers.
I cannot even begin to describe the surreal experience I had for the next few stops. This is something I love about public transportation. It throws you into a larger mix you wouldn’t usually see or overlap with – it’s so much better than reality TV.
This group of youngsters was you’re typical bunch. I think there were one or two chaperons. The kids were from diverse cultural backgrounds and a mixture of young boys and girls. And they were talking a mile a minute, bouncing form one friend to another, choosing to stand and test their balance and talking to each other across the subway car. And there I was in the middle of it all. In and of its self, this isn’t that unusual – happened before. This time, there was a twist – they were all deaf. So there I am in the center of all this flurry of movement. They’re sitting and standing and moving back and forth between friends to get their attention. EVERYONE was talking. I was fascinated but didn’t want to appear I was staring. I suddenly became very conscious of my hands in my lap. At first there were half a dozen individual conversations. But then there was a point – in the silence of the train rumbling, where there was a burst of laughter. Someone had made a joke in all that flurry. I was intrigued at first that conversations could be carried on with one hand holding on and yet by the end my intrigue was refocused on the dynamics of the group – who was trying to talk with whom. The flirting, the playing it cool – all the regular teen stuff. Needless to say by the time my stop quickly arrived all my stress had dissipated and I made it to my meeting with time to spare. You gotta love city life!
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
DC Trip
I popped down to our DC office for a meeting yesterday and have the following observations:
- I remembered at the last minute that I could just drive and park at the airport and didn’t need a taxi - one less thing to worry about. So nice to be able to just pop out to your own car at 5:30 am!
- The only parking left was at the top of the parking garage - outside. As I was waiting for the elevator I was bombarded by fake bird chirping being piped through the sound system. Strange, and later I realize, slightly foretelling.
- As I walk up to my gate, I see a fellow starting to nod off while waiting to board. Turns out I knew him - he heads up our IT department and was heading down to our DC office too. So far I’m 2 and 0 for running into coworkers on my flights down to DC.
- I lugged my heavy work laptop and it was useless. Besides the battery being completely dead, it kept freezing and wouldn’t work. Apparently it only works at my work desk. Strange and annoying.
- The meeting I had went well and took a lot less prep work than I used to do. Nice to see the progression over the days.
- I saw the early buds of the cherry blossoms - they’re coming!
- Waiting for my flight home, I found a quiet corner away from my gate. I heard the familiar bird chirping and realized it wasn’t being piped in - there was an actual little bird trapped inside. I was starting to pack stuff up to go find someone when I saw him fly off into the ceiling. It looks like he’s made the airport his home and has a way in and out (I hope). And this, after waiting an extra long time to get through a very scrutinizing security check point. Funny seeing he has a much easier way in than I do.
- Of course, my flight was delayed. I don’t know why, but I have yet to catch a flight back home from these day trips that isn’t delayed. Luckily I had brought entertainment.
- I made good progress on a sock I brought. I love that jetblue has TV. I caught up on the cable shows I don’t have access to - some nice mindless watching after a long and busy day.
And on my way home from the airport, I couldn’t resist driving by a house I was interested in. The housing situation has been a roller coaster that doesn’t even stay on the coaster track but goes all over the place. I don’t like the time pressure I’m under. And yet this is not an unusual situation for many people. This was the first house I really felt good about - a good fit. It was in a solid town, cute little neighborhood, next to some conservation land, near public transportation, move in condition but allows for improvement. And I was just torturing myself by doing the drive by. It went on the market end of last week. I saw it on Sunday, contacted my realtor on Monday and by Monday night had scheduled to see it Wednesday morning. Only to have the meeting canceled an hour later. Turns out the owner already received 5 offers and accepted one. I’m so crushed. I was so close.
I can’t help but note that I feel like I’m in a relationship drama. I’m a homebody, so my residence is important to me. And it feels like my 6+ year relationship with my current place has come to a cross roads. It’s like “Jason” asked me to marry him and I just can’t decide if I want to commit. He’s a great “guy” and I feel comfortable with him, but is he really what I want to spend the next 10+ years with? Is he mature/large enough? So I’ve been looking around. I wouldn’t call it cheating, but I want to play the field to make sure I’m making the right decision. And I’m finding some crappy places out there that makes me really appreciate “Jason”. But I can’t help but see other places that look like better fits, only they’re too expensive, unavailable, etc. I’m in turmoil. And to add to it all “Jason” has put an ultimatum out there - you have to answer by xx date. I don’t actually have the date yet, but it’s bearing down on me. And I’m not one to settle. Ugh!
- I remembered at the last minute that I could just drive and park at the airport and didn’t need a taxi - one less thing to worry about. So nice to be able to just pop out to your own car at 5:30 am!
- The only parking left was at the top of the parking garage - outside. As I was waiting for the elevator I was bombarded by fake bird chirping being piped through the sound system. Strange, and later I realize, slightly foretelling.
- As I walk up to my gate, I see a fellow starting to nod off while waiting to board. Turns out I knew him - he heads up our IT department and was heading down to our DC office too. So far I’m 2 and 0 for running into coworkers on my flights down to DC.
- I lugged my heavy work laptop and it was useless. Besides the battery being completely dead, it kept freezing and wouldn’t work. Apparently it only works at my work desk. Strange and annoying.
- The meeting I had went well and took a lot less prep work than I used to do. Nice to see the progression over the days.
- I saw the early buds of the cherry blossoms - they’re coming!
- Waiting for my flight home, I found a quiet corner away from my gate. I heard the familiar bird chirping and realized it wasn’t being piped in - there was an actual little bird trapped inside. I was starting to pack stuff up to go find someone when I saw him fly off into the ceiling. It looks like he’s made the airport his home and has a way in and out (I hope). And this, after waiting an extra long time to get through a very scrutinizing security check point. Funny seeing he has a much easier way in than I do.
- Of course, my flight was delayed. I don’t know why, but I have yet to catch a flight back home from these day trips that isn’t delayed. Luckily I had brought entertainment.
- I made good progress on a sock I brought. I love that jetblue has TV. I caught up on the cable shows I don’t have access to - some nice mindless watching after a long and busy day.
And on my way home from the airport, I couldn’t resist driving by a house I was interested in. The housing situation has been a roller coaster that doesn’t even stay on the coaster track but goes all over the place. I don’t like the time pressure I’m under. And yet this is not an unusual situation for many people. This was the first house I really felt good about - a good fit. It was in a solid town, cute little neighborhood, next to some conservation land, near public transportation, move in condition but allows for improvement. And I was just torturing myself by doing the drive by. It went on the market end of last week. I saw it on Sunday, contacted my realtor on Monday and by Monday night had scheduled to see it Wednesday morning. Only to have the meeting canceled an hour later. Turns out the owner already received 5 offers and accepted one. I’m so crushed. I was so close.
I can’t help but note that I feel like I’m in a relationship drama. I’m a homebody, so my residence is important to me. And it feels like my 6+ year relationship with my current place has come to a cross roads. It’s like “Jason” asked me to marry him and I just can’t decide if I want to commit. He’s a great “guy” and I feel comfortable with him, but is he really what I want to spend the next 10+ years with? Is he mature/large enough? So I’ve been looking around. I wouldn’t call it cheating, but I want to play the field to make sure I’m making the right decision. And I’m finding some crappy places out there that makes me really appreciate “Jason”. But I can’t help but see other places that look like better fits, only they’re too expensive, unavailable, etc. I’m in turmoil. And to add to it all “Jason” has put an ultimatum out there - you have to answer by xx date. I don’t actually have the date yet, but it’s bearing down on me. And I’m not one to settle. Ugh!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Home Sweet Home
So I'm writing this down so that I can come back in a years time (or so) and see how things have changed. I know things will work out but man am I stressing. I don't have a timeline but the clock is ticking on when I will have to move. When I was looking for an apartment all those years ago the big challenge was figuring out where I wanted to look not knowing the towns and neighborhoods being a newbie to the state.
Now, there are no apartments. What happened? I guess it was the housing market crash. I vaguely remember hearing on the news that there are a lot more renters now. Didn't worry me as I was comfy, nestled into my sweet digs. Now, I'd kill for any of the apartments I looked at before settling on this one.
And then there is the housing market. At least there are some of houses on the market. But living in a big metropolotin area means the prices aren't cheap. I could afford the mortgage/taxes/insurance on a bunch of nice places, but it's the downpayment, that is the kicker. I've done the math forwards and backwards, and nothing.
The thing that I'm stresing about is that I have no plan, no back-up plan, nothing. Initially I thought, find a new apartment, won't be as nice, but that's ok. This would be my back-up plan as I look into purchaing a place. I've run a ton of scenarios and now I wonder, how do people afford to live in this city. I know it will all work out, just like it has in the past, but I feel like any of my options is moving me downwards and backwards. Frustrating. Little did I know how much I was taking for granted my little home sweet home.
Now, there are no apartments. What happened? I guess it was the housing market crash. I vaguely remember hearing on the news that there are a lot more renters now. Didn't worry me as I was comfy, nestled into my sweet digs. Now, I'd kill for any of the apartments I looked at before settling on this one.
And then there is the housing market. At least there are some of houses on the market. But living in a big metropolotin area means the prices aren't cheap. I could afford the mortgage/taxes/insurance on a bunch of nice places, but it's the downpayment, that is the kicker. I've done the math forwards and backwards, and nothing.
The thing that I'm stresing about is that I have no plan, no back-up plan, nothing. Initially I thought, find a new apartment, won't be as nice, but that's ok. This would be my back-up plan as I look into purchaing a place. I've run a ton of scenarios and now I wonder, how do people afford to live in this city. I know it will all work out, just like it has in the past, but I feel like any of my options is moving me downwards and backwards. Frustrating. Little did I know how much I was taking for granted my little home sweet home.
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