Neighbor News
Curse of the “M” Word Lifted After Taking the Plunge.
Single woman faces fears to acquire the American Dream.
If you’re a single woman finding yourself hung up on the “M” word, perhaps I can help give you a fresh perspective. For me, it wasn’t marriage that I was struggling with; it was my fear of mortgage.
Even though I spent most of my first 25 years of my adult life paying someone else’s mortgage, I couldn’t imagine how I would manage repairs, taxes, furnishings, utilities and insurance, let alone the added purchases of appliances or lawn care equipment. Dealing with an old decrepit vehicle and debt didn’t help matters. Already working two jobs just to pay the rent and other necessities, I barely made ends meet as it was. What if I lose my job, then what? The thought of owning a piece of the American Dream was pointless.
I won’t get into the depths of the environments I lived in, because if you’re an unhappy renter, you’re already cognizant of how much control you have over your surroundings. What really matters is why I didn’t think to have a serious conversation with a Realtor® until I was in my early forties. If you get anything out of this message, I hope it’s to help you consider having a discussion about a life changing opportunity long before that. In hindsight, had I invested in a mortgage much earlier, my home would have been close if not paid off by the time I actually took the plunge. Keep reading, I’ll convey some of the other revelations of my journey.
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Recently, I had shared my curse of the “M” word during a luncheon with my dear friend and colleague Arnette Awe, Realtor® in Woodbury, MN. Her reaction is what prompted me to tell my story. Arnette revealed that there are many single women out there in similar situations. They don’t know that there are solutions and programs available to help most candidates. She has recently put up an evolving venue www.ContactArnette.com to educate you on the home buying process and to encourage you to have that conversation with her or a Realtor® close to you.
After having that discussion with my Realtor® back then, I had all the ammunition I needed to make informed decisions about what to do next. Yes, I did have to pay down my debt, make sure my credit was strong enough to pass the eligibility requirements and find a way to save enough money for a down payment. It meant giving up bad habits, working a few extra hours a week and putting a solid plan in place to make my dream come true. In the end, it was all worth it.
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Words cannot convey the feeling of freedom that came with the purchase of my new home. The pride and jubilation of becoming a first time home owner was awe-inspiring. The day after I moved in, I still remember the sun shining through my bedroom window. The birds were chirping. The moment was surreal. It was as though I stepped out of darkness into a new world. Walking through the house felt like I was strolling through a mansion. Granted it was only a three bedroom Rambler, but to me it was like a mansion coming from a small one bedroom apartment.
As for repairs and other responsibilities of home ownership, that was actually a lot easier than I thought. I bartered for many things and was very resourceful. Friends, family and neighbors were there too lending a helping hand when I needed it.
In conclusion, my home ownership journey led to another “M” word fear. Yes, marriage. Within four years of purchasing my home, my Mr. Right came along and we started our happy ever after. Who knows, what happened to me could happen to you. Take the next step and find out what you need to do to realize your American Dream!
Thank you Arnette for your contribution to this article.
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