The House Search

So we decided it would be best to put off purchasing a house until after the first of the year. Our apartment lease is up in February. We’d know what our income tax situation was. We could continue to save $500 a month and comfortably get whatever appliances were needed, buy paint, curtains etc. Then, I got an email notice that one of our favorite houses, in our absolutely favorite neighborhood went from $99,900 to $89,900! If only I hadn’t signed up for those email updates we wouldn’t be in this situation, but we might’ve lost our house.

Is it the right house? We’ve agonized over this. We love everything about it, except that the kitchen is small and there is outdated carpet upstairs. It’s all stuff we can live with. It has all of our essentials – a dishwasher, a covered porch for a swing, a dining room, space for an office, and a place to have small group Bible studies. It has new windows, newer roof and furnace, nice carpet, is clean, and is freshly painted. It is the best house in this price range in the right area. The problem is a few months and a few thousand dollars. Jason’s parents have generously given us an extension on the little bit of money we owe them. We may have to go a little bit into debt (besides the huge obvious debt), but only if something comes up like a major car repair or doctor bill. Other than that we will be close to even. We don’t feel like we can put this off. The house is an estate. They obviously want to move it, and fast.

This is one of the hugest decisions a person can make. We will be entering into a 30 year agreement! A mistake could cause a major ruckus in your life. I’m trying so hard to seek God and his will for us. I’m afraid that we started looking for a house too early, maybe out of greed or selfishness, and jumping the gun will bring dire consequences. Or, did God put it on our hearts to go ahead and start looking so that when the right house came about we’d be ready? I hope that because I am truly seeking him and wanting to make the best decision that he will give us clear direction. I know all to well how I can make up my own mind about what is best and then attribute my ideas to God. It’s hard to know what’s coming from one’s own selfish desires and what is coming from him.

The plan is to walk through the house again, this time with our parents, on Sunday. If no one can find anything major wrong, we will place on offer contingent on a house inspection. We need them to pay closing costs and the remainder of our lease. If they take our offer, and the house passes inspection, we’ve got it. If it’s not meant to be, a door will hopefully close along the way. Until then, I wish I could stop thinking about it! I’m stressing way too much!