So, right in line w/ what Escape Brooklyn is up to, I thought I’d update you all on our house progress.
The cute house on the lake was a short sale, and in the month and a half we had an offer on it, we didn’t hear squat back from the bank to accept.
Anyway, to make a long story short, we found another house on the lake, only this one was bigger, and has a bigger lake front lot. The Master Bedroom is upstairs (yes, this one’s a two story) with a balcony overlooking the lake. It’s got a big bathroom, and a walk in closet that’s about 10×10. The front living room will even fit my 15′ Christmas tree.
The only downer is that this one isn’t updated. The kitchen will need to be expanded about 4 feet, the appliances updated, and particularly the flooring, both tile and berber carpet are the original 1996 install.
Still, these are all things that we can do ourselves, but the structure of the house is what we fell in love with. With a little TLC and some sprucing up, this place will be a dream by Christmas!
Lately I’ve been busy gathering financial documents, homeowner’s insurance policies, etc. Good thing I have renters in my old house again, as they wanted a copy of the lease for that one too.
Anyway, still kicking butt on the debt reduction progress as it stands. Next up is Ed’s $2000 student loan from his daughter’s first quarter in college.
Buying a house really tempts you to spend money… LOTS of money! But we’re taking it slow and getting into the swing of things before we go out and buy anything substantial for that place.
I’d love to get a new refrigerator, or washer and dryer, but we’re going to pay cash for them, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable until we free up some monthly cash flow (and debt). $2000 and $50/month for a student loan isn’t going to cut it!
New routine. 
New commute. 