Homeownership has been the most exciting and terrifying thing I have ever experienced thus far in my life. And although I am no expert yet, I have learned so many things this past week:
1) Organization is Key. People are always give me fluff about how over the top organized I am, OCD and how I love to make lists of things to do, but it's the only way to go when you are trying to rip an entire house apart, paint, and move all at once.
2) People will always be negative. I've noticed that a lot of people's first words after they hear we have a house they say, "Welcome to homeownership", "Wait until reality sets in", etc. Which made me think, why do people always have to be so negative when something good is happening in your life? It's like, they try and use their bad experiences to warn you or put the fear of God in you. I've never understood that. Take charge of your own destiny and don't repeat what others have created for themselves. Basically what I'm trying to say, is don't let what others have experienced become your fears, it's doesn't have to be like that. Don't take everything so seriously, stop and smell the roses and enjoy everything when it's happening; don't think about all the what-ifs.
3) Coupons, discounts and sales are your best friend. It sounds super dorky, but getting a notebook and going store to store to do a little research is not old fashioned. If you wanna save some dough you gotta see what's all out there. There are SO many decisions and choices to make and the more you know about the better decision you can make. It can all be overwhelming, but if you see the saved money, you'll end up loving the decision even more.
4) Be picky. Now I'm talking more about the fun stuff, but when it comes to home decor, don't be cheap, be picky. Get what you like. You get what you pay for, they are right about that. If you find something you adore, chances are you already pictured it in your home, so you should probably buy it.
5) Be Patient and say Thank You. Chances are when you start the journey of homeownership it can test your ability to be patient and courteous. Friends and family will offer to help with anything they possibly can, so let them, and say thank you. At the end of it all you have the luxury of inviting them all to your dinner table to celebrate in all your hard work.
