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F/U to house hunting
*sigh*
We did some number-crunching, and... we can't really afford the house. Property taxes for the area are insane and they really mess up our monthly payment. Plus, we need to talk to all of our parents to find out exactly how they will help with down payment (most have already offered but we're still waiting for specifics). It was just too much too quickly. Trying to see the house again before essentially tomorrow was near impossible... too many logistics that weren't coordinating. And if we use all our money and the money our parents will give us all on the DP, then we'd have next to nothing in order to redo the roof, buy new appliances, paint, decorate, buy furniture, etc.
In the end it just didn't seem worth it without time to completely examine it and think it through.
We really liked that house. 
Hard to walk away, but I feel more relieved than regretful. Guess this was the right move then.
It was a good exercise though, and I think it was valuable in pushing us to the next level of seriousness for house hunting. Spring market is just about to open up! Bring it!
Ten months: Mr. Giggles!
A10 March Siggy: Next vacation - Maine!
kikijbunny (formerly kikijbird)
Our jbunny born April 17, 2011 at 34w 1d (EDD May 28) due to irritable ute + early dilation
Mommy Blog: And Baby Makes Pi
Pregnancy/Baby Blog: Eggs Over Anxious
BFP chart
Re: F/U to house hunting
Sorry to hear that! Property taxes in NJ are really insane, and it's a shame that it discourages people from buying homes they can otherwise afford. Believe me, I feel your pain, I put away $600 a month in property taxes alone. Insane!
Good luck with your search, it's good to learn from each experience and you will be very comfortable with your purchase when the right one comes along!
And that's AWESOME that you are getting help from your families with the DP - so jealous
Sorry to hear that. I am glad you guys are looking at the big picture though, no point in getting yourself in over your head!
The right house is just around the corner, I can feel it!
Sometimes things are just not meant to be! Hopefully you'll have plenty of luck with spring around the corner.
Also as an FYI, if the roof or something else is in need of major repair, you could put it as a condition on your offer that the seller fix it. It never hurts to try!
Shmel's Blog
Thanks Mel, we thought of that, but as it was a short sale, the place was selling "as is".
Ten months: Mr. Giggles!
A10 March Siggy: Next vacation - Maine!
kikijbunny (formerly kikijbird)
Our jbunny born April 17, 2011 at 34w 1d (EDD May 28) due to irritable ute + early dilation
Mommy Blog: And Baby Makes Pi
Pregnancy/Baby Blog: Eggs Over Anxious
BFP chart
Well the good news is it leaves open the possibility for you to still move in near some VERY cool people.
I'm glad you aren't rushing into it. We felt like we had time to think about it our house was on the market for a while (priced insanely high at first) and another deal had fallen through because the buyer couldn't get financing (appraisal value was lower then list price). So we had some time to work things through.
And yes property taxes are INSANE! However what makes me feel better occasionally our friends rent a studio in a walk-up on the LES (near the village) and they pay $300 MORE then our total mortgage taxes and insurance!
10/11: Dx PCOS, 2000mg Metformin
My Blog
April Nesties March siggy challenge: Next Vacation, Anguilla!!
Ditto this! It will happen soon and you will be happy you waited.
Thanks everyone! I'm finding it really hard to let it go... but I can't see how we would manage it. If only we'd had more time... *sigh*
@Lori -- we've been looking mostly in Essex County because we both work there (well, DH might work in Passaic, can't remember which county his store is in). Also curious about Morris County, but don't know if the taxes are just as bad.
Ten months: Mr. Giggles!
A10 March Siggy: Next vacation - Maine!
kikijbunny (formerly kikijbird)
Our jbunny born April 17, 2011 at 34w 1d (EDD May 28) due to irritable ute + early dilation
Mommy Blog: And Baby Makes Pi
Pregnancy/Baby Blog: Eggs Over Anxious
BFP chart