House

 

In case you're not one of the people I've had a chance to talk to about it yet... I just bought a house. I presently actually own 0.7% of it and am in debt to the bank for more than I have earned in my life for the rest. I am spending this weekend and evenings next week cleaning and painting. I will be moving in during the first weekend of August (with family assistance). I know I have routinely expressed a dislike for Richmond, so this seems like an odd move, but the simple fact is that I will probably be here until I am eligible for my PE. This means at least another 3.25 years and given the current interest rates that is long enough to come out ahead in purchasing versus renting. The house also provides a little more space, a large shed/workshop, and the ability to turn some sweat into equity in the long run. That's the purely mercenary side. There's a lot more to it than that, it's just rather difficult to put into words. The basic upshot is its just really cool to actually own the place I'm going to be living. The minus side is I am rapidly realizing that I don't know nearly enough to take care of a house yet. I'm sure this will get better with time, but I'm scared to death of damaging something and having to live with the results. Oh well. I'm sure I'll figure it out soon.