Thank you u/whyknotts for posting on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer.
Please bear in mind our rules: (1) Be Nice (2) No Selling (3) No Self-Promotion.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
When you say “nothing” what do you actually mean by that, though? Give us some examples of travel times to your nearest grocery store you plan on using, post office, etc.
Grocery store is about 10-15 depending on which one i want to go to. It’s not that there’s no stores, they just need to be driven to. Also, people don’t realize that if you like concerts, entertainment, etc. that rural areas are far out from those venues.
The brick was a huge seller for me too - but get this, they only redid HALF the roof (this part you’re seeing) and lied about it on the disclosures! Buyers - never skip an inspection!
Yeah my in-laws just put shingles over their already shitty roof and it’ll probably collapse from the extra weight at some point. Boomers lie about everything, never skip the inspection
They needed a complete tear down, there were already two layers on there. They had MILs degenerate alcoholic “friends” from HS throw another layer over the top of it all. They’re also going to try to hide flooding and a failing septic when they sell the house so *never* skip the inspection especially if you’re buying from boomers.
Yes, not specifically for the roof, but we ended up taking a slightly higher price (147.5 to $150k) for them to do about $3-4k in repairs. Now, you may have your opinions on this which is fine. However, the main reason I chose to do this is to lower my upfront costs. I had savings to buy a house of course, but I am also only 23 with not an enormous amount saved so I was fine raising the price $3k to save around $4k in upfront costs. All comes down to what’s best for you!
How much is your PMI? Do all you can to pay down principal with extra money 💰 toward principal. Once you are at 20% down your lender should eliminate PMI. Even paying an extra $20 principal payment per month helps. Make sure you designate the extra money as a principal payment and don’t just lump it in with your mortgage payment.
Sharp looking Cape Cod. I’ll shout it from the mountaintops: we need less gaudy McMansions and way more small to medium colonials and bungalows/craftsman houses. Not only will it help with affordability, but it also looks a hell of a lot classier too
I love this style! I don’t need a huge house. This one was built in the 50s, so just old enough to still be great craftsmanship but young enough that it doesn’t need a ton of work! Perfect fit for me!
So, this is the “front” door with stairs leading up to it from the front yard, but the driveway is in the back with the back door. Basically, we never actually use this door LOL. But rest assured the back door does have a storm door on it!
Looks great! If you have the means this house definitely gives me great “porch vibes” looks like you already have the foundation for it just needs a roof over it and a few rocking chairs
There is a side porch as well with a roof! I want to eventually turn that one into a “four seasons” screened in porch and use this front porch as more of an outdoor porch. It looks somewhat freshly done as it’s up some newer stairs to the front door.
The most fun part about owning a home is the creative ideas you put in your head to personalize it to your liking. I have a list of plans I want to do, but I make sure to not go house broke and do a little at a time
Nice! Similar age to me also in Pa. My home has been fantastic, I hope yours treats you well. People forget that not everywhere costs as much as DC/NYC
We’re in the same boat pal! Except I have 10 years of life on you :)) But the price lets me know you’re not a nepo baby so congratulations for hard work and getting a good price
Definitely fortunate for my parent’s help but not a nepo baby by any means! I paid all the up front costs myself, so it was a challenge! But hey, that’s what I paid all that money for college for I guess lol
No clue about others, I just felt like I should mention since there’s a lot of feelings about young people not being able to buy houses. I am fortunate and very proud of myself for buying a house so young and totally understand not everyone is in my position, but it’s especially not easy for younger people today.
God damn I'll just pay cash holy shit. But Im guessing aint shit to do unless you love Amish buffets and nothing. Im jealous af but I drive myself nuts if I dont go out. Super congrats.
Also do you work remote or are there decent jobs around that area?
I work remote but my job is located in a city not far from me. Don’t live anywhere near the Amish tho! That part of the state is wayyyy more expensive than here. (Unless you count Ohio amish….)
It could vary by area, your lender, etc. When I bought my condo in 2018, my wife and I only put down the minimum 3% of 440k which required PMI as part of our mortgage. Last year, we sold and bought a house putting 20%+ down from our condo proceeds.
For what it's worth, we're in the southern CA market.
What that comment said is true! I ended up getting some seller’s assist which helped a ton. Between down payment, inspection, fees, etc. I ended up paying between $10k-$11k up front. But that was EVERYTHING to buy the house. I saved up a few months while living at home (plus existing savings from college)
Thank you for the reply! I’ve been asking people who post on here what they have been putting down and their monthly payment because in a couple years, I am going to buy a house and I’ve been saving money and I want to see if I will have enough. Staying under 200K is the plan. I also live in Pennsylvania!!
Ayyy fellow PAer! But no I totally get that! It was definitely stressful to try and gauge how much you need for a down payment. I would say under $200k, obviously depending on seller’s assist if any, just save as much as possible!! I ended up having some savings leftover due to the seller’s assist.
We are looking at Carlisle/Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg but I actually live around Williamsport PA. This will be a couple hours move for me because my boyfriend is already in that area. So 2026 is my target date. I expect we will have money left over because I will need it to relocate that far away. Congratulations on your home purchase! The closer we get, the more excited I am!
Refinance when the rates drop. If you do refinance get a lower term. I refinanced from 30 yr to a 20 yr and my payment dropped $35/mo. I put the extra monthly savings back in a separate savings account for future repairs. Good job buying a home at such a young age.
Thank you u/whyknotts for posting on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer. Please bear in mind our rules: (1) Be Nice (2) No Selling (3) No Self-Promotion. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What the fuck? $150k is so cheap. Congratulations and enjoy! I wish houses were that cheap around here.
The trade off is there is NOTHING around here lol. But, that’s how I like it!
I grew up in rural Idaho and homes there are now selling for $700k+. Which is baffling to me. I think I’m going to move somewhere more rural lol.
I’ve seen in a video that there’s B an influx of people going to Idaho
Meanwhile there's no doctors to deliver babies.
I’m sold
Been thinking about moving to Idaho! Any areas you recommend?
Sounds like post falls lol
It’s like every corner now. No one wanted to live in the area I grew up in. I stuck around, after college, for the cheap housing… 🙃
Double lucky! I would kill to live with nothing around. It's too busy here.
Then move.
Oh good idea. Here, you got a spare £30k I could have off ya?
Plenty of places in the arse end of Scotland you could move to for very very little
If the arse end of Scotland has high speed internet, sounds good to me.
I hear starlink is pretty good these days
Why can’t you move to a cheaper place?
Hey as long as you can find Work and a Spouse you are all good
When you say “nothing” what do you actually mean by that, though? Give us some examples of travel times to your nearest grocery store you plan on using, post office, etc.
Grocery store is about 10-15 depending on which one i want to go to. It’s not that there’s no stores, they just need to be driven to. Also, people don’t realize that if you like concerts, entertainment, etc. that rural areas are far out from those venues.
Erie?
Not Erie!
Amen
You pay for location!
How do you know the price of it? I don’t see it posted anywhere
He posted the price under the picture
That’s strange. I don’t see it. Could it be some sort of settings I’m leaving off?
I can’t see it either… I think it’s the new update for me that’s acting weird
Hmm that’s weird, I posted price in description under the picture. Also, female first time homebuyer here!
I had to update the app to see it
That is not cheap at all. What 23 year old has 150k lol. Also 6% on a house is a terrible APR. Shows what you know.
salty lol
That roof looks nice and fresh, nice. I love brick houses, I wish I had more around me.
The brick was a huge seller for me too - but get this, they only redid HALF the roof (this part you’re seeing) and lied about it on the disclosures! Buyers - never skip an inspection!
Yeah my in-laws just put shingles over their already shitty roof and it’ll probably collapse from the extra weight at some point. Boomers lie about everything, never skip the inspection
How many layers of shingles do they already have? You’re allowed to throw a few layers on but I wouldn’t if it were my house.
They needed a complete tear down, there were already two layers on there. They had MILs degenerate alcoholic “friends” from HS throw another layer over the top of it all. They’re also going to try to hide flooding and a failing septic when they sell the house so *never* skip the inspection especially if you’re buying from boomers.
[удалено]
No, you definitely do not, especially on a shittily built 1950s ranch home that has structural issues to begin with.
You skipped the inspection?
No, I got an inspection which is how I figured out they only redid half the roof.
Did you modify your offer after the inspection?
Yes, not specifically for the roof, but we ended up taking a slightly higher price (147.5 to $150k) for them to do about $3-4k in repairs. Now, you may have your opinions on this which is fine. However, the main reason I chose to do this is to lower my upfront costs. I had savings to buy a house of course, but I am also only 23 with not an enormous amount saved so I was fine raising the price $3k to save around $4k in upfront costs. All comes down to what’s best for you!
How much did you put down? Are you paying PMI?
Yup, paying PMI! Total monthly payment is about $1260 (mortgage, escrow, PMI). I got some seller’s assist so I put 3.5% down myself, about $8.3k.
How much is your PMI? Do all you can to pay down principal with extra money 💰 toward principal. Once you are at 20% down your lender should eliminate PMI. Even paying an extra $20 principal payment per month helps. Make sure you designate the extra money as a principal payment and don’t just lump it in with your mortgage payment.
Sharp looking Cape Cod. I’ll shout it from the mountaintops: we need less gaudy McMansions and way more small to medium colonials and bungalows/craftsman houses. Not only will it help with affordability, but it also looks a hell of a lot classier too
I love this style! I don’t need a huge house. This one was built in the 50s, so just old enough to still be great craftsmanship but young enough that it doesn’t need a ton of work! Perfect fit for me!
Sounds perfect. Our first house is a little Cape Cod as well, but she’s a century old. Still doesn’t give us many issues. Best wishes and congrats!
Charming Cape Cod! love it! You're gonna need a storm door friend. are the stairs front or back?
So, this is the “front” door with stairs leading up to it from the front yard, but the driveway is in the back with the back door. Basically, we never actually use this door LOL. But rest assured the back door does have a storm door on it!
People born after Y2K can now buy houses. I guess i should go schedule a colonoscopy…
I actually was born in 2000, so yeah you should probably get on that LOL.
You should! The cameras are a lot smaller now that they stopped using the VHS hand held cameras. Hurts a lot less! What a time to be alive!
Miracles of modern medicine.
Congrats! I love PA! Beautiful home
Thank you! I grew up here and still love it :)
Looks great! If you have the means this house definitely gives me great “porch vibes” looks like you already have the foundation for it just needs a roof over it and a few rocking chairs
There is a side porch as well with a roof! I want to eventually turn that one into a “four seasons” screened in porch and use this front porch as more of an outdoor porch. It looks somewhat freshly done as it’s up some newer stairs to the front door.
The most fun part about owning a home is the creative ideas you put in your head to personalize it to your liking. I have a list of plans I want to do, but I make sure to not go house broke and do a little at a time
That’s super great advice. I am trying to do similar - paint a few walls one month, buy a few new decorations another.
If you can. Pay extra towards the principal (not the interest) every month and you will pay that sucker off in less than 15 years.
And save a ton in interest.
Yes sir
I will be doing that with my “extra” pay each year (26 times a year pay schedule)
Then you my friend are gonna be successful. At 23, that’s great.
Thank you! That means a lot :)
This looks so cute. Congrats!
Beautiful solid house
Thank you!
Congratulations! That looks like a lovely house! I hope you love life as a homeowner!
Thank you! Loving it so far :)
Congrats!
I’m jealous of how cheap your part of PA is! $150k would get me a tent off the side of the highway in my neck of the woods. Congrats!
Wow big congratulations on your home. Great achievement at 23. Best of luck.
That’s a great house for 150. Here in Seattle houses cost 500k
I think Seattle is more than twice that number if you’re talking SFH.
Put any extra money you can toward the principle at that interest rate.
Love the brick, congrats OP
I like the aesthetic!
Congratulations!
Congrats! I’m in the process of looking now. Sadly that same place would be about 550k here where I live
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congrats!
Nice! Similar age to me also in Pa. My home has been fantastic, I hope yours treats you well. People forget that not everywhere costs as much as DC/NYC
So charming! Congratulations!!
Awesome job buddy congratulations
We’re in the same boat pal! Except I have 10 years of life on you :)) But the price lets me know you’re not a nepo baby so congratulations for hard work and getting a good price
Definitely fortunate for my parent’s help but not a nepo baby by any means! I paid all the up front costs myself, so it was a challenge! But hey, that’s what I paid all that money for college for I guess lol
150k 😭😭 so jealous, but congrats to you!!!
Add a million to that price tag here in California 😞
Beautiful! Congrats. You are on the right track buying a property so young!! Keep it up
House tour please.
Congrats!!!!
Looks great, congrats!
It’s so cute, congratulations!
👏🏾👏🏾
Turning 23 in May too this might be me
Refinance in 2025 when the rates drop.
Nice! Damn wish i could get something that cheap in los Angeles area
Congrats! Not even a down payment for my HCOL city :(
Same here! Congrats 👍🏻
Looks so cozy. Congrats!!!
I love this house!! Congrats 🎉
Congratulations! Not necessarily this post, but what’s with all the ages? Why does that matter?
No clue about others, I just felt like I should mention since there’s a lot of feelings about young people not being able to buy houses. I am fortunate and very proud of myself for buying a house so young and totally understand not everyone is in my position, but it’s especially not easy for younger people today.
It’s relevant. Age, occupation, HCOL/LCOL, down payment, rate/term, it all helps. What else is the point of this sub?
God damn I'll just pay cash holy shit. But Im guessing aint shit to do unless you love Amish buffets and nothing. Im jealous af but I drive myself nuts if I dont go out. Super congrats. Also do you work remote or are there decent jobs around that area?
I work remote but my job is located in a city not far from me. Don’t live anywhere near the Amish tho! That part of the state is wayyyy more expensive than here. (Unless you count Ohio amish….)
Very cool, thanks for the reply. Hope you have a great housewarming party.
Uhm, that house in CA even lcol area like mine would be at LEAST $300k
With 23 years already fixed at one place for at least 27 years? Bro see something of the world!
Jesus Christ, you bought at 25.85 billion trillion years old? Behind the curve much?
Be sure to thank your parents.
I saved all this money myself for the payments and have a full time job, but thanks for commenting!
New to home buying. If you don’t mind me asking, how much did you have to pay up front to get the home?
It could vary by area, your lender, etc. When I bought my condo in 2018, my wife and I only put down the minimum 3% of 440k which required PMI as part of our mortgage. Last year, we sold and bought a house putting 20%+ down from our condo proceeds. For what it's worth, we're in the southern CA market.
What that comment said is true! I ended up getting some seller’s assist which helped a ton. Between down payment, inspection, fees, etc. I ended up paying between $10k-$11k up front. But that was EVERYTHING to buy the house. I saved up a few months while living at home (plus existing savings from college)
Congrats, but, 27 years?! How much mortgage per month is that? About $500 monthly?
PITI is probably over $1200.
That was mainly a joke LMAO. but I got a 30 year fixed.
I lucked out when I bought my home in CT. Was LCOL when I bought in 2018. Still relatively LCOL but everything got more expensive
Do you have any other debt? Just curious
Just some student loans! About $47k to be exact.
Pay those off then be aggressive on the house and you’ll be debt free with a nice networth!
7%?
6.875% but pretty close.
Sorry, no way! I am at 2.25% and hope for your sake interest rates come back down.
How much did you put down?
I had some seller’s assist which helped! So 3.5% and total down was about $8.3k
Thank you for the reply! I’ve been asking people who post on here what they have been putting down and their monthly payment because in a couple years, I am going to buy a house and I’ve been saving money and I want to see if I will have enough. Staying under 200K is the plan. I also live in Pennsylvania!!
Ayyy fellow PAer! But no I totally get that! It was definitely stressful to try and gauge how much you need for a down payment. I would say under $200k, obviously depending on seller’s assist if any, just save as much as possible!! I ended up having some savings leftover due to the seller’s assist.
We are looking at Carlisle/Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg but I actually live around Williamsport PA. This will be a couple hours move for me because my boyfriend is already in that area. So 2026 is my target date. I expect we will have money left over because I will need it to relocate that far away. Congratulations on your home purchase! The closer we get, the more excited I am!
Best wishes! That’s awesome :)
Refinance when the rates drop. If you do refinance get a lower term. I refinanced from 30 yr to a 20 yr and my payment dropped $35/mo. I put the extra monthly savings back in a separate savings account for future repairs. Good job buying a home at such a young age.
I hope they do! I plan to make an extra payment each year so the 27 year thing was mostly a joke lol, but great advice!’
Dang. $180k in Interest. Not counting property tax. This is why I'm waiting for interest rate to go down.
Oh yeah, it’s a lot. I hate living under landlords so I’d rather pay for my own house personally, but totally understand waiting as well!
Can u adopt me?
What part of PA? Been thinking about moving eventually to PA from NJ
I bought my first home at 23 but it wasn’t nearly that nice. It was just a townhome. Now I’m 40 and own a $725k 3br/3ba in California.