After college I had moved to a bigger city (Los Angeles) for adventure and to pursue other things. This is when I got really into food blogging, and after a few short years decided I'd rather live near my family and work with my sister in our little Midwest hometown. As I packed and planned for my move home, I started dreaming about buying a house. I couldn't afford to right then, but the possibility was much more real than thinking about buying a house in LA. The cost of living between LA and Springfield, MO is… very different. But I also felt intimidated about trying to buy a home. What if I applied for a loan and got rejected? Would it hurt my chances because I was single and only 24 years old? It felt like a far fetched goal, but I kept dreaming—and occasionally looking at houses for sale online. 🙂
I knew if I wanted a shot at buying a home anytime soon I needed to save up a substantial down payment. Saving money is hard! I was able to find ways to pinch pennies, and my generous parents let me live at home for a year (rent free). And so, I saved. And saved. It became a little bit of game to watch my tiny savings account grow. I made monthly goals and skipped just-for-fun purchases, so I could meet those goals. And after a year of saving, I had right around 10% for a down payment (based on my house budget).
I knew if I wanted a shot at buying a home anytime soon I needed to save up a substantial down payment. Saving money is hard! I was able to find ways to pinch pennies, and my generous parents let me live at home for a year (rent free). And so, I saved. And saved. It became a little bit of game to watch my tiny savings account grow. I made monthly goals and skipped just-for-fun purchases, so I could meet those goals. And after a year of saving, I had right around 10% for a down payment (based on my house budget).Another concern I had was my credit score. (Oh no, I just used the words "credit score." Did you just fall asleep? Anyone still there?) This was something I had been somewhat mindful of for years. Because I am a total dork. I am not a credit score genius, but I do know about a few basics: Pay your bills on time, use a credit card but keep the balance low, don't close out accounts, don't open a bunch of unnecessary accounts, etc.
I was also very nervous about applying as a single lady. Of course single folks buy homes all the time. I just didn't really have any close friends who had. It seemed like a really adult thing to do (apply for a loan) and expensive. Having another income maker seems like a safer bet than a single person, and I was just hoping that my bank wouldn't necessarily see it that way. I am also self employed so that creates a whole new layer of confusion for some loan offices. Applying for and getting a home loan was intimidating and nerve wrecking. Why lie? But I tried to just face things one step (or one form) at a time and keep going until I got approved or denied.
But even more than being afraid I couldn't get a loan I was nervous about picking out a house. All. By. Myself. It was me who had to decide what features were important, what neighborhood was best and it was me who had to negotiate the sale (with the kind help of my real estate agent). I get uncomfortable about money negotiations. I am very unexcited for the day I have to buy a new car. I just feel shy and awkward during money talks. So negotiating the sale of my house was a scary thing to think about.
I was also very nervous about applying as a single lady. Of course single folks buy homes all the time. I just didn't really have any close friends who had. It seemed like a really adult thing to do (apply for a loan) and expensive. Having another income maker seems like a safer bet than a single person, and I was just hoping that my bank wouldn't necessarily see it that way. I am also self employed so that creates a whole new layer of confusion for some loan offices. Applying for and getting a home loan was intimidating and nerve wrecking. Why lie? But I tried to just face things one step (or one form) at a time and keep going until I got approved or denied.But even more than being afraid I couldn't get a loan I was nervous about picking out a house. All. By. Myself. It was me who had to decide what features were important, what neighborhood was best and it was me who had to negotiate the sale (with the kind help of my real estate agent). I get uncomfortable about money negotiations. I am very unexcited for the day I have to buy a new car. I just feel shy and awkward during money talks. So negotiating the sale of my house was a scary thing to think about.
But looking at homes (aka shopping), well, that was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I looked at a lot of houses online, narrowing my search. I remember the first day I went to look at houses in person. My realtor and I had two houses we were seeing that day, my top two choices. The first one I was REALLY excited about because it had all wood ceilings and floors. I love wood. It was listed as a four bedroom, which was sort of weird because my price range mainly included three bedroom homes. I got there a few minutes early to check out the neighborhood and… it was ok. I had no expectations for a gated and manicured suburb, but this neighborhood was very underwhelming. Then we entered the house and I loved the wood ceilings even more in person. They were charming and it felt so cabin-like. What I didn't like so much was how two of the "bedrooms" were separated by a sliding glass door. Yep. I guess they had added on to the house but left the sliding glass door instead of replacing it with a wall or regular door. For charm? In my mind I was thinking that maybe I could just get the door taken out and open up the room into one large master bedroom. It would no longer be a "four bedroom" house, but I didn't think it could really function as one with the sliding glass door anyway. Maybe an office space? One of the other bedrooms was only large enough for a bed (a small bed). The backyard space was mostly taken up by a unkempt storage shed. And after we left the house my realtor noticed that he had flea bites on his legs.
So that house was a no. And I felt a little discouraged. We didn't see the second house that day, because the owners asked to reschedule. When I got home that afternoon my dad asked how house shopping had gone, and I told him I was beginning to feel a little defeated. Maybe I didn't have the budget to really get a decent house and I should wait.Later that week I did get to see the second house. And it was lovely. It had mostly wood floors, tile kitchen, carpet bedrooms, neutral walls, a nice backyard and a decent neighborhood. It has all cedar siding too, which I love. I put in a bid. We went back and forth. I got an inspection. Yada yada. I bought it! I remember last year, on August 15th, sitting in a little room and signing SO many papers while my realtor, his boss, my loan officer and a few others watched. My loan officer gave me a candle; it smelled like apple pie. And then I was a home owner. I had keys and a garage door opener.
One year later I am still in love with my little house. And although I am no home buying expert, I feel really proud that I did it! In this post you can see some peeks of my bedroom; I'm planning to do a full home tour later this year. But I'm not quite ready. I'm a very, very slow decorator (apparently). Thanks for letting me share my home buying story with you. xo. Emma
126 Comments
Wow, that’s totally awesome! I can’t wait to peep into your beautiful home!
Fang Ting
http://ftashion.blogspot.com
This is a wonderful post Emma. I think it’s fantastic that you did this all on your own. I’ve been dreaming of buying my own home a lot lately and have been saving as much as I can for a down payment. New mortgage rules in Canada mean that I’ll have to save 20% so it may take me a while to reach my goal but I know it will be worth it when I get there. Thank you for sharing your experience.
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca
Allison-I hadn’t heard of this in Canada, how interesting. I know you can do it. Best of luck!!!
oh my gosh, I love your decorations! What a lovely place you have!
http://www.tinacious.me/
Thanks for sharing your real experience. I bought my home 2 years ago, and it was… vaguely terrifying. Yup. PS, I’m really enjoying hearing your voice more on this blog. I feel like your personality is really starting to shine through your writing 🙂
I love your blog. i visit every day 😉
i finally opened mine http://blogcashmeremafia.blogspot.com
kisses from spain
Awesome! I’m glad you shared this, as I’m living at home right now & saving up (slowly but surely) for my house a little ways down the road, I really appreciate hearing of your experience, Emma. Can’t wait to See the pics of your casa!
Thanks for sharing, Emma! I also bought my first house at 24 and thankfully had a wonderful real estate agent who held my hand through everything.
BTW – your head board is amazing! Did you make it? If yes – is there a DIY posted??
It’s great to hear that you bought a home one your own. Inspiring to know that you don’t have to wait for a partner. If you’re ready, then do it anyway You should be proud that you were terrified, but did it anyway.
– tianna 🙂
congratulations on buying your own house! I would love to have owned a house at 24. Well, at 29 I’d love to own a house, but that is not something likely to happen for a while. House prices in the UK are EXPENSIVE! … Maybe I should move to Springfiled, ha!
Erica W-Thanks! My headboard is just something my dad and I created. We didn’t take photos as we built it but I may share more about it sometime anyway. 🙂
Good for you girl! It’s funny that you were discouraged after looking at just one house…but I know what that’s like! They have a knack for making houses look more charming online than they actually are in person, and fleas are left out of the description for some reason 🙂
The moment when you get the keys is the best!
Cheers to having your very own space.
Amazing story, Emma. My boyfriend and I also purchased our first home last year. I was only 23 when we signed the papers. We also bought privately without a real estate agent. That was certainly interesting! But I am in love with our little house and it has been the best (and most stressful) year of my life. I have learned so much!
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your blog very much.
Greetings from Indonesia. This post is so inspiring.. still trying to save to buy our own home.. anyway love those dreamcatchers! Can’t wait for your home tour 🙂
http://houseofkikies.wordpress.com/
Lovely and inspiring post! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience. Now it makes me so excited about shopping for our dream house. I know it will still take years, but still, i am so excited!!! The photos are also very gorgeous!!!
xoxo
ida
http://asplashofida.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing about the house buying process. I’m a little younger than you are, and it never occurred to me to even think of owning a house by the age of 24. Also, I love seeing peeks of your decorating, and I’m looking forward to seeing more.
I’m so glad you shared your home buying story! I get so nervous about making big purchases and know that you do too and that you were able to do it at such a young age is just amazing!!! Congrats to you!!!!!
Congrats!
http://lavieenliz.com
Such a great story! It must have been so scary to do it by yourself but sounds like you picked a lovely home 🙂
xoxo Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
My husband and I are currently in the home-buying process and I must say, it’s rather nice to hear about someone else going through the steps! We’ve been disappointed with a lot of homes so far and our fingers are crossed that a good one will come up soon. The last one we saw was adorable online but had rotting wood and no yard at all in person.
Congratulations on your first year with your home!
i spy with my little eye some ohjoy wallpaper! Lovely!
What a lovely story and what a great peek inside your home!
Congrats on your home-owner anniversary tomorrow!
I love the fact that you bought it by yourself. I think it is much more difficult buying a home on your own. Others can give their opinion (sometimes whether you want them to or not :p) and stand by you in that stressful time, but in the end, it is YOUR home! It is all down to you..
My husband and I moved into our home a little over a year ago (July 12 2011), but due to some recent events we are facing the fact that we might actually have to sell our “forever” home, the home we got married in, not even a year ago…
At first I was sad, but then I remembered a saying I had read on a magnet over ten years ago: “A house is not a home without a dog”. It’s just silly, but it made me laugh.
A beautiful house is wonderful! But having things like a dog (a pug puppy in our case) and friends and other loved ones to share it with and making it a true home, is much more important that the actual house!
X!
Sarah
P.S. That doesn’t mean I’m not dreaming away looking at lovely houses (maybe a someday-home?), and that I don’t love a good peek inside a great home! I can’t wait!
Thank you for sharing! It helps me to not feel alone as I make big life changes, too!
You are so inspiring! For moving back to be with your family, for stretching yourself to do something that didn’t come naturally, for saving longer than I have ever personally saved… Thanks for sharing this!
Aw I love your story! I’m so glad you found the perfect house for you, and the fact that you went through the whole process on your own is really great!
~Katrina
http://www.katrinathecatlady.blogspot.com
Congrats on your home-iversary, Emma!
Happy House-a-versary!!
http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing your home buying story. I haven’t been able to do this yet. We’re 30 & we have enough money saved to do so, but we’ll probably have to move in a little under 2 years (like out of the state) so it doesn’t make too much sense for us to do it now 🙁 I’m sooo looking forward to the day though!
Gratz! I so much love what you did with the old doorframes.. so beautiful and creative! 😉
Those lacey dream catcher contraptions are WONDERFUL. I need to figure out my own version. Lovely new home. xoxo
You go girl! Can’t wait to see the full house tour. xx
Congrats on your first year with your home! yay. Your bedroom seems lovely! I can’t wait till i’m going to buy my first house, the house-shopping, the decorating! so exciting but also a bit scary, especially when it’s your first time!
http://bravebrunette.blogspot.com
Oh, such a great story!!
Oh my gosh. Those dream catchers are beautiful. If you DIYed them could you please do a tutorial?? Love this post! Thank you
Emma,
Your home buying story is so similar to mine! I started looking right after I graduated college when I was 21. I was nervous about getting approved for a loan, my credit score, and doing it alone as a very young, single lady. I looked for 9 MONTHS. I put bids on 3 different houses. They always say third time’s a charm. I’m coming up on my 3rd year in my house this September. The remodeling, painting, changing little touches, decorating, etc is an extrememly slow process when you do it all yourself. I’ve learned how to tile with ceramic tile and grout it. I’ve learned how to patch and repair walls. My dad even showed me how to remove and build walls, as we changed up my master bedroom A LOT. It’s such a fun process, and I’m glad you shared. I felt like I was alone in the home buying as a single woman club.
Melissa
Wow! Congrats to you on buying a house at 24 years of age, single, and being self-employed!! I am going through this process right now, only am engaged, work for a huge corporation, and am almost 30.
The biggest thing that is defeating me now is that I am looking in California! That was probably your best move to move back home, because like you said, the cost of living is a HUGE difference. We have looked at probably over 30 houses…and put at least 10 offers in…and have been out bid by cash investors EVERY TIME! I am crossing my fingers and toes that something happens soon..thanks for sharing your house-buying story, though it sounds like it was a lot less stressful than mine has been…I know you were probably ready to grab those keys and run with them once they were placed in your hands!!
Congrats, Emma! I completely lucked out with my husband… He had the same idea as you, and though he was single at 24, he decided to buy a home instead of renting. He picked out the perfect little fixer upper; and as soon as our relationship got serious, he started renovating. 🙂 Completely lucked out… Did I say that already? haha. Congrats on being a homeowner! There’s really nothing like the gratification of making your home into what you want it to be. 🙂 Much love, Emma!
http://rivercitysammon.com
Thank you for sharing this, Emma! I’m planning on buying a house so I found this post really inspiring 🙂
thank you for sharing your experience… i hope one day to be able to own my home.
Very inspiring! I am also head over heels for your dreamcatchers! Did you do the macrame yourself or did you purchase them? The white one is amazing!
Thank you so much for posting this! I am going through this process RIGHT NOW as we speak and it has certainly been a roller coaster. My friends think I’m kinda nuts — it’s a big commitment for a young, single person. I definitely needed to know there are other savvy (or trying to be, in my case) young women out there who have done it, too. Thanks again!
The doily dreamcatchers on that huge bedframe are terrific!!
Very beautiful Emma.
Shop Beautiful Casual Dresses Online at CopperEtiquette
beautiful bedroom, so rustic and comfy looking. Good for you for buying it on your own!
Well done, you did an amazing job all by yourself! xxx
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Thanks for this information Emma! I love how post by post (especially “everyday Emma”) I’ve come to the realization: You are hilarious girl! Love the wit – great writing! Always love from Canada
Loved this post. The hubby and I are home shopping now. Unfortunately because I am too cool for a job (I nanny, sell paintings, have a vintage etsy shop) we cannot count any of my income for a loan. Oh bother. This has limited our choices for the housing market in our dinky city, but we have high hopes! Thanks for sharing!
COngratulations! My fiance and I close on our home tomorrow! eeeee! 🙂
grace
http://herumbrella.com
Congratulations! I really like your rustic-y style for your house. Adorable, can’t wait to see the full house tour!
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
I’ve moving houses at the moment. It’s really fun rearranging furniture and decorating, but I really want to make it look vintage and buy lots of things for an art studio, but I don’t have any money. I like to go for cheap things, or make things myself. That’s why I love this website because everything that you and your sister recommend is affordable!! Love you both a lot xx and I’m sure your house will look nice once you’ve completed the decoration process 🙂
Great story, I know exactly what you went through, I just purchased my first home last year. Its hard but it will be worht it. Congrats and cant wait to see more pictures!
http://www.LesliMarie.com
You can really be proud at yourself. These photos look great!
http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
Emma your story is so inspiring. I currently live in L.A and know exactly what you mean with buying a house in this crazy city. I also spotted Oh Joy’s wallpaper in one of your photos, how cool! Looking forward to the whole tour in the future.
Your bedroom looks so comfy and I really enjoyed reading your story! Although I’m not even close to think about buying a house, it was really interesting 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of your house, too!
Greetings from Germany,
Kathrin
I love what you’ve shown us of your home. So nicely decorated. The picture of you on the bed with your doggy belongs in a frame on someone’s side table! 🙂
I so recognise myself in what you are writing… I just bought an apartment and I’m moving in this weekend. It is such a big step. Scary but fun and thrilling…
Wow your interior is amazing; I adore the way you decorated! You kept it so personal and so you 🙂
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Thank you so much for this wonderful and very encouraging story! I don’t think I’ll ever buy a house, but still. Maybe I’ll grow up one day 🙂
x
Sabrina
apixiesviewonfashion.com
Congratulations Emma! What an inspiring story! I work in the financial industry and know how intimidating it can be, but you did the right thing to just go for it one step at a time. That’s how all great dreams are achieved. You are an inspiration!
Wowzer, congratulations! 😀
I dream everyday of owning my own home but sadly here in England it’s impossible! Deposits are huge, even for a flat. We can only afford rent for a teeny tiny one-bed flat. It breaks my heart!
what a gorgeous lamp!! where did you find that treasure?!
Thanks so much for posting about this! I am 24 right now, and now that I have a full-time job I’m starting to think about the possibility of buying a house. I think it would be better in the long run than renting, and housing in Pittsburgh is fairly cheap. I have the same kinds of worries though; I’m single and am not sure if anyone will give me the loans. Anyway, I really appreciated reading about your experience…I know a lot of people who have bought or are buying houses, and it always helps to hear what other people have experienced so I will have a better idea of what to expect.
Im still finishing college, but one day I cant wait for this to be me! Thanks for the story, Im already getting excited for when its my time!
Wonderful share for other singles who are coming up on similar scary feats in the near future!
you’re so lucky to have had a smooth house-buying experience! we had almost a year of open houses, making offers, having negotiations fall through, being outbid; we definitely felt defeated. we finally found our home back in march and actually just posted our own mini house tour today too!
http://victoryandcompany.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-mini-house-tour.html
congrats emma, and good luck to elsie and jeremy too! xo
Did you paint those mason jars or buy them like that?? I love them!
Your place is adorable:)
I’m 24 and have been pre-approved for a loan. A few contendors but no big buy yet… It is so nice to hear a positive buying story from someone my own age!
You are so brave! AND I can’t wait to get out of L.A.
I love this blog post! Thanks for sharing , I love seeing other people around my age that are able to set a goal like that and make it! This is encouraging for me….. although I’m just a silly college student right now.
Being a twenty year old follower, this was very inspiring to me! Knowing that you did this all on your own and are successful with it gives me a lot of hope about the future. Congratulations on your one year anniversary with your home!
Good on you Emma, for being so brave and taking the plunge – especially when you were a single lady!!
Congrats! I also bought my own home when I was 23, also as a single lady. You should be proud of your accomplishments!
I’ve read a few posts here and I can actually relate. Last November my Fiancé and I were looking for a home to buy in Jupiter and we were having a tough time. Our Pastor recommended Gilles Rais Fine Homes; and I must say the service was superb. The Rais team is so professional; extremely knowledgeable about the area and the market . They found us a beautiful home. What I liked the most is that he kept us in the loop of information. I suggest you check out http://www.gillesraisfinehomes.com (954.305.1579), for all your real estate concerns.
Such a great post! Oh your house looks so beautiful and cosy. We’ve basically resigned ourselves to the fact that it is going to be a looong time before we ever buy our own house. Housing prices in Auckland are nothing short of insane at the moment and I think even if we had the money we couldn’t justify spending such ridiculous amounts at the moment. Fingers crossed there is a drop in prices sometime soon!
Aside from employment, getting a home is my biggest worry about the future. My best friend Heather and I are hoping to live together in a home up north. I’m looking for space efficiency and she’s looking for privacy. Two hermits living it small.
Emma, your style is so great! Those horse pillows…WOW!
Thanks for sharing!
It’s really nice to know about a twenty-something single american lady buying a house. I’m 23, canadian and single too. After receiving a huge and unexpected amount of money earlier this year, i thought about buying a house myself, but I didn’t go through with it… I felt too young, I was afraid to ‘settle down’, it felt like I would have to stay where I was, no more possibility to go see the world… Did you had that kind of fears to? Or was it clear it was the next step to take in your life?
This is such a great post. I’ve often worried about buying a home as a single girl, but rent is so high where I live that buying a home is still appealing (knowing that those monthly payments are going towards something you own and not just to a landlord). Kudos to you for sharing such a positive and inspiring post!
I am in love with your headboard Emma!
This was a wonderfully REAL look at buying a home. My husband and I are living military life, so we change homes every 2-3 years, which makes decorating FUN;) But we also dream of that one day we will have a spot all our own. Its thrilling…but also TERRIFYING! Thank you for sharing, and I love your lace dream catchers!!
Thank you so much for sharing this. My parents and oh-so-practical brother are constantly hinting that it would be a good idea for me to buy a house, and every time they bring it up I just get stressed at the thought of the permanence and responsibility of it all. Reading your post was the first time that I actually thought it would be nice and exciting to own a home.
lately Ive been dreaming of buying my first house one day., And I’m a late bloomer, I’m 27 and have never owned a house or even rented!. My parents turned half of their 5 bedroom house in to a two bedroom apartment for me, and I’ve been one happy bug in a rug ever since. But I have two little ones and want to get married with in the next couple of years so its time to start planning a life more detached. Even though i have yet to save a penny, I am well into getting my finances straight, debt paid off and also have been thinking and implementing new ways to “pinch pennies”. Some habits are so hard to break! Like eating out and getting smoothies. 🙂 Anyway. i identified with so much of what emma went over int his post. I too find the idea of haggling awkward. Ive never done it and feel uncomfortable even seeing other people do it. it obviously has somewhat to do with my personality, but also, ima tiny girl, i don’t want to argue with anyone, ill get my butt kicked! Your room looks lovely. I can not wait to own a house one day too! Thank you for your inspiring story.
I love the dreamcatcher !!!
I can’t WAIT to see your house tour!! xo
wow. i am in love with the firs image. so beautiful and such a simple concept but is super effective. i love rustic wood. nothing beats it and the replicated ones just aren’t the same!
Really really helpful info! It is a daunting process but also very fulfilling ( when it’s done). Love the western theme!
Brooke
How much did you love that on ALL DOCUMENTS they called you “Emma, An Unmarried Person”. That blew my mind!!! Buying a house by myself really made me realize how much I can accomplish by and for myself. Thanks for sharing your story.
This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information. Keep it up.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story! So far I only id appartment hunts (and they are all rented, not owned). But I know what you mean. You know it is yours as soon as you see it!
WOW! congratulations for your 1st year! I went through a similar experience (I built a house) eight years ago and it was quite stressing too. But now, I’m so happy as you!
kisses from Barcelona!
http://emesbijoux.blogspot.com
This was such a great read! I am 24 and single and starting to think about my housing options, but I seem caught in between feeling too young to buy a house and feeling funny about the prospect of renting much longer. I’m glad to know it’s natural to have some misgivings! So encouraging to hear that while it’s a process, it may not be as impossible as it seems 🙂
This is really inspiring to me, especially as at the moment my boyfriend and I, plus our two cats, are living with his parents so we can save for a place of our own. It’s not easy all the time but our goals are in place and it’s just a case of playing the saving game till we can get in the property ladder. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Holy crap – your headboard is so much bigger than I thought it was!! I’ve seen your pictures before & it didn’t really click, but wow! I love how huge it is!!!! haha.
Also, I am in the same predicament you were in, in terms of thinking about buying a house solo & hope I get a wonderful happy (house)ending like you did!
Your home is gorgeous! xx
you are so brave doing it by youself but you must feel so empowered, best to slowly decorate and get it right!
I really enjoyed reading this story, Emma, as purchasing a home in the States is so different to where I live here in Australia. Even modest homes in nice towns/cities/neighbourhoods, similar to yours, are at least half a million dollars. Impossible for a single lady like me to purchase. I put it down to Australia having such a wonderful lifestyle and climate. 🙂
This is such a lovely story and what a lovely decorated house.
I’m imagining that my story (which is soon coming up) will be much like this.
A surprisingly lovely story to read… I know I have this ahead of me and I dread it (one of the reasons I travel so much!) but it seems these tough and stressful processes are worth it in the long run…
Frankie x
On an unrelated note; I LOVE your horse cushions. I want to make some for my twin toddlers bedroom…do you have a diy for this project already? You girls have such great style.
bea- Yes we do: http://abeautifulmess.com/2012/04/simple-horse-throw-pillows.html
This is so inspiring, Emma. It’s really refreshing to see that other young girls who have their own business like myself are capable of achieving what seems like the impossible. I’ve started dreaming about house ownership, but as a single freelance copywritier, I’ve always expected the worst response in a request for loan situation.
Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me hope! 🙂
Bea, here’s the horse pillow project link- http://abeautifulmess.com/2012/04/simple-horse-throw-pillows.html
Emma, you are gorgeous!!!
Ha ha – I wrote this *same* post just a few weeks ago. I saved and saved and saved for a deposit (property in my part of the world is insanely expensive) but it was worth all the scrimping and the saving to own my own tiny little home. As for the paperwork – pff, I had the nicest conveyancer and he talked me through everything; turned out, it really wasn’t that hard.
Congrats on your homeowner anniversary Emma! I love your photos. I bought a house as a 25-year old single lady this spring, and I am also a (very) slow decorator. Good to know I’m not the only one 😉
We’ve talked about it back and forth, should we, shouldn’t we… I love the idea of owning a home, the decorations, the renovations, but I also don’t like the stress of getting there! We are saving, but with two fairly unstable jobs, it’s hard to be consistent. Thank you for a little slice of inspiration.
Love the blog, love this post. I just moved in with my boyfriend this past week and can totaly relate to the butterflies and bitter-sweet pangs of making a big move. I’m in the midst of decorating the place (with my boyf’s input too, of course) and have such a similar esthetic to you going on… the Native American/Americana/South-by-Southwest vibe is awesome. Love the woody staples and pops of color.
Big fan – Carly
http://www.passionisgreaterthanmoney.blogspot.com
Great post! Home buying is so intimidating and feels like such an “adult” thing to do. Thanks for sharing your story.
Beautiful post Emma, I really appreciated reading your experience.
mj.x
I just recently stumbled across your blog and I love it! It’s even more awesome because it’s local to me, since I live in Springfield too! (well, technically, I live in Marshfield, but I’m a student at Drury’s Law Enforcement Academy and I go to church in Springfield so I’m there at least five days a week) I’m definitely planning on going to some of the local places you’ve recommended. My friends and I actually went to the Aviary the other day and thought it was amazing!
Awesome to hear about your home buying experience – I can’t say I really know anyone my age who has bought a house, so I’m kind of in awe. I want to buy my own house but it’s going to have to wait for at least a couple years, since I don’t have a job right now (being a full-time student) and I have no savings (being underemployed for the last two years since I graduated college). If you ever want tips on buying a car, you can feel free to ask me – I’ve never bought one myself but my parents have taught me how to buy one and I actually went car shopping with my dad the other day for a new car for him, and I’ll be taking my best friend car shopping soon. It’s not hard, you just have to be authoritative – especially as a young woman because they’ll think they can pass something off onto you.
thank you for sharing your story 🙂 i’m in the middle of closing on a house too..but in denver. by myself. at 24. it’s so reassuring to hear about you getting through it all! what a process it is but lord i know that after what feels like a gazillion bad rental stories…i am so ready for my cute 50’s ranch. woohoo for being independent women!
“My loan officer gave me a candle…” Most adorable loan officer ever! Congrats on home ownership, and so far the pics look great! I love your style.
This is such a great story!
My boyfriend and I can’t even think about buying a home yet because we live in a major city and plan on moving again soon (we have no idea where we will be in a year! talk about nerves!) but my younger brother put in an offer on a home recently.
He is VERY young, but also very responsible. His offer was accepted and seeing him go through the process is so fascinating! I can’t wait to do it my self one day 🙂
http://www.radmagiclove.com
hows about a diy post on those lovely “dream catchers” ??
congrats on your first year!
and ps…i hear ya about the price difference in california – i’m from the midwest and we’re considering moving back. btw…i went to school in springfield, mo. small world! 😉
I’m so happy I happened upon your blog from Blue-Qs facebook post. I grew up in Joplin, so it’s fun to see someone so design savvy in Springfield. (Growing up, I thought of Springfield as the big city–ha!) I’m looking forward to checking in often. Your house is great!
LOVE this. My husband and I closed on our first home on the 18th of last year! We were experiencing similar situations so close together. 🙂
Congrats on buying your own home. I felt really intimidated a couple of months ago when I went to the bank to talk about a loan. In the end I got a little overwhelmed and haven’t revisited but I need to continue to save my deposit anyway so I guess I’ll wait until then!
I’ve bookmarked this because it’s so darn inspiring. It’s nice to hear about the process and to think about putting down roots in the future. And to know that someone else has done it and it’d doable. Plus, I can’t wait to see how all the decor looks. I’m a slow-n-steady decorator too but I am already loving(!) what you’ve done so far!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was just talking to my mom today about how my fiancé and I will probably be ready to buy a house in a couple years and how exciting (and, of course a bit scary) it is because I didn’t expect to be in that position before 30. Of course, I had a weird example. My parents couldn’t afford to buy until they were in their 40s, because my dad went through medical school while supporting a family of four so there were a few decades of financial catching up to do.
Anyway, your story comforts and inspires me. Thanks.
You have done such a beautiful job of your place! everything is just perfect; the colours, the designs, everything 🙂
Thanks for sharing the experience and congrats!
Totally drooling over those dream catchers.
xo
I’m a ways off from buying a house, but this is really interesting; great read–and your bedroom is beautiful! can’t wait to see the full house tour!
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s great to read about your process and how you handled things. I am not in a place to buy a house, since I’m living in a big city and don’t have the savings for a down payment, but I like dreaming about it.
Beautiful house! I too bought a house on my own. It’s not easy, but doable! Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing this! I bought my first house without looking at many of the details that really matter to me now. As I begin to look for my next house, I will definitely look at it much closer and see past the “new house charm” to really see all the details.