Here we go!

Hi and Welcome to my blog!

In this blog I will discuss the in's and out's of the home buying process for me, a 1st time home buying, African American, single parent woman in my early 30's.

Right now I live with my mother in her condo with my daughter. I moved back in with my mom about a year ago so that I could pay down my debt and have a semi fresh start. To date i've payed off my 3 credit cards AND my IRS debt (long story). This means that there are only 2 major bills I pay a month- my daughters tuition and my car note.

My goal for this year is to purchase a house/condo/townhome. Here is my wishlist:
3 br (2 of the 3 upstairs minimum)
2 ba
attached garage
laundry hookups
front or back yard area
nice kitchen
everything modern
safe area
small unit (if condo/townhome)

Again, this is my WISHlist in a perfect world :) I know that for the amount I was approved for (small for Los Angeles standards) I will likely need to rein it in and focus on top priorities. For example I can live with only 2 bedrooms but i'd love to have 3.

So again, I've been preapproved for a home loan, FHA by the way. The lending person told me that I need to tweak a few things to get my score up, and pay off a few bills in collections. I've since paid off the small balances on my credit cards and paid off 1 bill that went to collections so my mortgage company feels confident that the next time they run my report I will be where I need to be. While i'm waiting to find something I will continue to pay my bills on time and also knock off a few more things that went to collections.

With patience and the grace of God I WILL be a homeonwer this year. I can't believe it!!!! I'm so excited.....and nervous.

Well, here I go! I hope you check in on me from time time and leave me love, advice and criticism where needed to help me stay in check during this process.