As the first of my friends to do many things in life, I feel obligated to share my experiences in what I like to call my mini “Becoming a grown up” series (see post on budgeting here). I chuckle as I write this because I feel so far from becoming a grown up and everything I do that is grown-up related feels like a giant stumble. 

Nonetheless, today I tell you about house hunting. House hunting, for me, feels like what I would image an air traffic controller must feel…that. much. stress. I know that is a huge exaggeration but it is a big life choice that no one prepares you for. 

I am a product of the HGTV generation. I think that I can paint this, re-cover that and knock this whole wall down. I am a pretty crafty person but I have come to learn that in house shopping…that mindset doesn’t necessarily apply. I have come to terms with the fact that I do not live in Waco, Texas (although I am now deeply considering it – call me Joanna) and that every house in our budget is essentially a “fixer upper.” And I am not talking about the type of fixer upper than can “fixed” before moving in…oh no. These renovations are to be done over time if we want to stay in the location we love. And in budget #important. 

Everyone tells me that when you find the right house you will know it’s right. I am not so sure. I compare house shopping a lot to wedding dress shopping and if you have been following my blog, then you know how that went for me. I like things the more I think about them. I don’t think at this stage in life I will walk into a house and fall in love. I don’t have a half of a million dollars (those houses seem more immediately lovable lol). The houses we see are great and the more I day dream of changing a light fixture (loving this one) or adding a fence for a puppy (like this one), the more I love it. And that isn’t settling ladies and gents, I think it is life and I am ok with it.