I'm a homeowner!

[Lester C.]

For the past few weeks I've been talking about my condo purchase, well we finally closed today. This is my first property, but probably not my last as it is actually smaller than my apartment. Still I'm a homeowner. The days of my paying rent are over, as I get pay the same amount and build equity rather than simply handing over a small fortune to someone else.

[Cream Filled Taco]

Congrats! Welcome to the wide world of equity! We joined the ranks four years ago.

Resist the urge to make an Adrian Paul wing!

[sk716]

For the past few weeks I've been talking about my condo purchase, well we finally closed today. This is my first property, but probably not my last as it is actually smaller than my apartment. Still I'm a homeowner. The days of my paying rent are over, as I get pay the same amount and build equity rather than simply handing over a small fortune to someone else.

Congratulations!!!

You do realize that this means if something breaks now you have to pay to fix it.

[Sharpandpointies]

Congratulations, Lester. It's a good feeling, looking around and saying 'this is actually mine.'

Mortgage aside.

[Lester C.]

Congratulations!!!

You do realize that this means if something breaks now you have to pay to fix it.

Everything is brand new so I'm not worried about stuff breaking down. I have interior insurance in the event of theft and bad weather. In the event of exterior damage the association takes care of that. The only real downside is the place is small, but for most of the year it is just going to be me so that's not a real issue... unless I want kids and a family but I'll be a lawyer by then so no worries there.

[heystacy]

Congrats. I still have an appartment, but if things shape up I will be able to change that one day. Good for you. It does feel good toown things.

[TomStillwell]

Where did you end up buying, Lester? In the city?

My wife is a Chicago Public School teacher and they require you to live in the city. We've been living in apartments for years simply because it galls me to buy a place in the city for the same price I could build a huge house in the burbs with land. I could be living in Naperville or some place equally as nice.

I think next year we'll break down and buy a place in the Wrigleyville/Lakeview area.

[Larry Dixon]

I knew he'd come out! Lester is a homoner!

[heystacy]

I knew he'd come out! Lester is a homoner!

Ooooh Larry. Good one!!! So wicked! :evilsmile :D

[Lester C.]

Where did you end up buying, Lester? In the city?

My wife is a Chicago Public School teacher and they require you to live in the city. We've been living in apartments for years simply because it galls me to buy a place in the city for the same price I could build a huge house in the burbs with land. I could be living in Naperville or some place equally as nice.

I think next year we'll break down and buy a place in the Wrigleyville/Lakeview area.

I'm a suburban born and raised. I always feel claustrophobic in the city. Too many building built way too close together. You can literally reach your hand out you window and touch the adjacent buildings that how close they are together. Also with all of the people and cars driving is a headache and you have to PAY for parking. Imagine that, paying for the privilege of parking your car so you can spend money at shops, movies, etc. My brother lives on the North Side and he has to pay almost half the amount his building charges in rent just to park his junk car in front of his apartment. It's insane! Were not even going to go into the ten and half percent sales tax, property taxes and sin taxes that Chicago charges its residents.

[Weetomuncher]

Think yourself lucky, Lester!

Over here in the UK we have high taxes, including a 17.5% VAT (our version of sales tax) and house prices keep going through the roof.

I'm glad I still live with my parents because I couldn't afford a decent house in the area I live in at the moment.

Even former council owned properties are now going for fairly high amounts in Scotland.

[Super Sonic]

See you in two weeks Lester!




Warm the toilet seats!

*goes to book flight tickets*

[Weetomuncher]

Sonic doesn't realise that he is considered an international terrorist and any attempt to enter the US will cause the start of Operation Grab The Leprechaun.

[Super Sonic]

Sonic doesn't realise that he is considered an international terrorist and any attempt to enter the US will cause the start of Operation Grab The Leprechaun.

They're after me lucky charms!








...now my entire country hates me.

[Dr Ray Palmer]

Congratulations, Lester! It really is a good feeling. It still kind of blows my mind when I stop and think about it: wow, I own a house. Well, technically the bank owns the house, but you know.

Wait until you get that big income tax refund, too. That's always a nice treat. (But try not to look at that year-end statement where you discover that you paid $9500 in mortgage payments this year but only about $12 went towards the principal and the other $9488 was interest.)

Also with all of the people and cars driving is a headache and you have to PAY for parking. Imagine that, paying for the privilege of parking your car so you can spend money at shops, movies, etc.

It's also fun when you have to pay your employer for the privilege of parking your car so you can go work for them.