OT: The Agony of First Time Home Buying

Over the last few months, I have started to come to grips with the need to finally buy a home. This seems to be a pretty normal activity, but after post-college travails that often caused me to be transient, I have never been very comfortable with the idea of buying a home. And the expense, especially when property taxes and insurance factor in, has been intimidating, especially for someone like me that, despite working for the same company for over a decade, is terrified of looking for work.

Rising rental prices in DC drove me to start the process of taking action, but I feel woefully unprepared. I have tried for the last couple of months to determine what factors are most critical in a home. I am perhaps most flexible about the space itself. I need an office, good phone signal, and strong reliable wifi. I want a interior space for my fishing gear and storage. I prefer a great room with kitchen, dining, and living space attached, with offices and bedrooms adjoining. And, I'd prefer it to be close to turnkey, not because I want new, but because home improvement projects are horrifying to me.

Location has been much more difficult. Richmond appeals to me for some big reasons. It cuts travel to my parents home by an hour. My younger brother and only first cousin that I stay in touch with both live in the area. There are great restaurants. It is equally close to the Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge.

Most importantly, my predecessor in my job position worked remotely from Mechanicsville, so I know I will be approved to budget travel costs for business travel from Richmond.

Roanoke, Yorktown, Charlotte, Raleigh, and even a return back to Abingdon has been discussed. Susie has been great and supportive. She cares more about getting what she wants out of the property more than the location.

So, why do I start the thread? Well, I feel a bit compelled. This is a great community, and I know that there are good folks here who can share experiences and perhaps that will ease my anxiety. I have no clue where to begin. How far in advance should I start exploring financing options? What is the feedback on good and bad areas to consider in each of these areas? I have a million questions, and unlike football, fishing, and general minutia, I have a hard time even knowing what to ask, much less articulating it well.

Okay- there it is. Feel free to react and talk me down.

Thanks
French

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

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It is a natural gift I posess to create friction in sensitive situations.

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You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

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"My advice to you... is to start drinking heavily."-John Blutarsky

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The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

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The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

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VT Class of '12 (MSE), MVBone, Go Hokies!

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You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

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"Nope, launch him into the sun and fart on him on the way up"
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If you play it, they will win.

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Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

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If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD

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Take the shortest route to the ball and arrive in bad humor.

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"The Big Ten is always using excuses to cancel games with us. First Wisconsin. Then Wisconsin. After that, Wisconsin. The subsequent cancellation with Wisconsin comes to mind too. Now Penn State. What's next? Wisconsin?" -HorseOnATreadmill

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If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD