Holy shitballs people. I just talked to my dad and he is willing to co-sign on a house loan with me if I can figure out the down payment. Which I don't have. But the fact that he is willing is HUGE.

I know I can pull from my 401k for buying my first home. While I have bought two houses before, KCD had always been the first name on the note - so do those count?

I'm crazy to even be thinking about this.

Suzi, wow, that's awesome and shows how far you and your dad have come. Do you want to be a homeowner again?

As of October 2012, the IRS defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not owned a home for two years prior to the acquisition date, which the IRS recognizes as the day a purchase agreement is signed.

Yay, Calli!

Wow, Suzi! That's a lot to think about.

Every now and then I like to peruse the condo listings around here. And it's nervewracking/exciting to see what I could get for what I'm currently paying for my house rental. And then I remind myself "Self, you're renting a three-bedroom house. You want to buy a one-bedroom condo. Downsizing means cheaper."

Well, it has been almost 6 years since I owned a home, so there is that. I did just talk to my financial institution and 401k accounts allow up to a $50k loan for home purchase. Only after taking the loan can you apply for a hardship withdrawal if I need more than that. And none of the $50k can be used for improvements - just purchase price.

As for do I want to be a homeowner. I think so. The concept hadn't even be a possibility before and I'm trying to wrap my brain around it. Our lease is up in 6 months. We have been talking about moving to the northwest side of Denver. Rentals in the area cost at least what I'm paying now even if I stay with a 2 bedroom. For a hoot, I looked at housing prices (honestly this is Strix's fault, putting her house up for sale and the beautiful pictures and amazing sale price).

Even taking the 401k loan and a mortgage payment, I could end up paying less monthly for more space. Not that I want a ton more. But I have time to weigh all the options and play with numbers before digging too far into this.

It isn't a resolution, but my goal for 2015 is to get my finances in better shape. I'm still digging out of the debt I inherited from from the divorce. But I'm getting closer.

Building equity can be a very useful thing.

Of course, before I called my dad, I found all kinds of houses that gave me housing lust. Now...it seems like nothing looks worth looking at.

But at least my heart rate is back to a more normal pace.

That's exciting, Suzi!

Have you all watched the clip of Nicole Kidman and Jimmy Fallon and the time she thought they were being set up and he did NOT? You should. [link]

I saw that, Jesse. Fantastic. Both are...wow...hilarious.

Arrrrgggg, so many of the currently listings are Foreclosure-auctions. Stepping away from the real estate.

Move to KC! Buy my house; you can get a sweet deal on it!

My poor husband now has the flu I just got over, and someone wanted a 7:30-8:30pm showing tonight, and we sighed and moved it to 7. They were here at 7:05 and stayed till 7:59 pm.

If you're (generic you, not you Suzi) in my house that long that late on a weeknight, you'd best be bringing me a bag o' cash tomorrow. GRRR.

ETA: Oh, and get this -- our house is listed for 165K and someone made an offer two days ago. For 58K. What the everloving FUCK? And he was RUDE to our realtor when she was all, "158K? I'll take that to my clients" and he was all "NO. 58K."