It’s no secret that I have been dreaming of buying a home for a while. Remember this post about itchy feet from 2013? Well, I think that 2015 is gonna be the year I make it happen. Between my home and the studio I pay over $5000 per month in rent alone. Saying that out loud (or typing it) totally trips me out, especially since in our family Jason takes care of Ida full time and I’m the primary earner. It’s time for us to buy a house and in Los Angeles it’s not going to be a piece of cake, but I am really determined. I want to own property so I can feel more secure, so I can make it totally amazing and jungalicious and so that I can feel confident that we will have something concrete to pass on to Ida.
I’m almost finished filing my 2014 taxes early so that we can try again to get pre-approved for a loan (…we’ve been denied three times over the past five years). I know this is going to be a long journey and I hoping it’s one that you all will be excited to embark on with us because I’m partnering with the online real-estate site, Trulia to document our entire journey of becoming first-time home owners.
Even though we still haven’t received are pre-approval, and don’t know exactly what we can afford quite yet, Jason and I have started our search. Trulia has a new tool that facilitates this process. It’s kinda like Pinterest where you create different boards and add your favorite homes to them. Unlike Pinterest, Trulia’s boards are private so you don’t have to worry about other people trolling your favorite properties, but you can share the boards with your spouse (or whoever you want) so that you can be on the same page about the search–Jason and I are sharing all of our boards.
I’ve just started my first boards and begun to add to them…So far my boards are “Jungalow Dreams” — which are homes that I absolutely love but my be a bit of a reach on the budget spectrum, like this one, , “A Jungalow Deal” which are homes that might not be perfect (not the best school district, next to a freeway, a little small, no yard…) but the price is right, like this one, and “This Jungalow’s Been Flipped” for homes that have already been redone by a flipper and may not be exactly to our taste but is certainly not a fixer, like this home.
As time goes on, I’m sure we will have way more boards for say, different locations (we’ve been considering Highland Park, West Adams, and Altadena as options, for example). We also will probably have a board for homes in school districts that we love etc. etc. It will be interesting to see how our ideas of our dream home morph as the search becomes more real. And for now, I’m gonna leave you with the link to the home pictured above which is designed by Lloyd Wright (Frank lloyd Wright’s son) that I didn’t even add to my Jungalow Dreams board because it is about 4 million dollars over our budget…but hot damn, ain’t she purdy? Can we talk about the pool/bougainvillea situation for a minute??!
And some more fun stuff before signing off for the day, if you wanna check the compatibility for two people living together…take Trulia’s Buyer’s Diggs test (a light-hearted take on the Myers-Briggs.) Also, enter to win Trulia’s $25,000 giveaway. One randomly selected person who creates a board between now and 4/30 will win some serious cash and credit to One Kings Lane.
This post was created in partnership with Trulia. Holla.
Can I just take a moment to say how awesome it is that you’ve written honestly here about how much you pay in rent and your challenges thus far with securing a loan? Obviously I’m not happy to hear that buying a home has been filled with some difficulties for you so far, but I really appreciate the honesty. You’re so authentic Justina and that’s what I love about you.
Wishing you the absolute best of luck with buying your first home and I can’t wait to follow along!
x Kathryn
Through the Thicket
Thanks so much for saying that.
I am going give as accurate a portrayal of my house-hunt situation as possible in hopes that I can help folks that are in similar situations as I am…and being upfront about the (often indelicate) money stuff is going to be a big part of that…thanks for chiming in and for following along!
We moved to Baldwin Hills in August 2014 and we love it! The area is still considered relatively *affordable* for LA (which means it’s still outrageous but comparatively speaking, much less than other areas). It’s right across from Kenneth Hahn State Park, and there are several other small neighborhood parks nearby for walking the dog and exercising. The homes are charming mid-century abodes that you could definitely dress up with your Jungalow signature! ~jen
SO good to know! I love hearing about areas we haven’t considered–and the idea of being near a park is super appealing!!
Thanks Jennifer!
How exciting Justina! The process can be super daunting and incredibly emotional, but i know youll get through it and will find the perfect home for you and your family. Im looking forward to following along:)
Thanks Shavonda! Daunting is right!! But I’m feeling good about it this time around…fingers crossed!
Good for you, there is so much more freedom if you own it, no limits to design possibilities. Just yet a real estate agent that you can trust. I lost a bit when I sold my old place and paid too much for this property, but I still LOVE it.
yes that’s a good point…so much to watch out for during this process, right? Curious (and nervous!) to see how it all goes…
Hi Justina.
This is super exciting for me. I have been on the hunt for some time. My dude and I have put in several offers, including a couple in Altadena. And we have been crushed by all cash offers. It’s been tough! I’ll be rooting you on with hope and love.
Ackkkk I know…I can only imagine what it must be like to get ones hopes up and then get crushed by cash offers…I’m sure the right spot is out there for us both! Just checked out your blog and loved it!! <3 ~J
Thank you so much.
Excited to see your journey unfold! I’m excited for our futures!
Check out the jungalicious items on Lulu & Georgia for today (3/2/15.) the entire new collection spells a Justina!
How exciting!! Im sure your home will be just amazing once you’ve put your jungalicious stamp on it :) I can’t wait until the time comes when we can buy a place of own.
I’m assuming moving locations is not an option. Here in Michigan that first house on Trulia would go for $175,000. Seriously. I’m excited to follow your hunt. But as an older woman -AKA could be your mom – don’t ever become house poor. While you’ll lay a foundation for Ida, you run the risk of her not having experiences. Each is equally important. We always budgeted $10,000 annually just for travel and our children’s experiences with culture, diversity and tolerance. We had 4 who are now all grown up and finished college. We would not have traded that money for anything in the world. And we still had a damn nice home! Love you, Justina!
I hear you Sue! Love the idea of saving $10,000 per year for travel–travel was a huge part of my life growing up and I definitely want to give Ida that opportunity as well!
I don’t know anything about the schools, but have you considered Glendale, Montrose, La Crescenta? I know, may seem a little boring, but not too far away from Atwater/Silverlake/Downtown. Here’s a little cute house with a yard and a detached converted garage/office space/art studio?
https://www.redfin.com/CA/Glendale/1756-June-Ln-91208/home/7166248
(Sorry I didn’t use Trulia there!)
We are totally open to those areas too– Montrose is SO cute isn’t it? I like that little spot you linked to (and you’re so cute for linking to it…) But we can’t go under 1000SqFt — I have way too much stuff!! haha!!
the photo of the sowden house by lloyd wright caught my eye because in 2011 i got to stay there! and it was everything i could have imagined and more. such an incredible space/place. you can see photos from my stay here: http://eloisemoorehead.com/post/3152522090/get-inside-the-john-sowden-house and i made a separate posts just to document the amazing collection of geodes contained inside: http://eloisemoorehead.com/post/3167683320/the-geodes-of-john-sowden-house-get-a-post-all
best of luck to you on your house hunting! i used trulia when i was searching for a new apartment a couple years ago and it’s awesome :)
XO e
Check out Mar Vista – it’s got a Venice feel but it’s much more central and homes are a fraction of the price. We just bought a little Spanish casita there and we love it!
That’s so great to hear! I love that area–actually my parents live over there so I’m kinda familiar with it too…I have a feeling we’ll be looking a little bit all over…
Best of luck to you! It’s hard out here in SoCal where everything is expensive. We are happy in a two bedroom condo 2 miles from the beach here in San Diego –only slightly larger than our prior apartment but paying ourselves [the mortgage] FEELS so much better than paying a landlord. Eventually we’ll love having our own home with a yard and being able to paint the exterior, etc, but for now we’re so proud of our [big] baby steps.
Great to hear! I’m so sick of paying rent…I can’t even tell you….Congrats on your (big) baby steps!!
im rooting for you! buying a home is my dream as well but i feel so discouraged by the priced in so cal!
dude I know, it’s SO expensive…totally Nuts-o!!
I could so move into that FLW property tomorrow! I’m in Santa Barbara so I feel you’re pain – the market is tight. But, determination will find you a great home. And … just think of the fun you’ll have making it your very own.
Many of these new creations are about shape and texture as much as color and style.
Bourne’s President, Thomas Mc – Claskie, always uses his creative imagery to make trendy shoes for men. The Fashion Industry is totally focused on how people look and larger people do not figure
on mainstream fashion’s radar.
Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at
this web page, and article is in fact fruitful for me, keep
up posting these types of articles or reviews.
It is not better to select high-heeled shoe, if you are an obese.
It compares the design of vintage motorcycles to today’s models.
Moccasin UGG slippers are quite popular among the
men.
A little tip about Altadena: It’s unincorporated Los Angeles, which allows for less zoning restrictions, that means you can keep farm animals in your yard (like chickens and a pony). We live in Altadena and while we can’t afford to purchase (ANYWHERE in SoCal) and love it. Being in the foothills and having the San Gabriels at your back really takes you away from the grind. Truth be told though I’d move to Silverlake in a heartbeat if I could afford it.
My hubby had always dreamed of chickens!