From Naive Optimism to Renovation Queen: My First Time Home Buyer Adventure

I remember the day we got the keys to our new home like it was yesterday. Being first time home buyers, our Realtor handed them over with all the solemnity of a coronation. I swear, I felt like I was being knighted or something.

And then, we were in! We stepped into the living room as first time home buyers, and my heart swelled with pride. I was 20 years old and I had big plans for this little house. Nothing was going to stand in my way.

Not even the avocado counters in the kitchen. They were a little, uh, retro, but I saw their potential. And the dark woodwork running through the whole house? Easy peasy. I could paint that in my sleep.

I spent the next few hours wandering through our new home, making mental notes of all the things we could do to spruce it up. New carpet? Check. Fresh paint? Check. Pergo flooring? Sure, why not? I was on a roll.

But then I got to the backyard. Oh boy. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a lush oasis. It was more like a wasteland, with 14 scraggly fruit trees and a giant pine tree that was slowly taking over the entire yard.

Who plants a pine tree in the middle of their backyard, anyway? That’s like planting a time bomb and waiting for it to explode. But I was determined to take it down, one way or another. I spent hours lying in bed at night, plotting my revenge.

Finally, the day arrived. The workers showed up with their big green tractor, and my heart skipped a beat. This was it! The moment I’d been waiting for. The pine tree was going down, and I was ready to party.

And party we did. We spent the next few weeks tearing down cabinets, ripping out carpet, and planting a garden that would make Martha Stewart weep with envy. And you know what? It was awesome.

Sure, there were some ups and downs along the way. Like when we realized we had no idea how to install new countertops, or when we accidentally knocked over a paint can and turned the living room into a Jackson Pollock painting. But we laughed it off and kept going.

Because that’s what homeowners do, right? We roll with the punches and make the best of whatever life throws our way. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than turning a shabby little house into a cozy, welcoming home.



So if you’re thinking about buying a home, I say go for it! Embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride. And if you need help with mortgage financing, I’m here for you. Just don’t ask me to install new countertops.