Counting stars and silver linings

counting_stars

Hi everyone

I have been coveting this forum for far too long, awaiting the time when I would have my first home and could join. Whilst I'm not quite mortgage owning yet, I'm almost there, or at least I like to think I am... so I have decided enough is enough and to start a diary. Mostly so my partner can have a break from my nattering, also so I can keep my head whilst viewing flats.

I have been flat hunting for the past week and probably getting a little too excited throwing offers around. I'm waiting to hear back about one I've placed and have decided to put a lower offer in on another flat I also have my eye on. It would be the moneysaving choice as I'd be moving in with a bit more of an emergency fund. It would also force me to get the bus rather then train to work, which would be frustrating, but a saving of £100 or more a month... which isn't to be sniffed at! I'm aiming to start over payments straight away and so this could in theory be the start, as it wouldn't be budgeted for.


My plans for the week:
Find out some facts about the moving position of the owners of the two flats I'm interested in.
Put in offer for flat 2 if all sounds well.
Research more about solicitors. I have had one quote and I need to find out about a few more.
Research more about surveys. I have had a quote of £335 for a homebuyers, which sounds a little high from my research.
Cash in a cheque from previous utility company.
Put gumtree adverts of all the items I have cleared - maybe ebay if I get time.
Clear more of the flat for items to sell. Going to need every penny!
Put in my travel expenses for work.
Make sure I get bills from my partner.
Stick to my weekly food and spending budget - I spent under by £9 last week

WhiteSnowdrop

Hi Counting Stars

It's a fabulous position to be in, overpaying right from the word go, well done and good luck.

WS

counting_stars

Thank you WhiteSnowDrop. I've swayed the other way and been a bit less moneysaving by going for the more expensive flat. It has development potential and for other reasons I think would hold its value more. Has been really tough choosing between them, as the cheaper one was victorian and quirky, which is more my style. I did manage to knock 4.5k off the asking price and get them to agree to leave the washing machine and fridge/freezer so at least I wont have anything to buy when I move in.

It has been taken off the market and just waiting for the seller to sort out her side of things.

My plans for the week:
Find out some facts about the moving position of the owners of the two flats I'm interested in.
Put in offer for flat 2 if all sounds well. Not accepted.
Research more about solicitors. I have had one quote and I need to find out about a few more. Done, need to pick out of the two.
Research more about surveys. I have had a quote of £335 for a homebuyers, which sounds a little high from my research. Have lots of quotes now need to pick which one.
Cash in a cheque from previous utility company.
Put gumtree adverts of all the items I have cleared - maybe ebay if I get time.
Clear more of the flat for items to sell. Going to need every penny!
Put in my travel expenses for work. Done.
Make sure I get bills from my partner. - waiting
Stick to my weekly food and spending budget - I spent under by £9 last week Completed this week by eating what was in our cupboards so way under budget. I did a weeks worth of shopping for £29 in Ald* so no shopping to buy this week. Feels great not to be throwing food away - we will also save on buying bin bags!