Find the SecondStar and soar, and then straight on till the morning…

SecondStar

Thank you both!

So he had only applied for the AIP for the amount on the house, not the money he owes me. Once we got that reestablished, he said he’d call the mortgage advisor first thing to have that amended, and to put in his full mortgage application. He’s also speaking to a solicitor about arranging the transfer of deeds, and managing the cash he’s mortgaging to give me.

So he’s mortgaging 5k, and is giving the other 5k in cash.

He’s also agreed to giving me the 5k cash in the next day or so - this will add to my own savings and will mean I have enough money for my deposit. So I’ll arrange my own AIP today, and be able to book viewings & make offers!

My friend has offered to help with buying costs if need be, and I’ll pay her back once the transfer of deeds goes through.

This way, I’m able to get a head start on the buying process, as I’ll be out of the chain.



I spent time yesterday narrowing down my 25-ish open browser tabs to just the properties which meet my short criteria -
1. Under 90k.
2. Within a 10 mile search radius.
3. On the ground floor, or have a ground floor.
4. Have some private outdoor space.
5. Not be really deep inside a dodgy estate (Northern Ireland, so this is a legitimate concern, not just classism).

There are only 6 which meet these, so once I’ve spoken with my mortgage advisor this afternoon, and hopefully got an AIP over the phone, I’ll be straight on to the EAs and getting the viewings booked.

I know I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but I do have a few favourites and I’ve been living in fear of seeing them sold each time I refresh the pages!

Chrystal

Wishing you Good Luck with everything @SecondStar. XX

KajiKita

I am really excited for you!  Happy house hunting. 

And yes, I get the the estate thing. I am half N. Irish and remember visiting my grandpa every summer and the soldiers with guns, the burnt out cars, the murals everywhere, the parades etc. 

KK x

SecondStar

Thank you!

I’ve spoken with my mortgage advisor, and got my AIP application submitted!

I’ve booked my first viewing for this afternoon, and I’m feeling optimistic.

SecondStar

KajiKita said:

I am really excited for you!  Happy house hunting. 

And yes, I get the the estate thing. I am half N. Irish and remember visiting my grandpa every summer and the soldiers with guns, the burnt out cars, the murals everywhere, the parades etc. 

KK x

NI is definitely an acquired taste sort of place, but much of the unpleasantness is limited to certain postcodes. It’s a thing you can really only learn by the osmosis of living here, if you’ve not grown up here.

I’m 12 years deep into living here, and this place still confuses me sometimes!

CL21

Hi @SecondStar just wanted to wish you all the best. I’ve been living in NI for 14 years and love it but yes, sometimes pretty confusing! Good luck with the house hunt. The crazy house prices seem to have come down a bit (at least round where I live) so here’s hoping you find the dream house soon x 

Sarahwithlove

Good luck with finding somewhere. Out of interest how did you come to an amount he owes you? Did you get the property valued? Not sure how it is in NI but house prices have jumped in last 2 years significantly 

SecondStar

CL21 said:

Hi @SecondStar just wanted to wish you all the best. I’ve been living in NI for 14 years and love it but yes, sometimes pretty confusing! Good luck with the house hunt. The crazy house prices seem to have come down a bit (at least round where I live) so here’s hoping you find the dream house soon x 

Thank you!

I have such a tiny budget, so there’s only half a dozen properties currently available that fit my criteria and which are also in budget.

I’m fully aware that I’m not purchasing my ‘forever home’ right now - I am looking for a suitable roof to go over my head. I can’t afford (financially & time-wise) to be too picky, but at the same time I also need to remain shrewd and not act out of desperation or misplaced romanticism.

It’s difficult!

SecondStar

Sarahwithlove said:

Good luck with finding somewhere. Out of interest how did you come to an amount he owes you? Did you get the property valued? Not sure how it is in NI but house prices have jumped in last 2 years significantly 

I can only speak for our situation, other people might have a very different version.

We bought in November 2020, the house cost 115k, and we put down a 15% deposit. We each put in an equal amount towards the deposit & buying costs. We took out a 3 year fixed mortgage at 2.76% over 35 years. So in 2 years, we’ve not built much equity at all. The split value of these is 10k each.

With the type of house it is, and the location, the value hasn’t increased by any amount in the last 2 years that would’ve made a sale & the costs involved a more lucrative option than him buying me out.

To sell would take longer, cost more, leave us both with less money, and would have had all the admin handled by me.

Personally, I’m happy to just take what I’m owed and walk away from this - I don’t have the energy for more admin than is strictly necessary, and I don’t have the mental or emotional capacity for fraught negotiations. YMMV.

CL21

Completely understand - was faced with buying my own house a few years ago on a much smaller salary and (% wise) much higher debt. Especially difficult when you’ve just come out of a relationship as well and you’re navigating it by yourself. Everything crossed for you x