An update on life
On the property search
I had a great time at open houses and viewing appointments this past weekend.
On Saturday, BF and I went to one open house, a presentation centre, and then drove past the buildings of a few other open houses, but we either 1) didn’t like the location, or 2) didn’t like the building.
Sunday I went by myself with my Realtor to see about 6 listings. I much prefer going to showings with a Realtor because he pointed out things I wouldn’t have bothered to think about, and gave me more insight into the buildings I was looking at. It was a great learning experience. We saw a huge range of buildings from brand new, to really, really old. We saw both high rise and low rise condos, as well as townhouse-type places, and I really started to understand how much my money will buy.
I’m also very, very pleased with my new Mortgage Broker. I was originally going to go with the guy I used about 6 years ago, but he took over 5 days to get back to me – only to tell me to go fill out a generic form on his website. Not cool. I asked my Realtor for a referral to a new Mortgage Broker, and he got back to me within 5 minutes of sending him an e-mail. So, that was an easy decision. What I like best about my Mortgage Broker is that he is super patient, understanding, and willing to answer all of my newbie questions. In fact, everything that I’ve learned over the past few weeks has turned into a flurry of article ideas I want to write for Moneyville. So be on the look out for those in the next few weeks!
The search will continue this weekend with a few open houses I plan on seeing.
Having braces
In other news, I’ve had my braces on for almost 2 days now, and I already want to rip them out of my mouth. Not only do I look like a monster, but they are also super uncomfortable and cutting up the inside of my mouth. Am I really just a total wimp? Alright, enough complaining. I know, it was my decision and that eventually I’ll get used to it (maybe). Or maybe I’ll pull a Miranda, and get them removed after a week.
Playing field hockey
I’m playing in a tournament next weekend back in my hometown. I’m not sure of the cost yet (should be less than $50), but I will be able to stay with my parents at least. On one hand, I’m glad that my trip back home has a purpose, but I’m also kind of disappointed that I even qualify to play in this tournament. You see, this is a Masters Tournament. And in order to qualify, you have to be older. Well, technically you have to be 30. But my team is trying to slide me into the tournament at age 28. It’s been about a few weeks since I’ve picked up a stick, so I’m stoked to play with my old teammates for the first time since I moved to Vancouver. I’ve missed them.
And finally, some people have requested I post more photos of myself, now that I am not blogging anonymously anymore. And to that I say: okay, stalker. Just kidding. I aim to please, so here you go. This is a photo of me at age 17, playing in my first ever Div.1 NCAA field hockey game, and scoring my first-ever collegiate goal. I think I was a little too enthusiastic! :)
18 Responses to “An update on life”
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Don't rip them out! The first 3-5 days is the hardest. The next tightening will be difficult too, but it's sooo worth it in the end. Keep them in there. You will get used to them and be so happy when all is said and done. How long do you have them for?
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Have you found anything you like so far? What are you looking for when it comes to bedrooms, baths etc?
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There has been a couple places that I like, but they were both high in my "comfortable" price range. Ideally, looking for 2 bedrooms. Would love 2 bathrooms as well, but it's not a deal breaker by any means. I think in-suite laundry is beginning to become a must-have, as is a secured parking stall and lots of storage.
I think you are right in thinking of in suite laundry as a must have. You will never regret it!
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Your mouth will toughen up and you'll get used to the braces. I never had them but I know enough people that did to know that the first weeks are the toughest.
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Ok, so i totally remember wanting to rip them off my mouth as a teenager. I'm a dentist now (wild) and I have some tips for you. Ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours is your friend. You can also take tylenol at the same time for pain relief. For me the pain went away in a few days.
Also use the wax they give you to put over the brackets. The inside of your lip will get tougher. Warm salt water rinses also help your lips to feel better. You can do it!
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Thanks for the tips! :) I've started to use the wax and that's definitely helping.
Yup, the wax is a total life saver. I had braces for four years and I doubt I could have survived without the wax.
krystal, you didn't end up getting the invisalign? i'm sure you look perfectly ok with them! plus just take the painkillers and you'll be ok.
No! I ended up getting traditional metal braces. Well, ceramic on the top and metal on the bottom. :)
RE: house and mortgage search
The key item is "how comfortable do they make you feel". Good realtors and brokers will do everything to assist you to feel comfortable with the process and will not push you, even if you want to put everything on hold for a while.
Our experience (now 18-plus years) was the broker being patient and not pushing. We even took a break for about three months and he came back only after we'd dropped in at an open house run by one of his partners. He showed us some houses at this point to guage what we really wanted in a house (pros and cons). He then had one get listed that was in our range and he showed it to us the day after the realtors had their walk-through — we wound up buying it then and there. Mortgage broker wound up being a PITA on niggly financial details until the realtor had a quick chat with him — mortgage approved and ready the next day.
yep i was just gonna say go get wax for your braces at the drugstore but someone got there before me!a big help!!
Glad to hear that you've found a mortgage broker you trust and are happy with. I'm excited to see your upcoming posts inspired by your broker.
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Congrats on getting ready to purchase a place!
Congrats on getting you own place, must be exciting. I can't wait to purchase my own place and I will be following your home search progress and hope you find your dream home.
Regarding your braces – one tip that might help you is putting vaseline on your lips. The first couple weeks of braces are the worst, but slather that on your lips and it'll help out with the chapping and with the metal pieces nicking them. :D As an extra side tip, get one of those little brush picks to keep in your purse…. oh and NEVER get clear elastics! They turn the colour of the food you eat. I'd say stick with dark coloured ones, when offered the choice. Don't give up – they will truly be worth it in the end.
Good luck with the braces. I've had crooked teeth for ages and am also considering getting braces as an adult – kinda scary but in the long run am sure it'll be worth it… Hope the pain subsides soon, the tips posted here sound like great suggestions.
It is really scary, and a huge decision. I go through waves of being glad that I did it, and then absolutely regretting it. But in the end, I know that it will be worth it.