Yesterday FI and I looked at a house for the first time together. Despite FI's job ups and downs, we know at some point we need to move out of my parents house (especially since they are trying to sell it and big time downsize). Idk about everywhere else but in Florida the rental market is ridiculous....prices are sky high. So finally buying is something that will actually be cheaper and a long-term investment (even after additonal costs like taxes and insurance). Someone I've known since middle school is now a realtor and she and I have been in touch knowing that when we want to buy is flexible for now.
Yesterday we saw a house and we really like it. We are trying to set up a meeting with a bank to discuss the financial piece of it. Knowing that we aren't rich or really even comfortable, we know that we could get rejected (or given a ridiculous interest rate which we wouldn't take on) at the moment. Also, according to our realtor, inventory for inexpensive houses is low so most houses get multiple bids. So, we also know this house could get scooped up. Because of all these situational factors we are trying to keep our expectations low and be even-keeled. But, it was/is fun to start picturing a long-term home with FI. Somewhere we can build our lives together and start a family.
If this doesn't happen, I'm sure it's because something else will come along but it is fun for now. We are going to look tonight for other houses within the same price range so we don't jump at the first one we see too. But, for the price and all the work the previous owners put into it, I think it'll be hard to beat.