Updates!

[hippieatheart]

So...one big thing that I (somewhat intentionally) neglected to mention in my last update is that neophobic and I are strongly considering buying a house. With our lease expiring in mid-February, and housing prices what they are, we were hesitant to spend another year in a place we didn't own, but didn't know how doable it would be for us to buy a house.

Comments

[vertamae]

Aw, someone returned Bandit? Poor thing. I hope she has a great life with you guys and your menagerie.

I'm going to check out the NACA web site, thanks for the info. I should have stellar credit in another few months, and I was going to wait to consider buying, but maybe I don't have to. Hmmmmmm... lots to think about.

[hippieatheart]

She's been returned to the shelter by at least 3 different families. The last time it was because she was adopted to be a companion to an older dog, and she was just too active and playful for it. As for the previous times, I don't remember specifics, just that they were pretty lame, and largely due to impatience on the part of the adopters.

As for the NACA stuff, I was REALLY impressed. If you have a Saturday available anytime soon, there are workshops in Birmingham and Augusta pretty soon, and that should answer a lot of your questions (and I'm happy to answer any that I can for you). For an Atlanta workshop, you're probably going to have to wait until March. :(

[vertamae]

Those are lame excuses for returning Bandit. I can't imagine returning an adoptee, but I know people do it. I really lucked out with my cat Sienna - Southern Hope Humane Society had her listed with the most accurate description, saying she LOVES other cats, and she does love my cat Gladys. She's really a perfect cat. But if she were not, I'm sure I'm work with her, and not simply return her like an ill-fitting pair of shoes.

The thing about the NACA that bothers me is that $50/month fee. But I will look more into it - I'm not ready to do the workshop thing yet though. Thanks for your help.

[hippieatheart]

I'd like to say that there is no good excuse for returning an animal you've adopted, but I grudginly have to accept some reasons, like allergies or issues with children.

That said, from what we've been told, the only reason she's ever been returned is because her parents weren't patient with her, and I know that's not going to be an issue with us.

As for the NACA stuff, the $50 fee is annoying, but if you're putting less than 20% down with any other loan, you're having to pay for PMI, and that's going to run you more than $50 a month anyway. Also, with NACA, if you're a member in good standing, they'll assist you with mortgage payments for 3 months if something happens (loss of job, medical issues, etc) that makes you unable to pay. You have to pay it back, but it's still a nice safety net.

[turdburgler]

Have you done any actual house-looking, or have you just been mostly churning the finances to see what you can do?

[hippieatheart]

Mostly just finances. Wanted to see if it was even feasible before doing too much looking.

We've done some searches on http://www.georgiamls.com/ to see what's available in our price range ITP, and it was surprisingly good.

[delias_gone]

All of that sounds so wonderful! I am so excited for you both!

[hippieatheart]

Thanks! I'm really hopeful the house stuff works out. I'm sick of moving into places with the understanding/expectation that we're only going to be there for a year or so. It makes plans for decorating/improvements seem futile.

[ghoulish]

I hear that. I haven't had the energy to decorate at all, knowing I'll just have to pack it all up again.

Good luck!