On Tuesday, I called a real estate agent. I don't have any close friends as real estate agents so I turned to an unconventional source - the TV. I was watching "My First Home", and one story was featured in San Diego. They only mentioned the realtor's first name, so I googled "Melina + San Diego + real estate". First link was her blog, and another site revealed her picture so I could confirm it was her.
Melina put me in touch with her loan officer Amy. Amy asked for some financial info and performed my credit check. Based on my income and the minimum deposit that I could give, I am pre-qualified for $300,000, on a 30-year, fixed rate loan. I am submitting full financial documentation soon in order to find out the different loan options available to me as a first-time home buyer and depending if I decide to increase my deposit or not.
Right now I have mixed feelings. I feel relieved that I am getting started on the housing hunt. The hardest part was getting started and calling a real estate agent. Now I will embark on making the biggest purchase of my life to date. I hope the adventure is fun and rewarding. Wish me luck.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Afternoon off
Sometimes it is nice to take some time off from work during the week. It a way to break everyday routine, especially for those months where the next day-off holiday is far away. Today, I took the afternoon off to go to the Padres game.
I knew well in advance I would take these hours off so there was no decrease of productivity at work. I worked for only 4 hours before leaving early, getting lunch, and headed to the game. The weather was perfect. The day started with overcast, but the sun was bright and shining for by game time and throughout the entire event. No better way to relax in San Diego than time in the sun.
The weekday afternoon games are great deals for the budget conscious because they have 2-for-1 pricing in certain sections. I got field level seats for only $20, that originally go for $40. Hot dogs, better known at Petco Park as Friar Franks, also have 2-for-1 pricing. That makes the price of a hot dog at reasonable street prices. But because I had lunch prior to the game, I didn't have my favorite baseball food.
In terms of minor details for the day, I met an old friend from high school that I haven't seen for 9 years. I was surprised we both recognized each other. Then during the game, one of my best friends sat in the same section as I did so I sent her a text message to turn around. I talked to her for a few innings before returning to my seat. And lastly, the Padres won to remain in the lead in the NL West.
It's too bad I don't have Fridays off, as the game would have been a good start for a 3 day weekend. Alas I have to go back to work tomorrow, but Friday should go by faster as I'll have something to talk about while they were at work. I'll also be looking forward to and plan my next afternoon Padres game sometime in May.
I knew well in advance I would take these hours off so there was no decrease of productivity at work. I worked for only 4 hours before leaving early, getting lunch, and headed to the game. The weather was perfect. The day started with overcast, but the sun was bright and shining for by game time and throughout the entire event. No better way to relax in San Diego than time in the sun.
The weekday afternoon games are great deals for the budget conscious because they have 2-for-1 pricing in certain sections. I got field level seats for only $20, that originally go for $40. Hot dogs, better known at Petco Park as Friar Franks, also have 2-for-1 pricing. That makes the price of a hot dog at reasonable street prices. But because I had lunch prior to the game, I didn't have my favorite baseball food.
In terms of minor details for the day, I met an old friend from high school that I haven't seen for 9 years. I was surprised we both recognized each other. Then during the game, one of my best friends sat in the same section as I did so I sent her a text message to turn around. I talked to her for a few innings before returning to my seat. And lastly, the Padres won to remain in the lead in the NL West.
It's too bad I don't have Fridays off, as the game would have been a good start for a 3 day weekend. Alas I have to go back to work tomorrow, but Friday should go by faster as I'll have something to talk about while they were at work. I'll also be looking forward to and plan my next afternoon Padres game sometime in May.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Net Worth
Here is my net worth update for April.
Total Net Worth: $78,438.06
Total Assets: $83,138.56
- Banking: $16,771.78
- Investments: $66,366.78
Total Liabilities: $4,700.50
- Credit Cards: $4,700.50
My net worth grew 6.8% from March 1st. I attribute this fact to the rebound of the stock market after the Federal Reserves lowered interest rates to stimulate the economy. In addition, I received a bonus for my 2007 performance at work. It was equivalent to a 2 week paycheck, $2100 pre-tax.
One figure that does stand out is my liabilities decreased by 57%, from $10,904 to $4,701. I was carrying a credit card balance on a 0% APR promo, and because the offer was about to expire, I paid it off. I did not want to open another credit card with the same promo because I am maintaining my credit history as I enter the housing buying market.
Total Net Worth: $78,438.06
Total Assets: $83,138.56
- Banking: $16,771.78
- Investments: $66,366.78
Total Liabilities: $4,700.50
- Credit Cards: $4,700.50
My net worth grew 6.8% from March 1st. I attribute this fact to the rebound of the stock market after the Federal Reserves lowered interest rates to stimulate the economy. In addition, I received a bonus for my 2007 performance at work. It was equivalent to a 2 week paycheck, $2100 pre-tax.
One figure that does stand out is my liabilities decreased by 57%, from $10,904 to $4,701. I was carrying a credit card balance on a 0% APR promo, and because the offer was about to expire, I paid it off. I did not want to open another credit card with the same promo because I am maintaining my credit history as I enter the housing buying market.
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