My now ex-boyfriend was always after me to buy a home, but it wasn't until after we broke up that I did. I lost a louse and bought a house!
I'm a conscientious shopper and very careful about what I spend. I saved for several years to pay for the house and maintained great credit so I was able to get a low mortgage rate.
I closed in late July, and the house was in move-in condition on a quarter-acre lot. My favorite spot is in the family room, curled up in front of the fireplace.
The $8,000 tax credit did not really affect my purchasing except that it motivated me to close before it expired on Dec. 1. I see it as a bonus. I filed an amended tax return and am using some of the money to decorate and to re-carpet part of the house, which is something I might not have otherwise done.
I also did some painting and bought a lawnmower. I'll also use some of the refund to make early payments on the mortgage.
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