by Denise Harris

Created on: March 13, 2009

My husband and I had been married for 11 months when we purchased our first home. I was pregnant with our first child and he had just been honorably discharged from the Navy two months previously. When he first returned home, we lived with my in-laws for several weeks. I think behind the facade of generosity, my in-laws truly believed that we would be with them for an extended period of time, but they were quickly proved incorrect. We found an affordable apartment, moved in, and set up our "home". We had signed a 6 month lease, but disliked apartment living. Having saved some money from my husband's last deployment, we started looking for a home. We could not afford much as far as a monthly payment, but had money set aside for closing costs, etc. We looked...and looked...and looked. I was astonished that our realtor was still willing to work with us. We couldn't seem to find anything within our budget that we both liked.

Then the realtor called. A house had just listed that was a foreclosure. It needed some cosmetic repairs, but she thought it would be perfect. AND it was within our price range. We scheduled a time and met her at the property that afternoon. We were pretty sure we liked it before we even went inside. The house was brick with a two car garage. The yard was large and we could already picture the swingset in the back yard. We ventured inside wanting to confirm our feelings. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a roomy laundry room...we pulled out the checkbook! Cosmetic repairs were needed, but they were something we could accomplish ourselves...some sheetrock repair, painting, etc. The one major expense would be carpet, but we would deal with that at a later date. Paperwork was prepared and we signed a contract.

Several weeks passed and a closing was scheduled. Keep in mind that this was our first home and we didn't know the ropes! The day before closing, the title company called to let us know there would be an additional $600.00 due at closing for the insurance. Although that may not seem like much money, we didn't have it and had no way to earn it in that amount of time. We discussed passing up the house. My father-in-law happened to call my husband that afternoon. Chris told him the situation and that we were going to be forced to back out of the contract. My father-in-law told him to come by his office. He gave Chris a blank check and told him to use what he needed to close on the house. We could pay him back when we could. To this day, I think my father-in-law feared our return to his home!

So the house was purchased and we moved in. We slowly and methodically made repairs and improvements. The holes were fixed and the walls repainted. Ceramic tile was installed in the bathrooms and kitchen. Carpet was removed and replaced, although we lived on concrete for two months until we could afford this expenditure! Over a 17 month period, with alot of sweat equity, we turned this house into a home. Although we no longer live there, I sometimes drive by to check on it. It houses another family now, but I still feel it partially belongs to us!

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