Vancouverites talk a lot about homeownership, mostly about how they cannot afford one.  Some woman even started a campaign #donthaveamillion to draw light on the many issues we have with Vancouver Real Estate.  Recently I saw a counter campaign #dontneedamillion and that struck a nerve.  Okay so we have many under 40's who are buying real estate but what they fail to mention is that they are buying a 500 sq shoebox.  Condo's are great starter homes but most want a house.  A real house with multiple bedrooms (one minimum) and a yard.  All the things our parents and grandparents had.

Home ownership was never on my radar as a single Mom.  My salary has given me a comfortable lifestyle but throw in a mortgage and suddenly it's back to paycheque to paycheque (i.e. my 20's).

I moved out of the nest at 18 years old, just after high school and have been renting since.

I have lived in 23 residences (yes, I just counted) and I don't want to even think of the money I've paid out in rent.

So fast forward to now, I'm living in a gorgeous large basement suite minutes from my work.  No complaints, well other than the new complex that's going up across the street that will surely steal my street parking.  I am talking to a coworker about how much she's paying in rent (more than I and she's single, no kids.)  I suggest she look into buying, if it's affordable.  There are a few places on the market that are under $200 (yes, mostly in Surrey - but hey it's a start...).  Out of curiosity, I log into MLS and put in my filters.  Go through a few condos and lay eyes on a fully reno'd.  I sent the listing to my Mom who responded via email, "BUY IT".  Yikes, this was just a thought not anything serious.

Then the next day my Landlord tells me he's putting the house on the market.  "But don't worry, you will probably get to stay"  Or they'll jack up my rent or they'll kick me out.  

So on a whim, I start the wheels in motion.   Make an appt for the showing.  View the place, it's perfect except no w/d which I can install myself (dollar signs swirl in my head).  Make an appt with my bank for financing.  Put in an offer.  Rejected.  Put in another officer.  Outbidded.  Backup offer.  Wait wait wait.  Outbid deal fell through. It's mine.  Whoa WHAT?  I so thought it was going to go through which means I went back to being Ms. Renter.  Sorta relieved that I didn't have to go through 'buying a new place' stress.  On top of being out of Country for a work trip that was equally as stressful.

Congrats.

What am I getting myself into? lol