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Finding a new home was one of the first decisions Andrew and I had to make together. We actually found our house before the wedding, which was nice because we had plenty of time to find what we were truly looking for and the process wasn’t rushed. Thankfully, we had a great realtor who guided us along (who also happened to be my mother). She was extremely helpful and resourceful throughout the process. We were clueless when it came to all of the factors that go in to buying a home. Andrew and I had both lived with our parents up until getting married so we had no idea where to begin and in what direction to go. We were literally like little birds learning to fly. I highly recommend using a Realtor as opposed to looking on your own because an agent has a certain awareness of the market and can offer helpful advice when considering options.

Andrew and I spent countless Sunday afternoons in the car driving all over town. We looked at condos, townhouses and single-family homes in a broad array of price ranges and in different locations. Location was super important because we had to consider where we work and spend most of our time. We looked at both new construction and pre-existing homes, but in the end we chose a newly constructed townhome.

The largest factor in buying a house, whether you’re married or single, is your finances. But bringing together two incomes definitely brings with it added issues. You have to learn to compromise regarding some of your “wants” and carefully evaluate what you can afford. Meeting with a mortgage lender who will look at your income and determine your price range can, however, help smooth the process. We spoke with several, each offering different plans and perks.

Don’t let the idea of home buying scare you. A home is one of the best investments you will ever make. Just remember to be aware of your options. If you feel overwhelmed like I did at times, take a step back and few deep breaths. It’s nice to know you aren’t in this alone and you have someone else right beside you to share in the decision making process. Andrew and I worked through all of the decisions both large and small together. And in the end, we had the perfect nest.

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