Before this single mom adventure moved forward, I needed to find a new place to live. Somewhere me and my future kid would be comfortable. As much as I loved being downtown, my loft living situation wasn't conducive to a new addition. I mean, the only doors in the apartment were the main one and the door to the bathroom. So I started looking for an apartment with more doors; a two bedroom.
For those who aren't aware, rent in Los Angeles is completely insane. During my search for a new pad, I realized renting a two bedroom flat would cost more monthly than a mortgage for a condo or small house. Seriously. THEN I added up all the rent checks I've written since moving to LA. Get ready. No, really hold on to your hats -- I've paid (or rather flushed) almost $150,000 in rent in the last 10 years. Are you kidding me?! I could have equity in a property. After seeing the numbers, I couldn't deny the best choice was for me to buy my first house.
After working with a super-awesome realtor, Shannon Shue, and looking at what seemed like a hundred houses, I finally found my home! A cute bungalow: 2 bedrooms with a den, garage, a grapefruit AND lemon tree in the backyard. I moved in Dec 9, 2016.