Let me give you some unasked for advise. After being married 23 years and living in a house we built 11 years ago on 30 acres of land, I do have regrets. Less is more. I know when I was your age, the bigger the better. I was wrong. We have too big of a house and too much land that we don't need. The high ceilings in our living room and bedroom look fabulous, but also bless us with high power bills. The property taxes we pay have went through the roof now and it is ridiculous. My husband does not have time to tend the property as he should. We have a full basement that we really don't need. We need to sell and build a much smaller home, say around 1200 square feet. What I am trying to get through is you are young now and the bigger, the nicer, the better. You won't always be young and be able to do the things you once did. Less is more. Smaller home, smaller bills, smaller upkeep. Keeping up with the Joneses is just not that important. Stay humble with your choices and you will not regret it.
You are both in your early/mid-20s. This will be your first home purchase. I really worry about y'all becoming house poor. The principal is just one payment. Then there's the interest, insurance, utilities (the bigger the house the higher they'll be) and taxes (again, the bigger the house/more land the higher they'll be). I worry about all the commenters who are younger than you and think that buying a huge, expensive home is easy/typical for a young family. You have an amazing three bedroom home right now with a fenced in back yard for you two and Emma. Rushing into something as big as a million dollar home purchase (or however much you're looking for now) with all you have going on with IVF and possibility of moving to Texas is bound to be stressful. I was stressed enough with my own home purchase that was a beautiful 2 bed/1 bath townhome well below my pre-approval.
This is very sound mature advice.. Take your time, go on the lower side of your budget.. Set money aside to pay off debts, emergencies, or to put towards your forever home. Just get a nice starter home to build yourself some equity. We bought a house that's been a fraction of our pre-approval amount and its been insanely stressful then there are always the surprise expenses and things you want to redo or update.
Don’t rush buying. It’ll happen when you find the house you love. Renting sucks for sure but it’s better than getting stuck in a mortgage for a house you hate!
I think you guys need to be thankful for what u have and be thankful you even have the opportunity to look into buying a home. Instead of looking at the negative things, take a step back and be thankful that u have a home to live in because many people don't have that opportunity. God will lead u to the right one. As someone who has owned a home, u have to be patient because once u get in that negative mindset alot can go wrong.
I handle the social media and write a blog for a real estate agent and I also moved out of California three years ago. Before you buy, I think you should see what life is like without grandparents nearby. The California real estate market is back to being a high priced sellers market right now so it’s not really a great time to be buying for the first time. California politics is also going to come into play and you could lose a lot of money if a year from now you decide that you want to be closer to your mom but are tied down to a house you can’t sell because the market turned. I think you should visit Texas with the intent of really seeing what life is like: check out a couple of churches, dance schools, preschools etc... One way or the other, you need to make sure you know for certain where you want to live before you buy. Good luck!
Cats and dogs are such different animals socially, I know my cat likes to be left alone most of the time so it is expected that Mister won't be in the videos as much.
You'll find the perfect house for you. :) I feel like you guys haven't been looking for too too long! I feel like you only really hear of people finding their perfect house within the first month that they look, but I know plenty of people in real life that have taken a good few months to find their dream home. It can definitely be a process, but you'll find the right one for you guys!
It's so cute to see Annabelle now! I remember when she was a baby and she was glued to mom and didnt want anything to do with Rachelle. Now she loves aunty!! 💚
Don't 'settle' just because you are anxious to buy a house! Little things you think you can live with in the excitement of the moment will turn into GIANT annoyances once you move in - take your time!
Just remember it’s JUST a house. It’s your family that will make it a home and you will build beautiful memories whether it’s your perfect dream home or not quite. And the process should be fun. My husband and I are in our second purchased home and it was a huge upgrade from our first home and I can testify to the fact we are no happier just because we are living in our ‘dream house’. ♥️
It's so hard to find the "perfect" house. My best advice is pick the house that feels like "home" even if it's not EVERYTHING you want it will feel perfect and be wonderful! Goodluck!
Try renting in Houston for atleast a 6 month lease to see how you like it. You will find the perfect home soon. God has something in store for you guys, just be patient. Emma is so big already! 💕
Once you have more and more kids I believe you 💯 are going to want to live near your Mom. The simple reason of her giving you a break on occasion (them wanting to spend the night with Granny). My bond with my Grandparents was like no other. I couldn’t WAIT to go visit & stay with them and we only lived an hour away. I am sure you want Emma and the future babies to be close to your Momma. And I’m SURE there is nothing your Mom would love more. Please reconsider and really think things out. Friends are important but family is the most❤️
I will tell you this when it comes to beau. The vet will try and upsale everything girl. Yes medicine will help but honestly when it comes to allergies Rachelle try changing his food, add fish oil from the pet store to it and buy natural hot spot spray. You defiantly don’t need those shots! That’s nuts they are trying to get you to get them for him every 4-6 weeks.
Dear Rachelle + Justin, I’m about your age and I live in the LA area. When I was about 8 my parents finally but us a house with a huge backyard (yes, in LA!). It’s the size of a small park with 4 huge trees to give lots of shade. There were 3 of us kids and 2 big dogs, but the yard was (and still is) such a nuisance. Every year we have to pay a lot of money to have someone come trim these huge trees because if we don’t and a branch falls and hits the house it could negate the home owners insurance. Sprinklers are expensive so we have to go out there and water in the summer (ugh mosquitos) other wise the weeds grow like crazy. Every Saturday morning my parents used to make us go out there and rake huge piles of leaves. Now we’re all older and no one even uses the huge backyard. We make due with the patio and a little grass close by.
I just took my almost 2 year old to our towns splash pad. It was the best. She had such a blast! She was so excited the entire time. Also I feel you on the house. I want to start that adventure so bad but you guys are getting there. Just remember that it's something that really cant be rushed.
When you feel like you're hitting a brick wall, it's because you're heading the wrong way! Take it as a positive thing, because you're not *doing the wrong thing just to do something*. PATIENCE sweet fam... patience. ;-)
With you're mum moving away maybe it would be best to put off moving house for a wee bit. Just so you can decide if you want to move to Texas or stay & get a house where you are. I know a part of you would welcome the distraction that you're mum is away but moving at the moment might not be the right thing in the long run. Hand it over & it will all work out xo
I’m glad Beau’s allergy injection and foam helped. We deal with a lot of allergy dogs at our clinic and the allergy injection has been a life changing thing for so many dogs. Allergies usually don’t show up until they are 2 years if they have them and I think you did say he turned 2 recently. Hopefully they are short lived though. Has Justin ever had an concussion? I have heard that even a hit/bump with Emma’s head can trigger symptoms of it after you have had one before. I hope Justin and Beau are feeling better! Ever since I had to short sale my house I don’t know if I want to buy again. I found my house after looking at just 4 places but I have a friend that looked at 400 which is nuts but everyone is different. You will have to compromise on things but hopefully not the big things. You will find a home! Be optimistic!
Guys, I know exactly what you feel. We are looking for a house now as well and everything we like is either out of our price range or doesn't meet our requirements, or goes under contract before we can submit an offer on it. It's so disappointing, discouraging and I hate house hunting at this point. But we do need to move as we are in FL and are sick of the hurricanes and evacuations every year. Our house is 1500 sq feet now and it's too small for us (me, my husband and 15 mo old) and the business that we are running from home. I hope you will find what you are looking for soon and still have some hopes for ourselves as well. Good luck to you!
Soon you'll get to experience the joys of the backwards headbutt😫😂. Mine started that just after one. I got at least two fat lips from my oldest. Then you learn the duck and weave!
You buy a home for the family you have now with room for an additional one or two. Then you're able to find or build your perfect home and sell to a future family like yours now.
i don’t know what you mean by “small” on the inside because small is a matter of perspective but remember that you want to have a big family... and that those babies will get bigger. so often we look for a house intending it to be our forever home but mentally, we buy when our children are small and we struggle with with thinking toward the future (that they will get bigger and be teens and those teens will have friends in and out of the house) instead, we buy for RIGHT NOW when it’s suppose to be for forever.
Come 10-15 minutes down the freeway to Lake Elsinore, with me! It’s an easy trip to Murrieta or Temecula for all the nice stores, and the homes and lots, are so much more affordable!
I realise it is kinda annoying.. but renting for 6mths in Texas could be a great idea. That way you'd be really sure !! I totally understand your desire to want to own... but trust me, there are benefits to renting to. (So easy to say when you're not renting, right. Ha ha)
Love you guys. So glad Beau is already feeling better, he’s so sweet, love the ears. Feel sorry for Justin, Emma seemed to really be giving him a tough time. 😊🌸🌈👶🏻🐶🐾🐱🙏🏻
Ok also I wanted a huge yard got one. I have three kids and an Aussie and the big yard isn’t that great lol I would def size down next house not huge but not small :)
I found myself getting overwhelmed when I first got married. Then I left it to God as we continued our process and knew the right house within our budget, and the that goes through escrow, and our bid was the highest... Would be the one God wanted me and my family to take the next steps of our journey in. It allowed me to enjoy the process and truly trust in God! It truly is in his timing! God bless🙏😇💜 the perfect 🏠 will come💗🌻
Our chocolate lab started getting seasonal allergies at age 4, so we’ve been giving her Benadryl twice daily and she’s been fine since! She did the same thing, scratched her skin raw, but hasn’t since.
Both of our doggies have seasonal allergies, and our vet thinks they are sensitive to grass seed and certain grasses. She says it’s common with both their breeds (Westie & Yorkie). We have to do the shots, pills and cream, too. Hope Beau feels better soon!! 💗
I second the allergies suggestion! One of my dogs will bite at one spot on his back near his tail to the point where it is raw and scabbed if we aren't careful. Once we got some allergy treatment for him its completely stopped and he hasn't done it in about a year now. It was an ongoing problem for a long time before we got to the bottom of it! Hope the medication helps Beau :)
The shot should be last resort, it will be hard to tell now if the other stuff works. I wouldn’t go back for a shot before trying just the meds or cream.. in my opinion it is a bit overkill to do all three at one time
When we bought our first house we had given up, we could not find anything we liked in our price range. Then one Sunday afternoon we were driving around and saw a building site in a quiet cul de sac. We made enquiries, met the builder, spoke to the bank and the rest is history, we have been living here 39 years and will be here another 39 if we have our way. Hang in there, the right place may still be occupied.
I'm in the same boat. I'm in love with this plantation house but it only has an half acre on it and we live on almost 20 now so it's hard to choose between more house or land. Plus we have toys to play in the yard with so decisions decision 🙃
i know you want to be close to your mom, but consider northeast texas, specifically keller!! such a great place to raise a family and the houses on the market are beautiful and affordable!! check it out!! ⭐️
I once knew a dog who was allergic to grass. She scratched her body in many different spots. Fortunately, they were able to keep it down with medication and she could still be a championship hunting dog, and of cause a lovely family dog ❤ Hope Beau Beau is okay 🙏
I must have missed a few vlogs, did you guys decide to stay in California? If I were you I would stop the house hunt just for a bit to see how you adapt to life without your Mum. As a kid we followed my grandma on her move and it was the best decision ever. I would do the same now with my mum. It’s hard.
Always buy a property with the perfect location/lot size. You can always add onto/renovate the house but you can't add onto the land. Location location location!
Don’t give up on exactly what you want in a house . You will find it. We saw over 120 houses before we found the one I had been talking about. Had everything I was looking for in a house st the time. So hang in there and you’ll find it.
My aussie had a few of those spots to that he would bite and scratch to the point of bleeding and it was caused by food allergies. His system was sooooo sensitive to just about everything, but it was something that didnt come up until he was a couple of years old, which I've heard can be common in aussies. Might be something to look into for him 😊💕🐶
While you guys are searching for a larger home with a larger yard, please remember the upkeep. My family has around an acre and each year it seems like it becomes more difficult for them to manage
No hurry buying a house... PRAY ABOUT it & you will walk in & find exactly what You ate looking for... A house is probably The BIGGEST Investment you will make in your marriage and easy to jump in fast & harder to get out of so take your time & find exactly what to are looking for... Have a GREAT WEEKEND & GBY ALL ❤💙💖🤗
My pup has allergies terribly in the summer and after it rains. He itches his ears and eyes and bites his paws. Sadly our vet wasn’t as proactive as you and basically said to bathe him... which is frustrating because that’s pointless once he steps outside again. I’m gonna check out the mousse! Glad you brought him in!!’
Girl, we are getting ready to start our 5th attempt at buying a house in 4 years! It's hard to be patient but I've always had to look at from the point of view that God was telling us it's not the right time or we aren't living where he wants us to be. It's better to be patient than to be house poor or have buyer's remorse.
Rachelle I can’t help but think that you guys belong in Texas. You will get SO much more for your money there. We live in Alabama and prices in the South are so much cheaper! Also your Mom can still help with Emma. ❤️
My dog has seasonal allergies as well his breed is highly prone to allergies, luckily my dogs allergies are mild compared to other dogs of his breed. My vet suggested to give him children's Benadryl chewable tablets 25mg 1 a day and I give it to him at night because it does make him sleepy and we have a 3 yr old who's always wanting to chase him around and play with him during the day so it just makes more sense to give it to him at night, also I only give him the Benadryl on an as needed basis if I notice throughout the day each day he's coughing alot, sneezing more than normal, itching more than normal, dry heaving and coughing up flem (which is how we realized he did in fact have allergies) then I will give it to him that evening after he eats dinner and I put the chewable tablet in a pill pocket. It's just a suggestion (maybe cheaper) but definitely check with your veterinarian first.
Those splash pads have a button you have to push when the water stops. They do that so theres no water wasted. They also refilter and reuse the water that drains :)
They keep talking about CA makes it seem like that’s where they’re leaning. I think they should see what it’s like with her mom nearby first before jumping head first into houses.
We have an Aussie right around the same age as Beau. She has seasonal allergies (we think it’s pollen for her). Allergies are really common with their breed. For ours we start a medicine called Apoquel when we notice her itching and it clears her spots right up!!
I have been through it and being crushed from offers falling through and can't get everything you want cause of price. It can really knock the wind out of you and make you hate home searching. I own now it's just a starter home but we are on the right path to a dream home. Try to stay positive 💗
Looking for a house is hard. When we bought our house the houses were going for $20,000 or more over asking price and would be gone within a few days after going on the market. By the time you had a chance to think about it the house was already gone. It really sucked.
Location and lot are the 2 things I never comprised on when I bought my house the next was the bedrooms and the last was space all the rest I knew we could fix...
Hope Justin feels better soon. At some point I’m sure that you will find the perfect house . Sending positive vibes your way . Love you all so much ❤️😍😘
Just when you least expect it, you will find your dream 🏡 I love when I take my gkids to our towns splash pad/park and we have the whole place to ourselves!
I had an Australian Shepherd who had a hot spot due to anxiety. She would constantly lick it when she was anxious. It's fairly common in Australian Shepherd. Hopefully it's just the allergies ❤
I’d say focus on getting a bigger house then the one you have now but not quite your “Forever” home. Don’t worry about not selling it later or this or that. Just find a new home for this time in your life.
About Bobo's hairless spot my dog turned out to be allergic to the Flea and Tick drops that I was using on him so if you use those you may want to stop and transition to something different
Sorry I'm confused.. weren't you saying you were going to move to Texas next year ? If so are you looking at buying in California now and then sell to move to Texas next year? Or is Texas off the cards now?
If you have ever watched any of the real estate shows or when you have bought a few houses you will find out you will never find the perfect house. You have to decide on a house that has some of what you want and realize you could add the pool or add or change inside. Also I have bought and sold a lot of house and the secret is, when you walk into a property you just know it's the right house, you should feel you are HOME. This truly works. Ask your realtor what they think. The last thing I want to mention is, only because you seem so nice is, don't over extend your self financially. You want to have a good house but also fun. Good luck.
I'm house hunting too and I feel the EXACT same way and relate so much. We're in Ohio and the pros and cons always get me, I want a big yard too and for example.. We'll find a beautiful huge yard but not fenced which is easily fixable but I'm sure you know what I mean. ANYWAYS, Good Luck and I hope you find something soon! :)
My dog gets those allergies also. Around this time of year, she drags herself on the carpet to scratch her belly and also licks at her paws so much they crack and bleed. I might have to try the moose out and see if that helps her! The shot always seems to work for a little while at least!
