About

I had tried to buy a home about a dozen times. The decision to build a new home was last on my list. I always preferred older character homes in historic communities. In the end, I built a historic inspired catalog home.
Catalog homes are exactly what they sound like. Back at the turn of the century, homeowners would order their homes--materials and all from Sears catalogs. One popular ste that I have used is the American Foursquare, which is usually a simple square or rectangular symmetrical framed home. Much like Craftsman style homes, they are visually pleasing, simple and classic.

I, like most people, dreamed of owning a home. I went through the homebuying process expecting to close within 60 days and celebrate with friends and family. Instead, I would look at dozens of homes and be under contract at least 8 times in 5 years. I tried to buy older homes, multi units, fixer uppers, foreclosures, and short sales. I even attempted a 203k loan which allows you to finance the purchase and repair of a home. I had paid for inspections, homeowners insurance, gas and electricity, lawyer fees, earnest money deposits and 203k consultant fees. 
I saved up for years and grew my credit from 545 (score dropped after college living abroad) to well over 730. I went to financial consultants, tried new investments like tax sales and pushed my business. I attended homebuying workshops with Brioxy, Live Baltimore, Strong City Baltimore, enrolled in real estate class and participated in first-time homebuyer programs including NACA and NHS, went on trolley tours and applied for grants. I diligently monitored my credit, my purchases and paid my debts down quickly by sacrificing nicer living conditions, staying with relatives and delaying getting a new reliable car.
The addresses are all forgotten memories now. Occasionally, I drive by one and feel a sense of nostalgia, loss or sadness.