Is it really THAT hard?!

YES! Purchasing your first home can be the most rewarding experience ever, but it can also be a very stressful one. No need to worry, I'm going to keep you together with my own personal experiences and a timeline that should keep you on track.

1 Year Out:

Know what you want. Personally, I am glued to HGTV and Pinterest, so I have a general idea of what I like. Start researching builders (or whats currently on the market) and establish your budget. Know whats out there and what your wallet and household can afford. This is also a good time to start saving. Create an account and actively start putting away that ernest money and/or closing cost moneys. The earlier you start, the happier you'll be in the long run. This is also the best time to pull your credit report. This is a majority of what lenders look at to decide if you are a responsible enough person to invest in. Don't panic, having discrepancies are okay, because we are all human, just be ready to explain those (in writing) to your lender.

August 16, 2013 - The day my foundation was poured

August 27, 2013 - The day the frames went up!

6 Months Out:

If you are thinking of new construction, its time to sit down with a builder. Pick a lender; get pre-approved. If you are purchasing a pre-owned home, you may want to consult a realtor. Let me be the first to say, pre-approval are great but they mean nothing. Once the lenders start digging, this process may feel overbearing. This is also the time to start getting your accounts in order. Every overdraft has to be explained in writing, so if you can help it, don't overdraft.If new construction is your thing, you've probably already paid ernest money and construction has started for you. Depending on house size, construction can be anywhere from 4-6 months.

The home I now love and enjoy!

2 Months from Closing Day:

Keep your accounts in the positive for at least 2 months. Normally, lenders only ask for your bank statement from the last 60 days. Try to keep frivolous spending to a minimum during this period. The lender will comb through your documents to ensure that you can, in fact, afford your new home. & if they deem that you aren't fiscally responsible, its okay. I was denied 2x before given the approval to close. It can be disheartening, but stay the course. Your blessing will come in time.


I hope this helps anyone about to take this journey. Strap on your boots, and good luck. Don't take no for answer, show them that the house you want is in fact yours and do what it takes to get it.

xo,

Glenesse

in a Purple daze

Michael Kors blouse & jeans | H&M Belt | COACH pumps

Last week we were invited to a Military Appreciation Dinner hosted by the city of Copperas Cove. Our hosts for the evening were the wonderful Kirby and Rebecca Lack. Kirby is currently running for City Council of Copperas Cove. They were such wonderful and welcoming people! I hope for nothing but the best for them in this upcoming run-off election. I think Kirby will make a great council member! The dress code for this event was "Texas casual". However, being a woman after my own heart, Rebecca looked fab in her wrap & heels.  Happy Thursday everyone!

xo,

Glenesse

Love, Family and Country

Walmart flag tank | Steve Madden sandals

This Saturday we decided to do something together as a cohesive family unit, so after some much needed haircuts we went to the movies! We saw Planes: Fire and Rescue because the kids just adore Dusty Crophopper. We went to Cinergy Theater in Copperas Cove and quite frankly it was a different kind of movie experience for me. They have a full menu, complete with made to order salads, burgers and even wings. You place your order at concession and then receive a buzzer. You proceed to your movie. Your food is delivered to a stand inside your theater and when your food is ready your buzzer goes off. They also offer alcoholic beverages. & the arcade there is a little more extensive then the normal video games. It felt like a miniature Chuck E. Cheese! We had an awesome time. & below is a picture of the kids outfits from that day. Hope you guys enjoy!

Kay Unger sunnies | H&M necklace | Michael Kors watch

Our babies, Jeremy & Marissa ♥

How did you guys spend this weekend?! Leave me a comment below, I'd love to know!
xo,

Glenesse

Fashionablly Fabulous kids in Okinawa Japan

From big sun hats, beanies, jellies, sundresses and Nikes, Amerah and Ameenah stay trendy. With the help of Old Navy, Children's Place and Foot Locker the options are endless online but here in Okinawa, Japan options are few. To keep both girls ahead of their peers I shop online. Amerah (the older of the two) is more the sundress, skirt and sandals type, where as Ameenah is a Nike and shorts kind of girl. Most of the time when posting their pictures people tell me they should model kids clothing. Hmmmmm, thinking about it, it's not a bad idea! I also try to dress them age appropriately, because sometimes I see kids in clothes that I would wear! Not Amerah and Ameenah though, they still keep it trendy and fabulous!

*posted by Vera

Independence Day Weekend

Charlotte Ruse romper | ShoeDazzle wedges | Ivanka Trump sunnies

This 4th of July weekend was all about rest and relaxation for me. I caught up on sooooo much sleep! It was great. The 4th of July is my big brothers birthday & the anniversary of Shawn & mine 1st kiss. We left the kids at home and had lunch together, which we seldom ever get to do. Then we watched the fireworks as a family from the back of the F-150! Such a wonderful night. I've had this romper for maybe 2 years now and had never worn it. I've noticed that I've been giving love to a lot of the pieces in my wardrobe that didn't have my attention before.



How did you guys spend your holiday weekend?! I'd love to know!

xo,

Glenesse