Buying a house is stressful and I hate it but I want a house now.

Post date: 2020-10-21 04:46:25

This feels like the wrong time but now I want a house. Apparently, so do many other people, especially in the area that I currently live in (Essex County NJ). Houses are selling at way over asking and we have been outbid multiple times. I have very specific requirements that pretty much mean I will not be able to find what I want.

Walkable (I dont drive), near the train and other shopping, not in a flood zone, not too loud, not too close to neighbors, not too big, not too small, ranch style, and of course not too expensive. I know. Doesn't really exist. I realize that I need to be more flexible. At minimum I HAVE to learn how to drive (this terrifies me). But it will open up a lot more options.

In the spirit of being decisive and getting over my fears, we put an offer in on a house that checked a lot of the boxes. After signing we realized that it was very near a recycling center and that completely turned us off. There were also a few other things about the house that added some questions about the quality of the renovations. There were crickets in several rooms! We pulled out just in time but now I want to make sure we do better *before* we put in another offer and sign anything.

Does anyone have any experience living near a recycling center (batteries, electronics, styrofoam)? Was that an good choice? Would people with children have an issue buying a home near a recycling center?

I am paranoid that the realtor/attorney/inspector will miss things, not disclose, or just don't necessarily have our best interests in mind. How do I find professionals that can help us through this aside from who the realtor recommends? Yelp wasn't especially helpful and I dont have any personal relationships who can provide referrals.

I'm looking for tips and advice on navigating home buying. This would be the second time but I dont feel any more confident than the first time around. The fact that there is so much demand adds a level of urgency and bad decison making potential.

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