Moving on Up

A few years ago I would have been able to get a home loan with no problem. In fact, in 2002 I was approved for a loan at the age of 22 and making less than 25k a year. After looking at houses and all the costs that went into them, I realized that I really couldn't afford a house. With taxes, insurance, maintenance and everything else I knew that I would be quickly underwater. Well I know first hand how the mortgage industry crumbled. Loans were handed out like candy.

Now, almost 10 years later, I have my college degree and have a stable career making good money. However, I can't get a home loan. My debt to income ratio is messed up because of student loans. Plus they just aren't lending as easily any more.

So recently when my lease was due for renewal on my apartment of four years, I wondered what I was going to do. I've been VERY unhappy there. Management has changed and is now terrible. I thought by the time I was 30 I'd be living in a house and maybe even married. But life rarely goes as you plan when you're younger, so I'm making adjustments.