House shopping blues

So, we decided that we are sick of throwing money away in rent. We want to live the American Dream and become homeowners. We've met with a realtor, we've driven around different neighborhoods, we are starting to get things figured out with some lenders. Well, it's not going so well at the moment. All we can afford is houses in scarey parts of Ogden. Our lender told us that we could afford what we wanted if Lindy was working, but we decided a while ago that Lindy wouldn't work while our kids are still home. We don't want someone else raising our children. Anyway, that means I'm living off of a first year teacher wage (and we don't get a whole lot) at least I have a master's degree so that I start a little higher.

 

Anyway, after looking in some of the neighborhoods that have houses we can afford we decided to save up money for a downpayment and keep an eye on the "Good Neighbor Next Door" program (a program that helps teachers and police officers get into a HUD house with 50% off). I guess it was good for us to see what we were up against so that we can be a little more serious about our budget and savings and get our debt paid down. Still a little frustrating, after being in school for all those years, I guess I thought it would be easier now that I have a real income.  Anyway, we are still holding on to our "American Dream", but we are going to be a little more patient about it.