We have been looking at houses and trying to decide where to move to when the time is right (by this time next year at the latest). She works in Taylor, I live in Clinton Twp, she lives in Livonia so it's difficult to find something in the middle because in the middle means Redford, Inkster, Hamtramack, Oak Park, and other similar areas.

For as long back as I can remember I have been vocal about saying I want to live in Grosse Pointe. To me living in Grosse Pointe means success. To be 24 and living in a nice home in Grosse Pointe is a great accomplishment. Before I did some real estate research I wouldn't have thought it was possible to afford to live there. With the horrible Michigan economy there are some good deals everywhere on homes.

I found an awesome 3 bedroom, new air, furnance, floors, roof, 1800 square feet, 2 story, home in Grosse Pointe Park (by the looks of the house it was around Belfore, Maryland, Berkshire). I put myself, fishing, and what I want before her needs (her drive to Taylor). She needs to understand I don't want to live in Dearborn or Dearborn Heights or any other shit town.
To make a long story short the house I seen (although multiple good deals the above home) was appraised at $360,000 two years ago and is selling for FAR LESS. Basically in 10-12 years this home will be worth well over $425,000 and the real estate market will be bouncing back. The good news for us is we can wait a little while because I don't think the real estate market will be that much different in Jan or Feb of 2009.

We bought a new 4 wheeler that is a beast, 4x4, with a snow plow, awesome suspension and a much bigger engine that are current one (that we still have). It looks like the Jacuzzi will be here Saturday which I'm excited to soak in.

I can clearly understand the stress involved in house shopping. We got into a big argument about it (all made up now), and the sick part is we didn't really even accomplish anything so the stress of looking at houses will continue for at least 6 more months. And people wonder why I smoke like a chimney.