That's a great point about rural lenders being more flexible. When I bought my place last year, the lender barely glanced at the older survey I had. They were way more interested in making sure the septic system was up to code (can't blame them there...). Definitely pays to shop around and find someone familiar with rural quirks—saved me a lot of stress and probably some cash too.
"They were way more interested in making sure the septic system was up to code (can't blame them there...)."
Yeah, septic systems can be a real headache if they're not checked properly. A friend of mine skipped a thorough inspection to save a few bucks, and it ended up costing him thousands later. Definitely worth being cautious upfront.
"A friend of mine skipped a thorough inspection to save a few bucks, and it ended up costing him thousands later."
Yikes, your friend's story hits close to home—literally. Reminds me of a client who joked that his septic tank was the most expensive "hidden feature" in his new house. He skipped the inspection too, thinking he'd struck gold with a rural loan deal. Turned out, the only gold was the plumber's invoice... Anyone else had surprise expenses pop up after moving into their "dream" home?
Skipping inspections can definitely bite you, but honestly, even thorough inspections miss stuff sometimes. My inspector gave the all-clear, then two months later the furnace went kaput...guess some surprises are just part of homeownership.
"My inspector gave the all-clear, then two months later the furnace went kaput...guess some surprises are just part of homeownership."
Yeah, that's exactly what worries me about buying my first place. Even if you do everything right, something always seems to pop up. I mean, inspectors are human too, right? They can't catch every little thing. But still, it's kinda nerve-wracking to think you could get hit with a big expense right after moving in.
I've been reading up on home warranties lately—anyone here tried one? Seems like they might help cushion the blow if something major decides to quit on you unexpectedly. Or is it just another way for companies to squeeze money out of anxious newbies like me? 😂
Either way, I guess surprises are part of the adventure...or at least that's what I'm telling myself to stay sane through this whole process.
