Shelly's Wants to Buy a House.

My husband and I want to become homeowners. 

We have been researching "home ownership" and the Omaha area. After searching around, I think I fell in love with the Papillion, Nebraska area. It's a suburban town outside of the city of Omaha and was rank #3 for "Best Places to Live" by Money Magazine. You can read the article here.

All week my husband and I have been dream shopping online for houses. I'm sure by the time we move to Nebraska, most of these houses will be off the market. However, shopping online is giving us a pretty good idea about the local housing market and the kind of houses we can afford. The majority of the houses we like are in the $150,000-$250,000 range. We decided to look for houses in Papillion and La Vista. La Vista is another area we really liked but would be farther away from where we work and Omaha. 

Also, dream shopping online has really help Khoo and I; we are finding out the kind of houses we like and the kind of features we want. Khoo likes houses that are less than thirty years old and have large spaces. I like houses with hardwood floors, open kitchens and nice backyards. We both want a three-bedroom home with modern necessities and a garage. 

After going through hundreds of housing postings that meet these features.. both Khoo and I agreed on a favorite. 

It might not look like much from the outside but once your inside. 

Just wow.. Hardwood floors and a high ceiling? Yes! 

One of the most beautiful kitchens I've seen for a house in our price range. Simple layout and very functional design. 

The backyard has a small patio and plenty of space. If Khoo and I bought a house like this, the only work we really need to do is put a backyard fence for our dogs. The bedrooms look like most regular bedrooms. White walls, blah carpets.. but that is fine. When I look at this house I see a white canvas waiting for me to paint and decorate it. 

We found other houses we liked but by far this is the one I like the best. I like simple houses that are not overcomplicated or need a lot of work. I can't wait until we move and we can become serious about looking for a new home. 

What do you guys think? Do you see the potential? 

Shelly's Moving

I'm moving in six months to Omaha, Nebraska. I'm finally leaving Germany after living in this country for two years. Some of my coworkers told me "Wow, I'm sorry.. that really sucks.", but I don't think so. I miss the United States and glad I'm moving back. 

Top 10 things I miss about America. 

1. Low prices. (Euros sucks and I get paid in dollars.)

2. Customer service. *** (Biggest shock value about German culture- Zero customer service.)

3. Good quality high speed internet. 

4. 24 hour restaurants and businesses. 

5. Not paying money to use a public restroom.  (Your doom if you need to go and don't have 50 cent euro.) 

6. Cable television in English. 

7. Lights on roads. (Roads are really dark.) 

8. Customs for mail. (In Germany, they have high custom fees.)

9. Paying bills with checks. (In Germany, you pay bills directly from your bank.) 

10. Ketchup & Mustard (Germany ketchup and mustard are horrible.) 

I really enjoyed my time in Germany. I was lucky to be able to live overseas. I got to visit so many european countries and experience a wonderful new culture. Also, living overseas made me appreciate my own country. I realize I took for granted the conveniences I had in America. 

I'm sure when I move back to the United States, I'll miss Germany. I know for sure I'll miss this country's bread and Christmas markets. Nothing is better than drinking some Gluhwein on a cold chilly day. 

Until I move, I'll try and appreciate where I am. I want to be able to take as much of "Germany" as I can. So when I wake up from this dream I can still remember what had happen and talk about it. Please stay tuned and I'll show you around before I move to Omaha.