The house I want versus the house I can afford

The magazine is heavy, busting full of advertising on all the best buys in town.  Malvern, Toorak, Armadale, Brighton…. Countless properties, all representing everything I’ve been working for in the last 4 and a half years.  I take it with me on the commute into work, inspecting it cover to cover, taking note of where all the hot sports are, fantasising over where I’ll be in 2…5…10 years time.

I’ve secretly been taking clippings from the mags for the past 6 weeks - setting up a bit of a wish list or treasure map if you will. There are pictures of everything from my favourite manicured front garden, dramatically different ensuite bathrooms, high ornate ceilings, antique fireplaces, polished Jarrah boards, modern stainless steel kitchens and balconies with city skyline views.  That’s not too much to aim for, is it? 

Well, I went to find out.  I had an appointment with a bank manager last week who seemed very willing to handover a very generous 8 times what I earn each year!   But given that I’d like to still be able to go out for dinner and see a movie every now and then, somehow I don’t think I’ll be borrowing quite that much! 

So, tomorrow is the big day for me. I’ll be checking out my first auction. I don’t actually plan on bidding; rather, just soaking up some of that good ol’ real estate atmosphere.  Breathe in the tension, absorb some anxiety from those squeezing 10k…20k…30k above their budget.  No doubt, that will be me in a few months time!