Help with houses!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
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Also, I just checked on the website and remembered that while DR Horton is an excellent builder, but their mortgages services DHI is not great to stay the least, so be aware that they are higher than others. You might however be forced to go with them if they are offering certain incentives or money towards closing.
Team Anthracite Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,366
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by juniorbean
Really? Guess they're all done differently. We had to choose everything. Countertops, appliances, cabinets, faucets, fans, tiles for each bathroom, grout color, where we wanted hardwood floors, carpet colors, every lighting fixture, fans, cable outlets, phone outlets, high-hat (recessed) lighting, paint color and on and on and on.....
We were in the sales office for about 3 hours doing construction options, the actual design showroom for 6 hours, and the lighting place for 4.5 hours. And, from what we were told, we were fast. Many people took days to make their selections!! I guess since we just built our last place in 2003 we already knew what we wanted and what we didn't want, and just chose everything quicker.
We were in the sales office for about 3 hours doing construction options, the actual design showroom for 6 hours, and the lighting place for 4.5 hours. And, from what we were told, we were fast. Many people took days to make their selections!! I guess since we just built our last place in 2003 we already knew what we wanted and what we didn't want, and just chose everything quicker.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 979
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From: Dayton, OH
wow congrats. Im going to be looking for a new place in about a year or so and im debating on whether to go the small house route or the condo/townhouse route since I live in an apartment right now. My rent right now is $725/month with a garage and I know i could easily pay a few hundred more and get a place of my own.
Are the fees and whatnot that big of a deal with the condo?
Are the fees and whatnot that big of a deal with the condo?
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
Originally Posted by juniorbean
Just a heads-up... get your "dream home" next. If you don't... you'll never get it. Trust me... almost everyone i know always says dream home is after the kids. Well, guess what... after you have kids, you have no life. It's all about them. And all of your money goes towards them. Then, once they start school, you'll feel horrible moving them away from the neighborhood they grew up in, or from their school district, or whatever. My parents are in their mid-50's... and they just got their dream home now... after they retired. Most of the people in the expensive houses (well, they're all expensive, but the higher end homes) in our community are over 40 years old... some older. They are empty nesters and they're just getting their dream homes now. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of families... but they bought some of the "smaller" models and they love their homes, but they were not able to buy their dream homes b/c of the kids. If you don't want a dream home until you're much older, then you'll be all set... otherwise, get what you want, get yourself settled, then move on to kids....
Use this place as a starter (and it looks like a great start)... then use that for bigger and better things.
Of course that's just my
which doesn't really mean shit... but thought I'd share 
Use this place as a starter (and it looks like a great start)... then use that for bigger and better things.
Of course that's just my
which doesn't really mean shit... but thought I'd share I need to chime in on this one. There are certainly two schools of thought.
1 - Get all the toys before you have the kids
2 - Have the kids, then get the toys.
I chose option 2, well maybe 1.5
Problem with getting the dream house first is that most people fail to factor in the cost of raising a kid. So you go and buy the $X00,000 home and have a pretty hefty mortgage, but one that's doable. Well guess what? X years from now when you decide the have the kids, you still have that mortgage, but now you've just added all the costs of raising kids. Most people fall into the trap of adding both couple's income into the mortgage decision. HUGE MISTAKE.
JB, you're in a different situation since you sold high and bought low, moving from NY to NC.
My wife and I still plan to buy the "dream home" It's taken us a while, but since we have a fairly easy mortgage to handle, we can afford to save. Not the case for a lot of others.
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
JB, you're in a different situation since you sold high and bought low, moving from NY to NC.
My wife and I still plan to buy the "dream home" It's taken us a while, but since we have a fairly easy mortgage to handle, we can afford to save. Not the case for a lot of others.
My wife and I still plan to buy the "dream home" It's taken us a while, but since we have a fairly easy mortgage to handle, we can afford to save. Not the case for a lot of others.
Aren't you doing something similar (moving to PA and out of NJ to get more for your money)??
Joined: May 2000
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From: where the weather suits my clothes
Originally Posted by juniorbean
True, but nothing's stopping people from what we did. In fact, many people I know are doing it or looking into it.
Aren't you doing something similar (moving to PA and out of NJ to get more for your money)??
Aren't you doing something similar (moving to PA and out of NJ to get more for your money)??
Yeah but first-time homebuyers don't have the luxury we have.
I was actually more talking about getting the "dream" home without first considering your life plan.
1 - When do you plan to have kids?
2 - Will both spouses continue to work?
3 - What is the cost to raise a child?
4 - Will we have any money left over to invest for the future?
It all comes down to being house poor.
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Yeah but first-time homebuyers don't have the luxury we have.
I was actually more talking about getting the "dream" home without first considering your life plan.
1 - When do you plan to have kids?
2 - Will both spouses continue to work?
3 - What is the cost to raise a child?
4 - Will we have any money left over to invest for the future?
It all comes down to being house poor.
I was actually more talking about getting the "dream" home without first considering your life plan.
1 - When do you plan to have kids?
2 - Will both spouses continue to work?
3 - What is the cost to raise a child?
4 - Will we have any money left over to invest for the future?
It all comes down to being house poor.
Oh, and in order
1 - Not sure if we will. If we do it will probably be in about 6-7 years or so.
2 - Maybe. I'm working on some things that could have us in a great position before we have kids. If things work out only one of us would need to work. If not we'll both be working, but it's way too soon to guess.
3 - Too expensive which is why we have no desire to have any anytime soon.
4 - I plan to be retired by 45... working on 40. Having children (and the cost of children) are included in that plan.
Joined: May 2000
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From: where the weather suits my clothes
Originally Posted by juniorbean
True... the money we made on our first home put us in a good position to buy a house in either NY or wherever (which ended up being NC). Obviously the further south of NY we went the more home we got for the money and the lower the mortgage
Oh, and in order
1 - Not sure if we will. If we do it will probably be in about 6-7 years or so.
2 - Maybe. I'm working on some things that could have us in a great position before we have kids. If things work out only one of us would need to work. If not we'll both be working, but it's way too soon to guess.
3 - Too expensive which is why we have no desire to have any anytime soon.
4 - I plan to be retired by 45... working on 40. Having children (and the cost of children) are included in that plan.
Oh, and in order
1 - Not sure if we will. If we do it will probably be in about 6-7 years or so.
2 - Maybe. I'm working on some things that could have us in a great position before we have kids. If things work out only one of us would need to work. If not we'll both be working, but it's way too soon to guess.
3 - Too expensive which is why we have no desire to have any anytime soon.
4 - I plan to be retired by 45... working on 40. Having children (and the cost of children) are included in that plan.
1 - See but you went into it with the idea that kids might not happen.
4 - Best of luck with that. I thought I had a good idea what a kid would cost me. Oh how I was mistaken.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Dayton, OH
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
I need to chime in on this one. There are certainly two schools of thought.
Problem with getting the dream house first is that most people fail to factor in the cost of raising a kid. So you go and buy the $X00,000 home and have a pretty hefty mortgage, but one that's doable. Well guess what? X years from now when you decide the have the kids, you still have that mortgage, but now you've just added all the costs of raising kids. Most people fall into the trap of adding both couple's income into the mortgage decision. HUGE MISTAKE.
My wife and I still plan to buy the "dream home" It's taken us a while, but since we have a fairly easy mortgage to handle, we can afford to save. Not the case for a lot of others.
Problem with getting the dream house first is that most people fail to factor in the cost of raising a kid. So you go and buy the $X00,000 home and have a pretty hefty mortgage, but one that's doable. Well guess what? X years from now when you decide the have the kids, you still have that mortgage, but now you've just added all the costs of raising kids. Most people fall into the trap of adding both couple's income into the mortgage decision. HUGE MISTAKE.
My wife and I still plan to buy the "dream home" It's taken us a while, but since we have a fairly easy mortgage to handle, we can afford to save. Not the case for a lot of others.
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
1 - See but you went into it with the idea that kids might not happen.
4 - Best of luck with that. I thought I had a good idea what a kid would cost me. Oh how I was mistaken.
4 - Best of luck with that. I thought I had a good idea what a kid would cost me. Oh how I was mistaken.
4 - hehe, my friends and neighbors have kids and I see how much it costs. Crazy. It's hard enough to raise a kid these days... nevermind affording to raise one...
Originally Posted by CKcentral
Im single and live alone but this is my thinking too. The first place i get should be a starter home/condo/townhouse or w/e it is. Then ill continue to save up downpayments and keep moving up eventually being able to afford a really nice place.
But on-topic, Saki is in good shape. YOu hang in a place like this for a few years and you'll sell at a nice profit and be in that much better shape for the next place...
.
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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I dont mind the off-topic chatter...keeps my thread on the first page so I can find it easily 
Well. Walk through on the 25th. Final walk through and closing on the 31st!
Ill probably go couch shopping the weekend before and get the supplies for my painting project. I cant stand the white walls and fixtures that are in there now. It looks too bland.
I already applied for condo insurance (in FL its crazy to finalize anything
)
Ill call for the electricity and cable the week before.
Ill apply for that homestead thingy after I move in.
What am I forgetting?
Well. Walk through on the 25th. Final walk through and closing on the 31st!
Ill probably go couch shopping the weekend before and get the supplies for my painting project. I cant stand the white walls and fixtures that are in there now. It looks too bland.
I already applied for condo insurance (in FL its crazy to finalize anything
)Ill call for the electricity and cable the week before.
Ill apply for that homestead thingy after I move in.
What am I forgetting?
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,115
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Originally Posted by CKcentral
wow congrats. Im going to be looking for a new place in about a year or so and im debating on whether to go the small house route or the condo/townhouse route since I live in an apartment right now. My rent right now is $725/month with a garage and I know i could easily pay a few hundred more and get a place of my own.
Are the fees and whatnot that big of a deal with the condo?
Are the fees and whatnot that big of a deal with the condo?
Luckily its waived for the first 6 months so that money can payoff some things I need for the place.
LOL, with our utilities in NC we had one week to switch everything over after closing! We took full advantage of that and didn't actually contact anyone until exactly one week after we closed. Some of the utilities had to run credit checks and all this nonsense, so for a few of them it ended up being almost 2 weeks before everything was switched over. Can't go wrong having the builder pay 2 weeks of your utilities
Cable was setup beforehand though b/c I needed the modem for work... so they were there the day after we closed...
Cable was setup beforehand though b/c I needed the modem for work... so they were there the day after we closed...
Last edited by juniorbean; May 10, 2006 at 09:44 AM.
Originally Posted by SakiGT
I dont mind the off-topic chatter...keeps my thread on the first page so I can find it easily
Well. Walk through on the 25th. Final walk through and closing on the 31st!
Ill probably go couch shopping the weekend before and get the supplies for my painting project. I cant stand the white walls and fixtures that are in there now. It looks too bland.
I already applied for condo insurance (in FL its crazy to finalize anything)
Ill call for the electricity and cable the week before.
Ill apply for that homestead thingy after I move in.
What am I forgetting?
Well. Walk through on the 25th. Final walk through and closing on the 31st!
Ill probably go couch shopping the weekend before and get the supplies for my painting project. I cant stand the white walls and fixtures that are in there now. It looks too bland.
I already applied for condo insurance (in FL its crazy to finalize anything
)Ill call for the electricity and cable the week before.
Ill apply for that homestead thingy after I move in.
What am I forgetting?
We waited one year to paint. That way when they did the 90-day and 1-year walkthroughs they repaired all imperfections and also re-painted the walls where they needed to so the walls were almost perfect again. After that we painted all of the rooms we wanted to and we only had to do it once since by then the house was pretty much settled and their repairs left us with like new walls. Yes it sucked having an all white house for a year... but it was worth it to wait IMO.
As for what are you forgetting, the only thing I see missing is phone and water as far as utilities go. And gas if you have natural gas running to the house...
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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Our utility company covers water and electricity.
I dont have gas either
I dont have this 1 year walk through like you did (although it sounds nifty). Im going to try and tackle everything the weekend after (more help) and start moving in after that. It shouldnt take me too long to install everything. My dad is pretty handy.
Ill have pics of my unit after the 25th so I can get some suggestions for coloring. Im going with a bold orange/rust and a lighter brown. Mom thinks it will make the room look smaller...I think it wont
Ill post my ideas when you guys can see the pics.
I dont have gas either
I dont have this 1 year walk through like you did (although it sounds nifty). Im going to try and tackle everything the weekend after (more help) and start moving in after that. It shouldnt take me too long to install everything. My dad is pretty handy.
Ill have pics of my unit after the 25th so I can get some suggestions for coloring. Im going with a bold orange/rust and a lighter brown. Mom thinks it will make the room look smaller...I think it wont
Ill post my ideas when you guys can see the pics.
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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Actually this lady has the same model/color scheme I want. Im deciding on the kitchen. The living room will be similar to the pictured, tan.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/rfs/159195209.html
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/rfs/159195209.html
Originally Posted by SakiGT
Our utility company covers water and electricity.
I dont have gas either
I dont have this 1 year walk through like you did (although it sounds nifty). Im going to try and tackle everything the weekend after (more help) and start moving in after that. It shouldnt take me too long to install everything. My dad is pretty handy.
Ill have pics of my unit after the 25th so I can get some suggestions for coloring. Im going with a bold orange/rust and a lighter brown. Mom thinks it will make the room look smaller...I think it wont Ill post my ideas when you guys can see the pics.
I dont have gas either
I dont have this 1 year walk through like you did (although it sounds nifty). Im going to try and tackle everything the weekend after (more help) and start moving in after that. It shouldnt take me too long to install everything. My dad is pretty handy.
Ill have pics of my unit after the 25th so I can get some suggestions for coloring. Im going with a bold orange/rust and a lighter brown. Mom thinks it will make the room look smaller...I think it wont
Ill post my ideas when you guys can see the pics.
We're looking, as I said, in Oakleaf plantation. Do you know anything about this area? We want to live as close to Cecil Field as possible. My wife was down there with her sister a couple of weeks ago, and said actually, even though it's older, that Argyle Forest was nicer. We'll see about that.
How far do you live from Oakleaf? We'll have to get together and check out eachother's cars (I'll be getting a new TL in about 21 days!).
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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I must tell you, there are two sides of Jacksonville divided by the St. Johns. If you are born on one side you know little about the other unless youre forced to move.
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
Banned
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
I must tell you, there are two sides of Jacksonville divided by the St. Johns. If you are born on one side you know little about the other unless youre forced to move.
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
Which one is the good side, yours or his? :thief:
Originally Posted by SakiGT
I must tell you, there are two sides of Jacksonville divided by the St. Johns. If you are born on one side you know little about the other unless youre forced to move.
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
I dont know anything about that area but I posted about it in my local forums. http://www.jaxstreetscene.com/forums...showtopic=7847
Feel free to join. Lots of ricers jump in with their idiotic two cents but you get good info despite it.
We'll have to double date when you move down. Ill be in St Augustine for a car show this weekend, so Ill be busy
Thanks for the concern. And I laughed out loud when you said, "Newb" on the other forum. LOL. Anyways, that's cool about the St. Augustine car show. We'll be in St. Augustine on Monday night for our two year anniversary. I'll be, ahem, busy during that time. Hopefully, we'll have to double date when we move in less than a month
Banned
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
Neither
Generally houses (land) is cheaper on his side. The real problems are on the Northside of Jacksonville (Above the city, not below the airport).
Generally houses (land) is cheaper on his side. The real problems are on the Northside of Jacksonville (Above the city, not below the airport).
I want to live in Ponte Vedra beach ..
Last edited by mamboking; May 10, 2006 at 11:17 AM.
1919
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
Actually this lady has the same model/color scheme I want. Im deciding on the kitchen. The living room will be similar to the pictured, tan.
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/rfs/159195209.html
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/rfs/159195209.html
Anything but plain white!!
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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Well, heres the issue: Im going to bust out the darker clay-orange...which would be painted on the wall opposite the kitchen and the wall with the balcony. Ill post the pics of the tiles Im considering later.
Im thinking a dark red would work with the tan but also with the orange better than green.
Green and orange =
Edit: Oh yea. A darker tan could work as well.
Im thinking a dark red would work with the tan but also with the orange better than green.
Green and orange =
Edit: Oh yea. A darker tan could work as well.
Last edited by SakiGT; May 10, 2006 at 11:38 AM.
1919
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Ah I see, I guess that does change things.
We actually have some dark red curtains with a dark tan wall in our kitchen that I think looks pretty good. But then we have a dark red living room with a yellow hallway next to it that I'm not a huge fan of, so I guess it's all about the person.
It's your choice though, do whatever you want
We actually have some dark red curtains with a dark tan wall in our kitchen that I think looks pretty good. But then we have a dark red living room with a yellow hallway next to it that I'm not a huge fan of, so
I guess it's all about the person.It's your choice though, do whatever you want
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
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Man I love ebay.
I found a slightly used couch for 1/5 of what I wanted to spend. Hopefully I can get the guy to end the auction early
If it works out Ill definitely go darker tan in the kitchen.
Id love the seating of this new couch, but it may be too large for the room. Ill have to do some experimenting. Id have a helluva lot of sitting room, though.
I found a slightly used couch for 1/5 of what I wanted to spend. Hopefully I can get the guy to end the auction early
If it works out Ill definitely go darker tan in the kitchen.
Id love the seating of this new couch, but it may be too large for the room. Ill have to do some experimenting. Id have a helluva lot of sitting room, though.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: NY
Congrats on the purchase, Saki. I want a house, too. I got pre-approved for a $200k mortgage (financing everything since I don't have much to put down), but I have to keep saving. $200k MIGHT buy me a run-down condo in a ghetto here in Jersey 
. 1/2BR condos with no garages are $300k minimum around here. It's so discouraging. There aren't many condos/townhouses around here to begin with...most are $800k mini-mansions. I will likely end up a long way from work to get into a cheaper place, which blows. I hope one day not many years down the road I will be all excited like you!
. 1/2BR condos with no garages are $300k minimum around here. It's so discouraging. There aren't many condos/townhouses around here to begin with...most are $800k mini-mansions. I will likely end up a long way from work to get into a cheaper place, which blows. I hope one day not many years down the road I will be all excited like you!
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
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Dont look at my condo and think "damn I could move to FL and live like a king."
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only difference is the Acuras cost the same down here
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only difference is the Acuras cost the same down here
Originally Posted by SakiGT
Dont look at my condo and think "damn I could move to FL and live like a king."
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only difference is the Acuras cost the same down here
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only difference is the Acuras cost the same down here
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
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Right now my job position is Medical Lab Assistant, but thats not really what I do.
I dont touch patients, I handle patient and doctor issues as they arise, bill, manage timekeeping, fax results, write procedures, not to mention order supplies, and anything else that happens to come up.
My boss is trying to change my status (and pay) to an Administrative Assistant. If she cant get it done Ill leave. Lets just say I make less than $24k now. I want (need) $30k.
Im going back to school since I love the healthcare industry...this time towards the sciences so this job is VERY helpful to persue that. I would rather stay since I OBVIOUSLY have extra time on my hand in my current position. I usually post on forums but if Im absent its because Im doing homework.
Im very efficient, so I dont need to work hard to get excellent reviews here.
I dont touch patients, I handle patient and doctor issues as they arise, bill, manage timekeeping, fax results, write procedures, not to mention order supplies, and anything else that happens to come up.
My boss is trying to change my status (and pay) to an Administrative Assistant. If she cant get it done Ill leave. Lets just say I make less than $24k now. I want (need) $30k.
Im going back to school since I love the healthcare industry...this time towards the sciences so this job is VERY helpful to persue that. I would rather stay since I OBVIOUSLY have extra time on my hand in my current position. I usually post on forums but if Im absent its because Im doing homework.
Im very efficient, so I dont need to work hard to get excellent reviews here.
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
Dont look at my condo and think "damn I could move to FL and live like a king."
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only similarity is the Acuras cost the same down here
Look at my condo, then look at my starting offers with a college degree...less than 30k across the board.
It evens itself out. The only similarity is the Acuras cost the same down here
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
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May I also point out that about a year ago (and even up to March) before I realized I wanted to go back for Pharmacy I was aggressively job hunting. I got a ton of offers but they all offered shitty (imo) pay. Not to mention Id have to invest in a ton of clothing and have 0 free time during the day or flexibility if I needed to go to classes or whatever.
Not worth it for me.
Not worth it for me.
Originally Posted by SakiGT
May I also point out that about a year ago (and even up to March) before I realized I wanted to go back for Pharmacy I was aggressively job hunting. I got a ton of offers but they all offered shitty (imo) pay. Not to mention Id have to invest in a ton of clothing and have 0 free time during the day or flexibility if I needed to go to classes or whatever.
Not worth it for me.
Not worth it for me.