Ok, it’s been almost a 9 month process now.  What process?  Our mortgage process.  The NACA process.  You know, the program I keep mentioning but haven’t yet said which it is.  You know…that one!  Well, today I’ve hit my wall.  We’ve been given several close dates <SEVERAL> and none of them have happened yet.  We’ve even been given a call to come down, to only find out that it’s changed….until today!  Today we finally received our keys!

Now, don’t get me wrong…I’m patient.  I can wait if given information.  I can wait especially if I know a below-market interest rate is in our near future; I can wait.  But this company…this company that we are going through has such a poor communication with their customers is horrible.  When one takes a job that will deal with the general public you would hope they have in place a communicable way of explaining their process, practices and any information pertaining to their program.  NOPE!!   What is keeping me from walking away from this 9 month process you ask?  Well, aside from the fact that we have invested 9 months of our time but their are two VERY import pieces that I’m sure you already know about.

No Money Down, No Closing Costs and a Rehabilitation Budget (i.e.Wish List) 

Reason enough right!

It’s been a long drawn out process, but that I finally have hit the frugal mother loads of all finds…We are homeowners!  And homeowners without putting any money down…I know I still can’t believe it.

The Work

Looking back on this whole process, this appeared to be the most difficult process but not I know it was the easiest.  In this stage you will:

• attend a local workshop
• get familiar with your counselor and the NACA process
• as far as your credit history goes your counselor will advise you on what specific items if any that need addressing.  And in some cases not all things will need to be cleared before moving forward.   Keep in mind that your credit specific situation will be unique to you and this could be a long or short process depending on what needs to be done.
• you will also be assigned a Realtor if you do not have one.  My Realtor was there every step of the way and amazing.  He also had to attend a class to become NACA qualified and I’m so glad he was willing to do that for me.  If your in need of a realtor…here is his contact information:

Bryan Mitchell

Realty Executives

www.mrgrealestate.com

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• become NACA qualified and move to the next step in the program

The Waiting

We thought this would have been the easiest part but now know it was the hardest.  In this stage you will:

• wait
• and wait…
• and wait some more…
• until finally someone tells you that your wish list items (home improvement items that can be financed into your loan) are approved and have been finalized into the final loan amount.
• and wait more and more
• and email
• and email more
• and call
• and call more and more people to make sure they are doing their job.  I can’t stress this enough.  We could have been done with this process months ago if it weren’t for the lack of NACA’s communication and lack of checking on our file.  HUGE flaw in NACA’s system.

 The Finale

This depends greatly on which state you live in.  As we learned here in Nevada, with the all the effort we put into this process to ensure we have a smooth closing, there is always something that pops up last minute.  Here in Nevada on your closing day you will not receive your keys.  This will happen 24-48 hours and/or when you record. For us it’s going to look a bit more like 72+ hours.  Even though NACA says no closing costs, you will need to be prepared to have funds for Escrow and close of Escrow (this amount will vary depending on lot’s things like HOA, Master Plan, Garbarge, etc).

Our process was short according to the posts I read on Google.  When I read all the reviews on NACA before we started our journey I wanted to run.  They all sound horrible.  They basically begged me to run the other way.  I won’t lie, it was grueling work.  It was many many days of following up and double checking to make sure everyone was doing their job (this part was the most frustrating).    But at the end of the day, we are homeowners.

I hope this helps someone who has felt like they would never save enough to purchase a home, like they could never get into a home because of their credit, like there would be no way they could get a 30-year fixed mortgage and a below-market interest rate.  You can!  We did it and I’m here to say it’s possible with dedication, determination and hard work because it’s a great organization but you will need all of that to get through it.

Good Luck to you!

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Don’t forget about the Fresh & Easy Rewards Program is in full effect now. The below list is for starting Wednesday, May 16, 2012 in Nevada.  Also, make sure to check out my post HERE to learn the ins and outs of Fresh & Easy and how to maximize your savings and receive store coupons.

To find your local Fresh & Easy click HERE. I list the items that I feel are great pricing. If you’re looking for gluten Free foods you’ve come to the right place. They have a wide selection of gluten Free Foods at Fresh & Easy. F&E always has Great organic lotions & makeup, did you know that? Don’t forget to check out Fresh & Easy’s “What’s New” section. You can view the current weeks flyers here.  If you didn’t get a chance to check out the latest Event the Vegas Bloggers had with Fresh & Easy, you can do so HERE.

Deals of the week this week include:

• F&E orange juice, 59 fl oz for $2.99
• F&E mushrooms, whole or sliced, 8 oz for $1.59
• One dozen Farmer’s Gems large grade AA eggs, $1.59
• F&E sliced cheddar cheese, 8 oz for $2.50
• blueberries, blackberries or raspberries, 2 for $5
• side by side wine, $5.99/bottle *All proceeds go to the Aid for Wounded Warriors program

This post is part of  BeCentsAble’s Grocery Gathering. If you don’t see your store listed on my blog, please check out BeCentsable’s Grocery Gathering for an extensive list of grocery stores and blogs that cover the best deals!

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Right now, we have a gas grill and it has seen better days.  It’s not in the worst of shape but growing up with a charcole grill instead of propane,   it’s just been something that I’ve wanted to have.  So what do you think?  Charcole or Propane/Gas?  I was seriously torn.  Here’s my plan of attack for this little surprise and welcome to your new home gift to the hubby:

Since I’m on online junky and missed the Sears Sunday local ad, I’m starting my research at Sears.com Online Catalog

<my fave this time of year> and since it’s summer, have you ever heard of #GrillingIsHappiness that they put out?

I’m going to clue you in on another little secret.  Have you signed up and used your Shop Your Way Rewards they offer?  If not, you are missing out!  I’ve gotten a nice little amount taken off my bill when I’m checking out in-store when shopping at Kmart or Sears.  The only flaw I find is that you have to ask them to check your balance when checking out because it won’t automatically discount your purchase.

Before I go into my finds, here’s a little leg work that you can use and will save you BIG before you head out the door…don’t say I didn’t tell you:

• Shop Your Way Rewards members save more each and every season and for every $1 you spend you get 10 points (All Summer)
• Lock in today’s low prices for all of your upcoming events with Sears Layaway! (All Summer)Garden Oasis Grandview 7-piece Dining Set only $399.99 (used to be $599.99)
• Grilling Is Happiness Free In-store Assembly on ALL Gas Grills (All of May)
• All Patio Furniture, Decor and Grills on Sale
• Save $80 on Kenmore 4-burner gas grill with stainless lid (5/13)
• Free Delivery ($69.99 value) on any patio set or grill over $499.99 (5/13)
• 20% Off all cushions and folding lawn furniture (5/13)

Shweet right!  I plan on capitalizing on 4 of those sweet little deals.

The Plan – To locate and purchase a Grill for the new backyard online at Sears.com because I have no time these days to go looking.

The Budget – $250, that’s it..out the door no additional.

The plan to move in has changed so many times so I just want to get in and get out at this point because our close date has changed yet again.  Did you know in the state of Nevada even when you sign and close on your home you won’t get keys until you record.  This little piece of information would have been valuable to know.  Anyway, I ran to the store so I could pick up my goodies before we signed.

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Those cute little pink, teal, and lime green looking vases….well…they’re TP holders!  CUTE!  Are they not the most adorable display of TP holders you’ve ever seen.  Wait, it gets even better if you weren’t sure it could.

How would you like to display these cute little lego boxes in your kids rooms or bathrooms or basically anywhere because they are just that cute!  Pull apart and you have storage for all those thousands of pieces lego thought was a good idea  Or I was thinking even the mini one for my daughters jewelry or hair clips.  There’s a thousand and one possibilities here.

I have a thousand a 3 ideas for these baskets…WANT!  These are screaming for my office to be.

If you have a Container Store near you, you already know the possibilities of this store.  You already know that your mind just starts to swirl every time you walk in there because there are many many ideas you can put together for your space.  I like to say, it’s the OCD individual that’s in denial’s  dream store!  That’s me!

By the way, doesn’t this desk area just scream me…..——–>

And for my silly kids rooms…

If you’re looking for me today!  Don’t.  Don’t call, come by or even text me.  You  know where I’ll be.  I’ll be dreaming of elfa and all the different ways we can hang out in a space like this one she’s made:

Happy Shopping!

*For other posts from bloggers that attended this event, check them all out here.

**Disclosure – I do not have clinical OCD or any OCD…. I just love “things” contained and in their spot.

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It’s finally here!  The opening of my newest favorite store in Las Vegas.  The Container Store.   You’ve read my posts about my HOT mess, so you know that I’m on pins and needles for opening day!  I’ve been making a laundry list of things that I want  and another laundry list of things that I NEED.    For some reason they are not matching up

Here’s a little info for the Grand Opening this Saturday {share with your Facebook peeps too}. Don’t you just love a store that opens at 9am?  Why?  Because it’s not so early that if there’s something really good on sale, it won’t be gone by the time I drop my kids off to get it.  And it’s not so late that I have to wait in the parking lot reading emails {you know what I mean right? …. the store that open at 10am}.  It’s perfect!

So I have to ask…. are you guys going to head down there this weekend?  You might want to put that on your must do list for the weekend because you could be their Super Fan if you submitted your plea {yes I did} on their Facebook page {entries are closed} and get VIP treatment.  If not,  you still have a chance at winning a $1,000 Elfa space makeover.   Don’t know who Elfa is?  you must click over to see her in action.

Happy Shopping!

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To find your local Fresh & Easy click HERE. I list the items that I feel are great pricing. If you’re looking for gluten Free foods you’ve come to the right place. They have a wide selection of gluten Free Foods at Fresh & Easy. F&E always has Great organic lotions & makeup, did you know that? Don’t forget to check out Fresh & Easy’s “What’s New” section. You can view the current weeks flyers here.  If you didn’t get a chance to check out the latest Event the Vegas Bloggers had with Fresh & Easy, you can do so HERE.

Deals of the week this week include:

• F&E whole chicken, $.75/lb
• F&E  boneless beef USDA Choice New York steak family pack, $5.99/lb
• F&E  asparagus, 2 for $3
• F&E  sparkling mineral water, $.88
• 2 lb pack peaches or nectarines, 2 for $5
• boro hills sauvignon blanc or pinot noir, $7.99/bottle

Also, check out our summer savers throughout the store, including:

• 2-count red bell peppers, $1.99
• F&E washed spinach, $1.99
• Pantry Select hot dog or hamburger buns, $.88

This post is part of  BeCentsAble’s Grocery Gathering. If you don’t see your store listed on my blog, please check out BeCentsable’s Grocery Gathering for an extensive list of grocery stores and blogs that cover the best deals!

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So you guys know that I’m always looking and just really keep my eyes out for products that could either make my life easier, organized, cuter, less expensive or just plain better <Always looking>

Is he not the cuddliest monkey you’ve ever seen?   I packed a ton of stuff in my totes and I need to make sure it can all fit and not give me back pain later.

As you can see it fits all my necessities and then some.  I have room for my:

• iPad
• House Binder
• Kid Binder
• Blog Binder
• Sunscreen
• …and a drink on the other side

I love that the straps are strong and didn’t dig into my shoulder {hate that}.  Of course when you load it up like I do it will be heavy but this bag is not going to break.

Don’t you love this bag.  It’s super simple, chic, kid friendly and did I mention adorable.  Love the water melon lining.  Each bag will come with different living {and you can check that out here}.  Want one for yourself?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want more chances to win? Check out my facebook page: http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaways/go/181340595561/16150

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I’ve secretly been pining over a Keurig <Haven’t we all> for quite some time now.   I’ve used it at friends houses, I’ve adored it while at events {didn’t even know they had a commercial version – very cool} and I’ve drooled over it in the store.  We are HUGE coffee drinkers in this house.  But at the end of the day it’s just my hubby and I that drink coffee and once I have one cup, that’s usually all unless I’m have a dessert that requires coffee . If we’re Facebook friends or Fans {can’t remember where I shared it} then you probably saw my online yell that I was picked to host a Keurig party from HouseParty.com and receive a brand new Keurig Vue V700 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System machine to boot!  Can you say excited!  Oh yeah I was and am

Two problems…we’re moving and as you already know with this situation, everything {my life} is on hold/limbo.  And two…they wanted us to hold it on April 28 {well, that’s my birthday} Hmmmm…what to do, what to do?

House Party sent over some really cool things for the party and I couldn’t wait to break into it.  Have you guys joined House Party yet?  If you haven’t, your missing out!  Here’s what was in my goodie box this time:

• Tons of delicious Vue coffee, my favorite – Donut Shop
• Keurig Vue Mints – very chic & fancy
• 2 – coffee mugs
• paper cups
• Apron
• Brochures about the product
• Cookies
• …………..AND, let’s not forget……the New Keurig Vue Coffee Maker…..Oh yeah!!

Now do you see why you should join House Party!  It’s a big ole’ party anytime you get picked.  No, you won’t get picked for everything you apply for but I only apply for the parties I really want; like this one.

Now I have to stay on top of all the sales for this very chic cool new gadget.  I’ve already got my eye on a few accessories I want but I can’t decide:

This Woodard & Charles 24-cup Revolving K-Cup Storage unit

or

This interDesign Linus Coffee Pod Spin Organizer for only $13.99.

I like them both because they can sit against the wall on the counter out of the way.  Which one do you like?  or have?

It turned out quite nice to have my birthday, receive a rockin gift and have a spontaneous birthday party while checking out my new toy.  If your in the market for a Keurig and have been waiting, I’m going to tell you this little beauty is well worth it.  I will never look at a pot of coffee the same.  Your able to customize everything and I do mean everything {temperature, size, strength} – it’s perfect!

I will be adding this to the DF Gift Guide because it will make for a great Christmas gift!  No…it’s not too frugal, but depending on how important coffee is to you….what kind of deal you can find..it could be frugal since you won’t be stopping at Starbucks anymore….lol

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I love it when Starbucks has happy hour.  BUT, they should try “the waking hour”.  We need our morning coffee discounted too!  However, don’t forget from May 4 – 13 you can get 1/2 priced Frappuccino’s.  Plus they have a new flavor out called Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino, have you tried it yet?  I haven’t but it’s clear I’m a frequequent flyer:

I know why Starbucks has made a fortune….they’re awesome!  I’m 7 points away from my Gold Card and so far I see why so many people are so interested to get to that status.

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• Pay $25 for $50 to spend online at LastCall.com by Neiman Marcus.
• Voucher may not be used towards tax and shipping

I love this Kimono Dolman-Sleeve Dress, and the price….so doable!

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