I don't mean fat pants, I mean like a grown up. I have been so stressed about the house issue with my Uncle (see previous blog) and utterly confused. I wasn't real sure where to start or go for help, not sure who to ask and those I had asked had all given different information. I just know that I don't want to lose my house. I don't want to move, I don't want to pay someone else rent, and I don't want to go through looking for another house to buy. My house now is everything my husband and I had been looking for, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, big beautiful yard, in a cul du sac, great neighborhood, great neighbors, good schools and close to everything. What more could I want? So the complication was with buying out my brother and Uncle from their portion of the house. How do I finance it? How much down do I need? What about my 25% equity in the house, do I need cash up front still? What about FHA? Am I a first time buyer? I mean technically my name is on the title already. Just confused. Long story not so short, I went to the bank yesterday to ask those questions. They called their real estate department for clarification. The answer. Since the home has no current mortgage on it and the title has my name on it I can refinance it for the value owed to my Uncle and brother, keeping my equity in the house. There is only minimal closing costs this way, I can qualify on my own without my husband's crummy credit screwing it up and my payment is rediculously low with a 3.85% fixed interest rate for 30 years. Even with my paltry income I should still be able to qualify. the payment is just that low and I have no other debt obligations. I did the initial application last night and I expect to hear back next week. I know there will be lots of follow up and paper work to drudge up but this will be so good for my family. I can't wait! I feel like such a grown up today. I feel so relieved to be on the path to sorting this all out and owning my own home. I am so fortunate that my brother and Uncle have been so helpful to me through all this, and really want the best for me and my family. Yesterday was a good day indeed. We needed a win and got a huge one.