Your first home

Buying your first home as husband and wife is a huge accomplishment and no easy task. Mr. Onion and I have started seriously looking for an apartment in NYC. We did the math and figured out what we would be spending on rent over the next 4-5 years (assuming we stayed where we are and our rent was never increased -- ha) and realized it would be more than enough for a down payment! We want to start building equity, make a good investment and it would be so nice to have a place to call our own.


An example of my dream apartment -- anyone have 8-10 million dollars to loan us? Or better yet, a generous wedding gift?! Haha.

Because of our budget we are limited in location and we know we want to remain in Manhattan proper (not move to NJ, Queens or far out in Brooklyn). So our search has been limited to upper Manhattan. The most helpful website we've found while hunting for a place in the city has been www.streeteasy.com.

Streeteasy is pretty comprehensive, pulls from all different real estate agencies listings and gives some really helpful information like how long the property has been on the market, the asking price history etc. I feel like we've learned so much in just the past month and can't wait to take that step. We've been pre-approved for a mortgage and are working with an real estate agent we trust so when we find the best place for us we're ready to make an offer.

But before you can get to that big step you have to address your financial situation. I'd highly recommend you have this conversation while you're still engaged long before the wedding. Find out what kind of debt you each have -- credit cards, college loans, car payments etc. Then talk about savings -- how much do you each have saved, do you have a retirement account, what is your outlook on long term saving? Everyone has a different approach to personal finances and knowing where you each stand BEFORE the wedding will make big financial decisions easier to make down the road. The last thing you want is to be turned down for a mortgage because one of you had terrible credit and were too scared to tell the other.

Any advice from those of you who've already bought your first place together? I'm interested to hear from NYC apartment owners as well as just general feedback from all over the country.

Wedding dress shopping...

Shopping for a wedding dress can be the most exciting thing you've ever done (after getting engaged to the love of your life that is). But it's not easy -- that's for sure. NYC brides have an amazing number of option, but where to start?

1. I'd highly recommend you start by pouring through bridal magazines and websites. The knot.com has a place to view many gowns by designer, price, neckline or silhouette. Just tear things out that you are drawn to -- for the shape, the fabric, the neckline -- whatever. No limits!

2. Most people will tell you to set a budget first and then start looking with that in mind. If you have self control, and the budget is a reality, I say forget it! Start by "dream dress" shopping. Try on all prices and shapes of dresses to see how they feel on you. You can love something in a magazine that will look terrible on your figure and be surprised by something you wouldn't expect to love. Don't have "the dress" set in stone in your head before you start trying gowns on. I began thinking I wanted a romantic dress with lace and it couldn't be strapless (see below -- my gown = no lace and strapless)!

3. I started with the NY Magazine's Wedding Guide. They have a pretty comprehensive list of Bridal Salons in the city and it was a great way to start planning.

4. I went to salons that carried dresses I knew I couldn't afford and tried on very expensive designer gowns: Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier etc., as I knew I'd never get the opportunity to do this again! Then I also went to places like Kleinfields (which was not a positive experience to be honest) and RK Bridal (which was overwhelming).

I tried on the following dresses (all across the boards in style and price):



Angel Sanchez



Carolina Hererra



Monique Lhullier



Le Spose di Gio

5. Then I got back to reality and went back to Mark Ingram's Bridal Salon where I began. I ended up buying the least expensive dress they carried (at $1770), but I LOVED it! Here is what I ended up buying -- a short Romona Keveza gown:



Mark Ingram's gowns usually start at $3,000, but if you're not looking for amazing detail and expensive lace, you might be surprised -- I was!

Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor
NY, NY

By appointment only -- call 212 319 6778.