Distractions leading to Changes

Year one is history. And the last few weeks of year one have brought about some major changes.

Over the course of my time here in Las Vegas, besides trying to play poker, I've had this lingering question in my head about real estate. Should I buy some property here? With home prices dropping (all over the country) constantly and foreclosures in the news it became more and more difficult for me to put off answering that question. So much so, in fact, it became a distraction large enough to interrupt my poker activities.

So, I began investigating seriously about a month ago and learned that despite a good-sized downpayment, I would need a real job with a real paycheck in order to qualify for a mortgage.

I spent some time looking into poker rooms around town and even played every day at Hooter's Hotel and Casino for two weeks hoping to land a floor position. I did get hired two weeks ago, but not at a casino. The real estate company I had consulted with needed another person in their IT department and it was just enough of a job to qualify for a mortgage.

Now, I've been on the job for two weeks and haven't played any poker since being hired. But I've been out touring homes and meeting with bankers and I even get my first paycheck this week.

Once I decide on a property and move in and get settled, etc. I may again return to full-time poker playing. But for now, it's on the back burner.