Momentous News

I have momentous news that I finally feel able to share with everyone.  This week, after an insanely short amount of time actually looking for one, I am purchasing a town home.  This decision wasn't even a gleam in my eye until a couple of weeks ago.  But now, here I am, about to sign my life away.

I'm sure you all remember my move about 18 months ago.  And I wasn't thinking of moving again any time soon.  My apartment has been fine for the most part, and a pleasant upgrade from my old place.  However, some things were getting on my nerves - such as a landlord who won't take care of the landscaping, or even really keep the place up.  Another thing has been the freeway noise that I can hear through the vents at night, as well as the terribly thin walls between my and my neighbor's bedroom.  Really, I don't care what he does in his bedroom, I just don't want to hear it.

So a couple of weeks ago while I was pondering my dilemma, it hit on me that this might be the right time to buy.  Rates are really low, and you can get a lot more for the money.  So, I made contact with some mortgage people and asked them to start running some numbers for me.  While that was going on, I made contact with a Realtor that was recommended by my sister-in-law.  We talked over the phone, agreed to meet, and I made it clear that I wasn't afraid to take my time looking to find the right place.

Last Thursday, I met Laura (the Realtor), and we went and looked at a few places.  One I liked pretty good, but it was a little small, so I decided to keep looking.  The next day, she sent me info on a couple of more places, and I chose one to go look at.  We met last Saturday and went through the place.  I was stunned by how big it was, and even though it was older, it was in decent shape, and had most of the things I was looking for.  Laura felt the price was competitive and that it would move pretty quick.  She felt we should make an offer on it.  Reluctantly I agreed, with the stipulation that I could get out of the deal within 10 days.  I mean, I hadn't planned on things happening anywhere near that fast, and wasn't prepared mentally or emotionally for pulling the trigger.

I went home and slept on it overnight (well, I tried to anyway - but I didn't really sleep), then fasted and prayed about it the next day. Gradually I got more comfortable with the idea, and by Monday, I was pretty excited.  Angel went with me and Laura to look at it that night, and although wracked with nerves, I still felt good about it.  Then Tuesday evening I received a counter offer, which I accepted.

Things continue to be a whirlwind and all-consuming.  I've got a rate locked in, and my loan application is in process.  I've handed over my earnest money, and I've signed so many things so far that my hand is practically paralyzed.  And it's a good thing I'm too old to have kids, because I may have signed away my first born child.  But I continue to feel calmly excited (which you would think would be an oxymoron but isn't), and I am busy envisioning projects I want to tackle at some point.  Tomorrow I meet the home inspector (thankfully I've prepared myself by watching all those episodes of "Holmes Inspection"), and if all goes well, and I continue to get my ducks in a row, I should close in two weeks.  Yikes!