The Roller Coaster of House Buying

So, an update on the house...

After the inspector told us that the basement drain tile system and sump pump were not adequate and the basement would most likely have water issues in the future (as it likely did in the past), we got a contractor who specializes in it to come for a second opinion.

He said there was definitely evidence of water damage and that the current system was not appropriate. He then gave us a quote for the work (less than $5,000).

After doing my own research, I found that there were 3 sources/openings in the basement that could be reason to believe that radon entering the home would have been an issue. The sump pump getting fixed was the most expensive. The other two we would have remedied ourselves.

We decided to go back to the seller and have him address the main problem and either 1.) pay for it entirely or 2.) assist in paying

They brought in someone for a second (or really third) opinion. That person (roto-rooter) gave a quote for 3 different options that ranged in price from $1,000 to $3,000. The seller wasn't willing to put anything towards the problem as they didn't think it was something that was or ever would be an issue.

So, we are moving on and looking at more homes!

We told them if they want to contact us in the future after they feel out the market more, we will be open to talking if we don't have offers or contracts with anyone else.

We really love that neighborhood and are checking out 4 more homes in that area tomorrow night.

There are still places in suburbs that are located North of the metro that interest us as well.

Whew - it's definitely a roller coaster of emotions. And hopefully we won't have to get this far with any other homes as the inspection is almost $400. We can't afford to lose that amount of money on too many other homes that don't pan out!! Ugh!!

But, obviously the safety of our young kids as well as any other children that come into this home are number one. We can't even consider a house that doesn't have necessary updates to make it safe!

We know we'll find something great. It just won't be as smooth and fast as we would have hoped.

Looks like we might be homeowners!

We still have a few things to finalize before it's all official but if all goes well, we will be moving soon!

We have an offer that's been accepted and we're signing the paperwork for the Purchase Agreement tonight when Chris gets off work.

Inspection scheduled for Friday - if there are any discrepencies, then we can get out of the agreement but we're pretty confident that the house is solid! It's already had an inspection by the city and everything cleared.

Document signing at the lender next Tuesday.

Possible closing date of April 2nd...

Specs on the house:

4 BR, 2 BA

1847 finished sq ft

attached two car garage

2 living areas on the main level - one has a stone fireplace w/ carpet, the other has newly refinished wood floors. The fireplace room has brand new neutral carpet and sliding glass doors that lead to the nice-sized deck and ample back yard. All bedrooms have wood floors as well as the dining space. The kitchen has neutral tile.

Basement has a laundry room w/ storage and workbench, a room that we will be using as a play area and then a very large room for guests - lots of closet space down there. The house has brand new electrical throughout and recently new furnace, water heater, and roof. Entire upstairs has fresh, neutral paint.

One bathroom is on the main level and the other in the basement. They both have a very 50's vibe (house built in 1957) but could be projects for the future.

The kitchen has a brand new stove and dishwasher. Cabinets and laminate counters are in good condition.

Exterior is fairly new maintenance-free vinyl siding and some brick. There is a flag pole in front yard so let me know if you see any interesting flags out there?! Also, nicely maintained landscaping.

The whole house is clean and has been very well maintained by it's one owner. It's an estate so the woman must have recently passed away and her 3 kids (one son in particular) updated a lot of the home.

Less than 2 blocks away is a great park and the neighborhood seems full of families! All of the homes are very nice and pridefully maintained.

MLS 4112069

Realtor's pics: front of house

Living Room

 Front Entrance

 Kitchen

 Family Room

 Back Deck

 Back Yard

We are very excited to be home owners! This house will be very comfortable for our family and we're ready to feel settled for awhile :-)

We feel blessed to have had things go well so far and hope it continues throughout the weeks to come.

Looking forward to a house-warming party this spring!!

Playdate Fun

We love having Tyson over for some playtime!!! They have so much fun!

Trip to Newport Beach=Christmas comes early for Bubbs

I had a great trip to California last week. Kalen, James and I hung out for two nights and two days until Keith and Bonnie got home from a romantic get-away.

We spent a lot of time at their beach club's pool (awesome) and enjoyed a hike at Back Bay.

 Egret - there's lots of great bird watching there!

 James got ahold of my camera and took some hilarious shots. I will spare some embarassment to Keith and Bonnie and avoid posting most of them - pretty funny facial expressions/eyes half shut.

Chris and Kai met me in the baggage claim - it was actually really special! Kyler seemed really happy to see his mama and we had a great day getting back into our routine today :-) He kept saying, "hi mommy."

The morning after I returned, Kyler was amazed by what he found in the living room. Thank you Keith, Bonnie, Kalen & James for the amazing new (to us) toys!!

Keith - glad you had a great 50th birthday!