Well, we decided that even though the closing has been postponed 3 times, the last message sounded very confident, so we're taking our chances making our way down to the area where it's being sold (near Orlando, FL).
We left Raleigh and dear daughter and son in law this morning and drove about 7 hours to Savannah, GA. Not really doing anything touristy; just staying in a decent hotel with a nice pool. Only drawback is it's right near an army airbase, so we have constant helicopters and war jets passing directly overhead. Grateful it's practice and not on military duty!
The paperwork we need to establish our domicile is ready (arrived at SBI) so tomorrow we will drive about 3 hours to Green Cove Springs, FL to register and get our drivers licenses. Originally we were planning to do this on our way back up north, but what the heck; may as well take care of it now that we have the time! Afterwards, we will drive about 2 1/2 hrs and stay at a hotel on Daytona Beach. On Wed. morning we will make our way down to Orlando (St. Cloud, actually). Whether we make the purchase and spend our first night in our COW or need a hotel down there is yet to be seen.
* I don't recall if I said this before or not -- the reference to cow and bull: cow = castle on wheels; bull is the beast of a truck pulling it.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Still in Part I
We're kind of in limbo right now, as we did NOT close on the house on Thursday, June 5th as planned. We vacated the house and left for VA to stay with daughter's in-laws. En route, received a call from lawyer saying that the mortgage documents hadn't arrived so closing would probably be on Friday.
Friday morning we left for NC to stay with daughter. Midway, got a call that the underwriter still needed to approve something so the closing would most likely now be Monday.
Got an email Saturday, forwarded by my lawyer from buyer's lawyer saying "The lender has now told me we will be clear to close Wednesday." Somehow, why do I just not really believe that???
So plans are once again in flux. Daughter does not want us in her home while she is out (although we are welcome to sleep here). I will call the mail forwarding place in the morning and if they have enough mail for us to use at DMV, maybe we'll leave Monday morning and go there (instead of after visiting Naples en route back up north).
Just gotta keep the faith that this WILL happen and soon and it's just par for the course.
Friday morning we left for NC to stay with daughter. Midway, got a call that the underwriter still needed to approve something so the closing would most likely now be Monday.
Got an email Saturday, forwarded by my lawyer from buyer's lawyer saying "The lender has now told me we will be clear to close Wednesday." Somehow, why do I just not really believe that???
So plans are once again in flux. Daughter does not want us in her home while she is out (although we are welcome to sleep here). I will call the mail forwarding place in the morning and if they have enough mail for us to use at DMV, maybe we'll leave Monday morning and go there (instead of after visiting Naples en route back up north).
Just gotta keep the faith that this WILL happen and soon and it's just par for the course.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Decided on the rig
The inspection on the coach and truck we've been considering was done. There are a handful of issues, but all are within the scope of normal wear & tear and maintenance. Hopefully we can bring it to a Camping World and have everything addressed at the same time. We're calling it our cow and bull (Castle On Wheels, and a beast / bull to pull it with). Here's a photo of the outside:
Of course, if you're still following the "Sale of the House Saga" thread, the extension for the mortgage commitment date has come and gone and we still haven't heard anything. Buyers still want to rent so they can move in quickly, but we're not interested as it's too risky. Still praying and planning for a June 5th or June 9th closing date.
Of course, if you're still following the "Sale of the House Saga" thread, the extension for the mortgage commitment date has come and gone and we still haven't heard anything. Buyers still want to rent so they can move in quickly, but we're not interested as it's too risky. Still praying and planning for a June 5th or June 9th closing date.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
And more cleaning begins!
If you're reading the previous post ("Sale of the House Saga") which is logging all the activity from the house listing to closing, you will see we're now about 2 weeks away from the goal! I've been busy doing lots and lots of research into banking, insurance, driving lessons, campgrounds and travel and much more.
Now we're really down to the wire with whatever we left in the house. Basically sorting the closets, cabinets and drawers into what we're taking with us and what's going into storage and what's being thrown out or given away. The hardest part of this job will be cleaning out the garage where Mitch still has a lot of his computer related "stuff" (being kind here) that he wouldn't make a decision about during the last round of purging.
UPDATE: I am very proud of Mitch - he is doing a phenomenal job in not hesitating to throw things away now. I guess the reality of what we're about to do has finally hit him and he realizes there won't be any room for the stuff he thinks there's a 10% chance he may need in the future. Way to go, Mitch!
Now we're really down to the wire with whatever we left in the house. Basically sorting the closets, cabinets and drawers into what we're taking with us and what's going into storage and what's being thrown out or given away. The hardest part of this job will be cleaning out the garage where Mitch still has a lot of his computer related "stuff" (being kind here) that he wouldn't make a decision about during the last round of purging.
UPDATE: I am very proud of Mitch - he is doing a phenomenal job in not hesitating to throw things away now. I guess the reality of what we're about to do has finally hit him and he realizes there won't be any room for the stuff he thinks there's a 10% chance he may need in the future. Way to go, Mitch!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Sale of the House saga
This blog post shall detail the journey from Phase 1 (getting the house on the market) to Phase 2 (moving out).
June 4, 2014
Ok, this is the final entry here. Just want to record for prosperity that this day has been just about as stressful as the day before the Open House (see posting March 27, 2014). Just feeling like there isn't enough time to get all the packing done. We've been up and working since 6:30 this morning and will probably be up really late tonight. I had a little panic attack when Mitch was called to the dentist's office, as his crown is ready and the dentist won't be available when we're back this way in August. Kind of like the panic attack Friday when he took a job. I really need to learn how to relax and go with the flow.
I'm also feeling the crunch of time because today is Shavous. Haven't been able to observe it, but we do want to go to services at 6:00 to hear the 10 Commandments read. Cleaning lady is still here, realtor is coming at 5:30. I MUST get my hair done (cut and colored -- I normally color it myself but it always leaves splotches in the bathroom and I don't have time to clean it up, especially since it's invisible when it splatters and I don't see it until the next day). I was going to do it in the morning, but we have a number of other errands to run, and they don't open until 10, so that will totally screw up the timing. The only option, therefore, is tonight. They close at 8, so I need to be there by 7. 6:00 services start on "Jewish time" which means it could be 6:30. Just writing this is stressing me out again.
We're not going to the closing in person -- letting the lawyer do that so we can be on the road. The plan is to stay with Griffin's parents in VA Thurs. night, then stay with the kids in NC Fri and Sat, and leave for FL on Sunday. Seller can't see us until Monday so we'll stay in a hotel in Kissimmee. We'll do Savannah another time.
Anyway, I can and will get through this. Only another few more hours of work and then onto our new lifestyle tomorrow!!!
June 3, 2014
Well, folks, this may be the last or next to last entry under this heading -- THE CLOSING DATE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT LAST!!!! We are on for the scheduled date of June 5th, which is in 2 days from now. Then onto our new adventure and the Next Chapter in our lives. I can't believe it's here after all this time. Still some frantic last minute packing left to do, but the adrenaline is running high, so we'll get it all done.
May 30, 2014
Naturally, still waiting for confirmation on the closing date. Haven't been told it's changed, so still working towards less than 1 week away!
We are currently completely furniture-less. We are sleeping on an air mattress and our clothes are in boxes, which will be taken with us for the RV. We have a small bridge table to eat off of, borrowed 2 folding chairs from a neighbor to sit on, plus we have our large table and office chairs that we need for work. Will donate those on move out day.
Once again, I feel like I'm in a total state of chaos, as nothing is organized. I guess if I look back at the photos when everything was all over the place, the "everything" is 99% smaller than it used to be, so it shouldn't be as difficult. But I guess that's just me -- I get anxious if a single paper clip is out of place!!!
Breathe, relax and keep the end goal in sight!
May 27, 2014
UPDATE: They just received the mortgage commitment!!! Next step - lawyer to review to make sure there are no unusual requests, and to verify that we can still have the June 5th closing date.
4:30 in the afternoon and still waiting for word on the mortgage commitment. Not sure we have any recourse or what the reason for the delay is. Obviously, we don't have a backup buyer and we really aren't prepared to put the house back on the market if we have a choice (see next paragraph for further details).
Motorcycle is gone, and tomorrow Tammy is coming to pick up the rest of the furniture, as well as the Chevy (so we'll only have the van to drive). That means that by tomorrow night we will be sleeping on an air mattress, with our clothes in a box, in a completely empty room. She's also taking the kitchen table and chairs, so we'll be eating off a bridge table. It's not going to be very comfortable living, but we are willing to do it for a week or so. If we need to re-list the house, that's going to be very difficult, especially if it need to be staged as beautifully as last time. I mean, we'll do what we need to do and whatever God has planned for us, but we pray it is not this route and that we'll get a good closing date really soon!!!
May 23, 2014
Ok, we still no word on the mortgage commitment, and we are now entering a holiday weekend (Memorial Day) so we won't likely hear anything until Tuesday.
We did get a call from our realtor, who got a call from their realtor, asking if we would be willing to move out earlier than the closing date and rent to them. Most likely, wherever they are living, they are unable to stay. We spoke to the lawyer and she advised very strongly against doing that. Not only are there too many risks (ie if something, God forbid!, happened to the house the insurance might not pay if they learn we were not living there), plus we have no mortgage commitment and even if we get it on Tuesday, asking us to move out by Friday is really asking a lot. Plus it would be hard to put a price tag on, not knowing when closing is. And lastly, a legal agreement would need to be drawn up by both lawyers, and that is not something that could be done on a Friday afternoon, at quarter to five on a holiday weekend!!! The time to vacate could come by the time the documents were drawn! So, no... let them worry about staying in a hotel or with family. We will leave by the closing date.
May 22, 2014
Had a real panic attack tonight! The lawyer forwarded an email from the buyers' lawyer saying that the buyers wanted to close by May 29th - NEXT WEEK!!!! (I guess since they rent, it would make sense not to pay for another month). I was already kind of getting into a panic over how we're going to finish cleaning and packing for 2 weeks, but next week???? Had to sit down over breakfast and do one of my "plan" - making a list of everything to do and figuring out if there was a feasible time table. Turns out that we'd have to hustle a lot, but it was doable.
Turns out that the bank would not grant the buyers' request to move the date up, so a sigh of relief. We got our week back (although the date's not confirmed yet anyway. Won't be until 2 days before closing).
Meanwhile got rid of a bunch more stuff on Freecycle and an old friend just bought a house and needs a lot of stuff to furnish it with. So they will get whatever furniture we have left (bedroom set, kitchen table & chairs, recliner), most of the pots, pans and dishes, microwave, the water cooler.
May 21, 2014
Got a call from the lawyer last night. She needed our SS#s as she is now preparing the closing documents! She feels very confident that the closing date of June 5th will not change. That is in TWO WEEKS!!! I asked if we can make it June 9th or request the buyers let us stay an extra 2 days so we can have the weekend to finish packing up (and so we don't have to travel on Shabbat, since the 5th is a Friday).
May 16, 2014
Finally heard from buyers' lawyer's office -- they are asking for an extension to May 23rd. He spoke to their bank and was told they would be given the mortgage commitment by that date. Is this the green light?
May 15, 2014
Two more things to cross off the list -- the exterminator and smoke detector inspection.
Now we're at day -1 and counting. Were supposed to learn if the buyers had their mortgage commitment by today. Still need to think positive.
May 12, 2014
Huge sigh of relief -- they signed the affidavit stating that they agree to what we will fix and the inspection issues are now satisfied!!!
We decided to ask the contractor to come back to do some of the stuff on the list. With the exception of fixing the polarity in the outlet and touch-up painting, they did EVERYTHING ELSE, including finishing cleaning out the attic. What took them 1/2 a day would have taken Mitch at least 4 days! Now he can focus more on cleaning out the garage and office closet of his computer stuff.
May 11, 2014
Finally heard back from the attorney for the buyers on Saturday and they did not completely accept our terms. There are still a number of things they want fixed or repaired. Fortunately, most of these are relatively simple and Mitch can do them himself (in fact, today he did 3 things: replaced a lock on the patio door, corrected polarity in an outlet, and replaced a broken sconce outside). There are 2 things they still request which we will not do and I hope this does not cause a problem: grade (make level) the uneven ground in the back (this is a landscaping issue); and fix or replace the thermopane glass door (this is for better energy efficiency, as only the seal is broken, not the door). Fortunately, the contract said only structural, safety or environmental issues, so we're under no obligation to do these, and they cannot back out, unless they want to lose their $18K deposit.
At this point we are also waiting to hear about their mortgage commitment and when a definite closing date is set.
Here is a list of the things we have left to do, including selling a bunch of stuff:
May 8, 2014
Believe it or not, still the same status as the last one. Still waiting to hear back from the buyers as to whether they accepted our terms regarding what we'll fix and not fix. We also offered them a whole bunch of stuff as a goodwill gesture (lawn mower, snow blower, storage units, etc) and want to know whether to sell them or keep them.
The hardest part of the wait is to learn that the buyers have their mortgage commitment.
Meanwhile, we started cleaning out the attic, but after that, I suspect the hardest part of the purging process will be the garage and office closet, where Mitch put stuff on the side that he didn't want to make a decision about before.
April 29, 2014
Took a while, but we finally got the buyers' requests back. Although there were about 20 items on the list, most of it was either bs, cosmetic, or they were told in advance in the contract that we wouldn't be repairing. So it all boils down to needing to treat for carpenter bees (we had them about 10 years ago; never returned but lawyer says if they find damage or previous condition, it's standard to ask for this), replace a broken sconce light, putty up some holes in the vinyl siding and fix the polarity of some outlets. All in all, nothing really all that major. God continues to watch over us and guide us on the way towards our new life!
April 24, 2014
Finally got the inspection and termite reports back (late last night). Although to me it looks like a nightmare, the lawyer said "not bad," and since she's seen many of these in her career, I have to trust that the report is meant to look nit-picky and we shouldn't worry. Nothing really major was found, although there was a long list of things wrong; mostly cosmetic or relatively minor fixes. We need to wait a few more days when the buyers let us know what they want us to do. I think everything will be ok, and it'll just be a matter of money - and a few hundred, not a few thousand.
April 22, 2014
Had the inspection last Thursday. Still waiting for results, which will be sent to our attorney. The only feedback we got was there's a dead squirrel in the attic, which I think was more of a "btw, you should know..." kind of comment rather than an inspection to do list. We also saw the surveyors, had the property swept for oil tanks underneath (none!) and a radon test.
So while we were cleaning out the attic on Sunday, I bend down to pick up a bag and dislocated my hip (the 2nd time since the replacement in 2010). Guess I can never let down my guard and always have to be mindful of the way I move :(
April 15, 2014
Neighbors removed the pipe!!! That is such a great relief. Inspection is scheduled for Thurs, 4/17. Prayers that they don't find anything major.
April 9, 2014
Not too much to report today.
Still no results from the town regarding our neighbor's drain pipe which runs under our shared fence and floods our yard. Mitch went to speak to the neighbors, basically telling them that in case they didn't know, their contractor (yeah, right!!!) inadvertently (again, yeah right!!!) routed it to our yard and would they please have them remove it. They said they would take care of it. Let's see how long it takes!
We are officially in attorney review now. Had a long discussion about the contract with her this evening. May have a few back and forths before it's complete, but hoping it'll be by the end of the week.
Closing date according to the contract is June 5th. We're hoping the buyers and push their mortgage company to move a little faster than that. But if not, at least it's before the 10th of the month so maybe we can pay the June mortgage from the closing costs.
April 8, 2014
What a roller coaster ride this is!
Last night we got a call from the realtor (on vacation in Mexico) that we had another offer on the table - for full asking price (which is about $14K more). Upon further inspection, they are only putting down 5%, getting a FHA loan and asking us to pay $10K plus other prepaid expenses and all of their closing costs!!! We told them to take that clause out of the contract.
They sent us a revised contract today. Lowered the 10K to 8K! We told the realtor to just walk away from them. I don't have a good feeling at all. Not worth the potential headaches and I don't feel like playing games.
The Buyer's lawyer responded and wants to add a clause about encroachments and anything that makes the property unmarketable. I think they're referring to the neighbor's drain pipe in the back yard (I'm pretty sure I posted about that, but if not -- neighbor installed a drain pipe from his gutter, going under our shared fence which drains and floods our yard. We are working with the bureaucracy to get it removed immediately, but being a bureaucracy.....) I'm very worried this could impact the sale.
Then, the person who adopted Nutmeg (the oldest cat) called to say she wants to return him because he's not getting along with her dog. Personally, I don't think she acclimated them properly. He was already scared and traumatized being removed from his home of 14 years and being put in a strange place with strange people, new smells and a new species. We can't take him with us, so hopefully we can find alternate placement before she leaves him back on our doorstep.
Anything else going to go wrong today?
April 6, 2014
Amazing! We hired the lawyer and signed the contract this morning!
Had another showing while we were out, and when we returned later in the afternoon, got a call from the realtor that we got another offer - at $5K higher! Before we let this go to a bidding war, we want to make sure the new potential buyers are also renters and there's no other property to be sold. We have a great bird in the hand and 5K is not worth risking to be greedy. The goal has always been a quick sale, not top dollar anyway. Still, it's great to know the house is desirable and the market is ready.
We're now really starting to focus on our travel plans. It's looking more and more like we'll want the DRV and truck that's in FL rather than the Excel in CA.
April 5, 2014
Looks like we have a sale!!!!
Got a decent offer today. We countered it for a little more, which the buyers agreed to. So on to the next steps (finding a lawyer and hoping the inspector doesn't find major things wrong). They want to close asap and live in an apartment so no worries about closing on another property!
Also, Ina and Tim (niece and nephew in law) came by and picked up the last 2 kitties. They had to put their beloved cat down yesterday and were very anxious to bring the new ones home.
So all in all, ALL of our prayers so far have been answered - new homes for the cats and a quick sale. Praying that things continue to go smoothly.
April 3, 2014
That last offer fell through. Very strangely, the couple who made the offer which we countered, did not counter our counter offer. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work -- you go back and forth until you reach a compromise you're both happy with?
So now we have no offers on the table and it's been 1 week. Been showing the house almost every day and it's getting very tiring having to keep vacating. At least the cats will all be gone by Saturday afternoon, so it'll be a little easier to prep the house - not having to hide the food and litter box. Not to mention the constant cleaning up of poop and vomit they keep leaving around the house - very worried they'll do it between the time we leave and the time the viewers come. I suppose this is just as stressful for them as well.
Flooring was replaced again in the living room and the gutters are being replaced tomorrow.
Praying for a quick sale.
April 1, 2014
Didn't hear back from the couple with a counter offer yet. But the realtor laid the cards on the table, which we really do need to take under advisement. Basically, it's a "bird in the hand" philosophy. She reminded me of all the things that are wrong with the house, and probably more that the inspector will find. The offer we have is about 150K more than the quotes we got when we wanted to sell "as is", so we do need to consider this a good offer and run with it. I suspect that's what we'll do. We made a counter offer and we'll see what they come back with. We may have to live with a smaller nest egg or settle for a lesser rig if necessary, but in light of the fact that we don't have a steady income (we are blessed that God has provided for us until now and trust He will continue to do so, but we can't rely on miracles either) it is more important to sell than it is to make top dollar.
Meanwhile, today the realtor insisted that we must replace our gutters and have the backyard graded to be made level. Another few thousand $$. But her point was that if we don't fix it, the inspector will find it, and the buyers will wonder what else we didn't fix. They'll be looking for every nail hole. There are more flaws than we can count so the disappointment yesterday is turning into a "take the money and run" attitude right now.
March 31, 2014
I already posted that we had the open house and had 2 potential offers already.
Actually, it all kind of fell through. The first folks changed their minds because they felt the taxes were too high, and the second ones decided it wasn't really the house they wanted.
We did, however, get a third offer and they even put down a deposit. However, it was for $30K less than our asking price!!! Extremely insulting! We're willing, at least at this point, to go down 10K, but we already started the pricing as low as possible - a bit below the going rate - for a quick sale. We're not looking for top dollar, but rather a quick sale, but there IS a limit to how low we can afford to go.
Of course, anything is better than foreclosure, but it's only the 2nd day of showing the house, so we have a little bit of time to play with. At least another week or 2 to see how things go.
June 4, 2014
Ok, this is the final entry here. Just want to record for prosperity that this day has been just about as stressful as the day before the Open House (see posting March 27, 2014). Just feeling like there isn't enough time to get all the packing done. We've been up and working since 6:30 this morning and will probably be up really late tonight. I had a little panic attack when Mitch was called to the dentist's office, as his crown is ready and the dentist won't be available when we're back this way in August. Kind of like the panic attack Friday when he took a job. I really need to learn how to relax and go with the flow.
I'm also feeling the crunch of time because today is Shavous. Haven't been able to observe it, but we do want to go to services at 6:00 to hear the 10 Commandments read. Cleaning lady is still here, realtor is coming at 5:30. I MUST get my hair done (cut and colored -- I normally color it myself but it always leaves splotches in the bathroom and I don't have time to clean it up, especially since it's invisible when it splatters and I don't see it until the next day). I was going to do it in the morning, but we have a number of other errands to run, and they don't open until 10, so that will totally screw up the timing. The only option, therefore, is tonight. They close at 8, so I need to be there by 7. 6:00 services start on "Jewish time" which means it could be 6:30. Just writing this is stressing me out again.
We're not going to the closing in person -- letting the lawyer do that so we can be on the road. The plan is to stay with Griffin's parents in VA Thurs. night, then stay with the kids in NC Fri and Sat, and leave for FL on Sunday. Seller can't see us until Monday so we'll stay in a hotel in Kissimmee. We'll do Savannah another time.
Anyway, I can and will get through this. Only another few more hours of work and then onto our new lifestyle tomorrow!!!
June 3, 2014
Well, folks, this may be the last or next to last entry under this heading -- THE CLOSING DATE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT LAST!!!! We are on for the scheduled date of June 5th, which is in 2 days from now. Then onto our new adventure and the Next Chapter in our lives. I can't believe it's here after all this time. Still some frantic last minute packing left to do, but the adrenaline is running high, so we'll get it all done.
May 30, 2014
Naturally, still waiting for confirmation on the closing date. Haven't been told it's changed, so still working towards less than 1 week away!
We are currently completely furniture-less. We are sleeping on an air mattress and our clothes are in boxes, which will be taken with us for the RV. We have a small bridge table to eat off of, borrowed 2 folding chairs from a neighbor to sit on, plus we have our large table and office chairs that we need for work. Will donate those on move out day.
Once again, I feel like I'm in a total state of chaos, as nothing is organized. I guess if I look back at the photos when everything was all over the place, the "everything" is 99% smaller than it used to be, so it shouldn't be as difficult. But I guess that's just me -- I get anxious if a single paper clip is out of place!!!
Breathe, relax and keep the end goal in sight!
May 27, 2014
UPDATE: They just received the mortgage commitment!!! Next step - lawyer to review to make sure there are no unusual requests, and to verify that we can still have the June 5th closing date.
4:30 in the afternoon and still waiting for word on the mortgage commitment. Not sure we have any recourse or what the reason for the delay is. Obviously, we don't have a backup buyer and we really aren't prepared to put the house back on the market if we have a choice (see next paragraph for further details).
Motorcycle is gone, and tomorrow Tammy is coming to pick up the rest of the furniture, as well as the Chevy (so we'll only have the van to drive). That means that by tomorrow night we will be sleeping on an air mattress, with our clothes in a box, in a completely empty room. She's also taking the kitchen table and chairs, so we'll be eating off a bridge table. It's not going to be very comfortable living, but we are willing to do it for a week or so. If we need to re-list the house, that's going to be very difficult, especially if it need to be staged as beautifully as last time. I mean, we'll do what we need to do and whatever God has planned for us, but we pray it is not this route and that we'll get a good closing date really soon!!!
May 23, 2014
Ok, we still no word on the mortgage commitment, and we are now entering a holiday weekend (Memorial Day) so we won't likely hear anything until Tuesday.
We did get a call from our realtor, who got a call from their realtor, asking if we would be willing to move out earlier than the closing date and rent to them. Most likely, wherever they are living, they are unable to stay. We spoke to the lawyer and she advised very strongly against doing that. Not only are there too many risks (ie if something, God forbid!, happened to the house the insurance might not pay if they learn we were not living there), plus we have no mortgage commitment and even if we get it on Tuesday, asking us to move out by Friday is really asking a lot. Plus it would be hard to put a price tag on, not knowing when closing is. And lastly, a legal agreement would need to be drawn up by both lawyers, and that is not something that could be done on a Friday afternoon, at quarter to five on a holiday weekend!!! The time to vacate could come by the time the documents were drawn! So, no... let them worry about staying in a hotel or with family. We will leave by the closing date.
May 22, 2014
Had a real panic attack tonight! The lawyer forwarded an email from the buyers' lawyer saying that the buyers wanted to close by May 29th - NEXT WEEK!!!! (I guess since they rent, it would make sense not to pay for another month). I was already kind of getting into a panic over how we're going to finish cleaning and packing for 2 weeks, but next week???? Had to sit down over breakfast and do one of my "plan" - making a list of everything to do and figuring out if there was a feasible time table. Turns out that we'd have to hustle a lot, but it was doable.
Turns out that the bank would not grant the buyers' request to move the date up, so a sigh of relief. We got our week back (although the date's not confirmed yet anyway. Won't be until 2 days before closing).
Meanwhile got rid of a bunch more stuff on Freecycle and an old friend just bought a house and needs a lot of stuff to furnish it with. So they will get whatever furniture we have left (bedroom set, kitchen table & chairs, recliner), most of the pots, pans and dishes, microwave, the water cooler.
May 21, 2014
Got a call from the lawyer last night. She needed our SS#s as she is now preparing the closing documents! She feels very confident that the closing date of June 5th will not change. That is in TWO WEEKS!!! I asked if we can make it June 9th or request the buyers let us stay an extra 2 days so we can have the weekend to finish packing up (and so we don't have to travel on Shabbat, since the 5th is a Friday).
May 16, 2014
Finally heard from buyers' lawyer's office -- they are asking for an extension to May 23rd. He spoke to their bank and was told they would be given the mortgage commitment by that date. Is this the green light?
May 15, 2014
Two more things to cross off the list -- the exterminator and smoke detector inspection.
Now we're at day -1 and counting. Were supposed to learn if the buyers had their mortgage commitment by today. Still need to think positive.
May 12, 2014
Huge sigh of relief -- they signed the affidavit stating that they agree to what we will fix and the inspection issues are now satisfied!!!
We decided to ask the contractor to come back to do some of the stuff on the list. With the exception of fixing the polarity in the outlet and touch-up painting, they did EVERYTHING ELSE, including finishing cleaning out the attic. What took them 1/2 a day would have taken Mitch at least 4 days! Now he can focus more on cleaning out the garage and office closet of his computer stuff.
May 11, 2014
Finally heard back from the attorney for the buyers on Saturday and they did not completely accept our terms. There are still a number of things they want fixed or repaired. Fortunately, most of these are relatively simple and Mitch can do them himself (in fact, today he did 3 things: replaced a lock on the patio door, corrected polarity in an outlet, and replaced a broken sconce outside). There are 2 things they still request which we will not do and I hope this does not cause a problem: grade (make level) the uneven ground in the back (this is a landscaping issue); and fix or replace the thermopane glass door (this is for better energy efficiency, as only the seal is broken, not the door). Fortunately, the contract said only structural, safety or environmental issues, so we're under no obligation to do these, and they cannot back out, unless they want to lose their $18K deposit.
At this point we are also waiting to hear about their mortgage commitment and when a definite closing date is set.
Here is a list of the things we have left to do, including selling a bunch of stuff:
Repair
-
Fix ceiling fan (Rob)
-
Fix polarity in outlets
o Bathroom
o Living room
-
Repair vinyl
o Back of house
o Front of house
-
Fix lock on patio door
-
Replace sconce in back
-
Patch & paint holes in den over door
-
Paint touch ups:
o Hallway
o Bathroom
-
Lightbulb in downstairs bathroom
-
Bathroom window screen (Rob?)
-
Cement brick by garage door
-
Cable springs in garage doors
Clean
-
Clean out attic
-
Clean out crawlspace
-
Clean out garage (for Justin/recycling)
-
Clean out office (for Justin/recycling)
-
Clean out cabinets, drawers, closets (sort by Doris storage, take or
donate)
-
Empty & repack van
May 8, 2014
Believe it or not, still the same status as the last one. Still waiting to hear back from the buyers as to whether they accepted our terms regarding what we'll fix and not fix. We also offered them a whole bunch of stuff as a goodwill gesture (lawn mower, snow blower, storage units, etc) and want to know whether to sell them or keep them.
The hardest part of the wait is to learn that the buyers have their mortgage commitment.
Meanwhile, we started cleaning out the attic, but after that, I suspect the hardest part of the purging process will be the garage and office closet, where Mitch put stuff on the side that he didn't want to make a decision about before.
April 29, 2014
Took a while, but we finally got the buyers' requests back. Although there were about 20 items on the list, most of it was either bs, cosmetic, or they were told in advance in the contract that we wouldn't be repairing. So it all boils down to needing to treat for carpenter bees (we had them about 10 years ago; never returned but lawyer says if they find damage or previous condition, it's standard to ask for this), replace a broken sconce light, putty up some holes in the vinyl siding and fix the polarity of some outlets. All in all, nothing really all that major. God continues to watch over us and guide us on the way towards our new life!
April 24, 2014
Finally got the inspection and termite reports back (late last night). Although to me it looks like a nightmare, the lawyer said "not bad," and since she's seen many of these in her career, I have to trust that the report is meant to look nit-picky and we shouldn't worry. Nothing really major was found, although there was a long list of things wrong; mostly cosmetic or relatively minor fixes. We need to wait a few more days when the buyers let us know what they want us to do. I think everything will be ok, and it'll just be a matter of money - and a few hundred, not a few thousand.
April 22, 2014
Had the inspection last Thursday. Still waiting for results, which will be sent to our attorney. The only feedback we got was there's a dead squirrel in the attic, which I think was more of a "btw, you should know..." kind of comment rather than an inspection to do list. We also saw the surveyors, had the property swept for oil tanks underneath (none!) and a radon test.
So while we were cleaning out the attic on Sunday, I bend down to pick up a bag and dislocated my hip (the 2nd time since the replacement in 2010). Guess I can never let down my guard and always have to be mindful of the way I move :(
April 15, 2014
Neighbors removed the pipe!!! That is such a great relief. Inspection is scheduled for Thurs, 4/17. Prayers that they don't find anything major.
April 9, 2014
Not too much to report today.
Still no results from the town regarding our neighbor's drain pipe which runs under our shared fence and floods our yard. Mitch went to speak to the neighbors, basically telling them that in case they didn't know, their contractor (yeah, right!!!) inadvertently (again, yeah right!!!) routed it to our yard and would they please have them remove it. They said they would take care of it. Let's see how long it takes!
We are officially in attorney review now. Had a long discussion about the contract with her this evening. May have a few back and forths before it's complete, but hoping it'll be by the end of the week.
Closing date according to the contract is June 5th. We're hoping the buyers and push their mortgage company to move a little faster than that. But if not, at least it's before the 10th of the month so maybe we can pay the June mortgage from the closing costs.
April 8, 2014
What a roller coaster ride this is!
Last night we got a call from the realtor (on vacation in Mexico) that we had another offer on the table - for full asking price (which is about $14K more). Upon further inspection, they are only putting down 5%, getting a FHA loan and asking us to pay $10K plus other prepaid expenses and all of their closing costs!!! We told them to take that clause out of the contract.
They sent us a revised contract today. Lowered the 10K to 8K! We told the realtor to just walk away from them. I don't have a good feeling at all. Not worth the potential headaches and I don't feel like playing games.
The Buyer's lawyer responded and wants to add a clause about encroachments and anything that makes the property unmarketable. I think they're referring to the neighbor's drain pipe in the back yard (I'm pretty sure I posted about that, but if not -- neighbor installed a drain pipe from his gutter, going under our shared fence which drains and floods our yard. We are working with the bureaucracy to get it removed immediately, but being a bureaucracy.....) I'm very worried this could impact the sale.
Then, the person who adopted Nutmeg (the oldest cat) called to say she wants to return him because he's not getting along with her dog. Personally, I don't think she acclimated them properly. He was already scared and traumatized being removed from his home of 14 years and being put in a strange place with strange people, new smells and a new species. We can't take him with us, so hopefully we can find alternate placement before she leaves him back on our doorstep.
Anything else going to go wrong today?
April 6, 2014
Amazing! We hired the lawyer and signed the contract this morning!
Had another showing while we were out, and when we returned later in the afternoon, got a call from the realtor that we got another offer - at $5K higher! Before we let this go to a bidding war, we want to make sure the new potential buyers are also renters and there's no other property to be sold. We have a great bird in the hand and 5K is not worth risking to be greedy. The goal has always been a quick sale, not top dollar anyway. Still, it's great to know the house is desirable and the market is ready.
We're now really starting to focus on our travel plans. It's looking more and more like we'll want the DRV and truck that's in FL rather than the Excel in CA.
April 5, 2014
Looks like we have a sale!!!!
Got a decent offer today. We countered it for a little more, which the buyers agreed to. So on to the next steps (finding a lawyer and hoping the inspector doesn't find major things wrong). They want to close asap and live in an apartment so no worries about closing on another property!
Also, Ina and Tim (niece and nephew in law) came by and picked up the last 2 kitties. They had to put their beloved cat down yesterday and were very anxious to bring the new ones home.
So all in all, ALL of our prayers so far have been answered - new homes for the cats and a quick sale. Praying that things continue to go smoothly.
April 3, 2014
That last offer fell through. Very strangely, the couple who made the offer which we countered, did not counter our counter offer. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work -- you go back and forth until you reach a compromise you're both happy with?
So now we have no offers on the table and it's been 1 week. Been showing the house almost every day and it's getting very tiring having to keep vacating. At least the cats will all be gone by Saturday afternoon, so it'll be a little easier to prep the house - not having to hide the food and litter box. Not to mention the constant cleaning up of poop and vomit they keep leaving around the house - very worried they'll do it between the time we leave and the time the viewers come. I suppose this is just as stressful for them as well.
Flooring was replaced again in the living room and the gutters are being replaced tomorrow.
Praying for a quick sale.
April 1, 2014
Didn't hear back from the couple with a counter offer yet. But the realtor laid the cards on the table, which we really do need to take under advisement. Basically, it's a "bird in the hand" philosophy. She reminded me of all the things that are wrong with the house, and probably more that the inspector will find. The offer we have is about 150K more than the quotes we got when we wanted to sell "as is", so we do need to consider this a good offer and run with it. I suspect that's what we'll do. We made a counter offer and we'll see what they come back with. We may have to live with a smaller nest egg or settle for a lesser rig if necessary, but in light of the fact that we don't have a steady income (we are blessed that God has provided for us until now and trust He will continue to do so, but we can't rely on miracles either) it is more important to sell than it is to make top dollar.
Meanwhile, today the realtor insisted that we must replace our gutters and have the backyard graded to be made level. Another few thousand $$. But her point was that if we don't fix it, the inspector will find it, and the buyers will wonder what else we didn't fix. They'll be looking for every nail hole. There are more flaws than we can count so the disappointment yesterday is turning into a "take the money and run" attitude right now.
March 31, 2014
I already posted that we had the open house and had 2 potential offers already.
Actually, it all kind of fell through. The first folks changed their minds because they felt the taxes were too high, and the second ones decided it wasn't really the house they wanted.
We did, however, get a third offer and they even put down a deposit. However, it was for $30K less than our asking price!!! Extremely insulting! We're willing, at least at this point, to go down 10K, but we already started the pricing as low as possible - a bit below the going rate - for a quick sale. We're not looking for top dollar, but rather a quick sale, but there IS a limit to how low we can afford to go.
Of course, anything is better than foreclosure, but it's only the 2nd day of showing the house, so we have a little bit of time to play with. At least another week or 2 to see how things go.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Phase 1 Complete!
I can't believe we have reached this day - the first showing of the house. Besides 4 confirmed appointments today and tomorrow, I've had 2 calls yesterday and 2 today. There is definitely an interest in showing it!
Looking around the house, and reading my posts starting in Feb. 2011, it is just unbelievable how far we've come! I truly wish I had taken "before" photos. With all the complaining on this blog that I've done - about all the obstacles and how slowly things are going - it's just unreal that it's all fallen into place and the house looks very salable.
So now we just have to see how long (SHORT!!!) it takes to actually sell. Realtor says she will sell today, but I think she's being a bit overconfident. Although at least this week would be great! Next is figuring out what to do about the cats. Still waiting on an answer from Doris from her friend and then wavering back and forth between planning on how to modify the RV to accommodate them and leaving them abandoned in front of a shelter which won't take them (but may be forced to if left on their doorstep).
So this is Phase 1. Phase 2, once we have a buyer and having gone to contract is the next round of purging. Whatever is left in the garage and closets will either be thrown out (renting another dumpster), given away or put into a storage locker. Phase 3 - the next really big step -- is buying the RV.
Looking around the house, and reading my posts starting in Feb. 2011, it is just unbelievable how far we've come! I truly wish I had taken "before" photos. With all the complaining on this blog that I've done - about all the obstacles and how slowly things are going - it's just unreal that it's all fallen into place and the house looks very salable.
So now we just have to see how long (SHORT!!!) it takes to actually sell. Realtor says she will sell today, but I think she's being a bit overconfident. Although at least this week would be great! Next is figuring out what to do about the cats. Still waiting on an answer from Doris from her friend and then wavering back and forth between planning on how to modify the RV to accommodate them and leaving them abandoned in front of a shelter which won't take them (but may be forced to if left on their doorstep).
So this is Phase 1. Phase 2, once we have a buyer and having gone to contract is the next round of purging. Whatever is left in the garage and closets will either be thrown out (renting another dumpster), given away or put into a storage locker. Phase 3 - the next really big step -- is buying the RV.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
All part of the journey...and THE HOUSE IS OFFICIALLY LISTED!!!
As if the electrical disaster wasn't enough, this morning (Thursday) Mitch decided to sit on the bathroom sink while working on the outlet. You guessed it -- it totally broke!!! So now, with only 2 days left to work, the whole bathroom vanity needs to be replaced. Of course, since there was a huge space between the vanity and the wall, it needed to be caulked. How in the world we're going to disattach it is beyond me. I actually landed up calling the contractor back. So now another few hundred $$$. I guess a few bills won't get paid this month.
UPDATE: all went well this morning - Mitch was able to troubleshoot the final problem so all the wiring was completed. We went to Home Depot to buy a new vanity and were told that if we just bring back the sink part, they will make an even exchange!!! So now the only cost will be for the contractor to install it and make it look pretty again, so we'll be able to save a few dollars.
UPDATE: all went well this morning - Mitch was able to troubleshoot the final problem so all the wiring was completed. We went to Home Depot to buy a new vanity and were told that if we just bring back the sink part, they will make an even exchange!!! So now the only cost will be for the contractor to install it and make it look pretty again, so we'll be able to save a few dollars.
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