I have been so neglectful of my blog in lieu of taking care of real life-life.
I've got lots to touch on, and today seems like the perfect day to begin with that which has brought me so much joy over the past three weeks: our new home.
We got everything moved in one weekend--which is an amazing feat, considering the timing of everything. I'd wanted to get in the house, cleaned, painted and all repairs completed before moving our things in. And we could have done that, but it would have meant moving on my birthday (and the weekend Leslie was in town). I opted, instead, to embrace that things weren't going to be ideal. Like most things in life, moving in was going to be a bit of a compromise. Saturday, with the help of my family, we finished packing and moved everything. This meant both residences needed a major cleaning overhaul. Sunday was my mom's birthday celebration, and I opted to spend it celebrating with her rather than cleaning and unpacking. Of course, all I could think about was the mound of chores I was putting off, but again--compromise.
That week is a bit of a blur altogether. My mom and Ms. Amy were nice enough to come clean the new home from top to bottom (very important to me before inhabiting a new place). I got the water and gas turned on (this took a little time and a plumber since I had a gas leak--but I was reminded of how lucky I am to have a boyfriend who knows sooo many people and is owed soooo many favors!). Timmy came out and helped me pick out some colors to paint the trim and shutters (still haven't gotten that done, thanks to the tricky weather, but soon). Got a fridge, met our neighbors. Things are coming together.
Leslie came in town on Friday, and we finished the spare bedroom, complete with bed (ahhh). No bunking up with Kiera to give Leslie a place to sleep. Clean old apartment? Check. Mom and her boyfriend cut/weeded/edged my lawn (still no lawn equipment), and we were faced with the actuality of the size of the backyard. And the hill it sits on. I'm going to need a riding lawnmower or that yard boy I keep mentioning. Mom has also washed a mound of laundry for us...thrice, actually. Our washer quit on us the week before we moved and it's a stacked unit, so we have to buy a new washer and dryer.
Fixed the hot water tank, the AC unit, the garbage disposal. The kitchen sink, garage door opener and light in Kiera's bedroom. Tommy's had a perpetual honey-do list and I'm sooo fortunately to have such a handy man! The list continues (already know what we're going to work on next weekend), but it's nothing so dire that I'm going to stress over it.
Despite the chaos, bad timing, series of unfortunate events, I'm happy. Legitimately happy. When I wake in the morning, I look around my room, around my bathroom with a sense of pride. I still love the house and neighborhood. In fact, there isn't one aspect I've come to dislike so far, and certainly nothing I've grown to hate. Our garage is still full of boxes and I've got lots of things to buy (and not nearly enough money with which to accomplish this), but none of that diminishes the happiness of owning this home.
Kiera's room, though smaller than the one at the apartment, in my opinion, suits her fine. She really likes the house and I've enjoyed her making sure it's straightened up before her friends come for the first time (let's see how long that lasts). Her bathroom (my least favorite part of the house) in due for a major overhaul (okay: tile floor, fresh paint, new fixtures--not a complete overhaul) at some point in September. Kiera says it isn't bad to her, but I hate it. Must be updated asap!
I still don't have pics to post because I want to get the outside painted and a little landscaping done first, but I hopefully I will have some to post by month's end. I'm a big fan of making a good first impression.
In a nut shell, the post-home buying process has been a breeze compared to the chaos of getting the home. I could definitely use a little more time and money, but I have no regrets so far and Kiera and I are enjoying every aspect of the new place. More to come...
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6
Thursday, September 1
~Geesh~
By the time I find the time to update, all the news will be old news.
Here's a quick breakdown:
B.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Jana heads to Vanderbilt tomorrow to start intensive chemo for her (2nd) stem-cell transplant (next Tuesday); please pray for her.
- Leslie went back home today (pouty)
- We are officially in the new house and have done a final walk thru with the old on (exhales). I love my home. I just put the garbage on the curb for the first time (in my life?) this morning.
- My mom is the best *ever*. She's been a great help with the above.
- Crazy August (bday month) is over. Thankfully. All went well.
- Kiera's going to be an Aunt!
- English Lit geek in me is uber-excited; I got tickets this morning to see David Sedaris at the GPAC in Nov. Fellow lit geek/rocking-ass Memphian-turned-Mississippian, Van, will be joining me (does happy dance).
- Kiddo and I are sick. You know--sinus draining, allergies crazy kinda sick. I just want to sleep.
- 8WC over weeks ago. I lost. Steve lost 30.5 total lbs. Waitasec...have I already covered this?
B.
Friday, August 19
Just the basics
- Closing on the house today at 9am (woo hoo); hopefully we'll be able to move as early as tomorrow! Since I just got the info at 3:30PM yesterday, we're in a mad rush to get the apt packed up! It's crazy!
- 8WC, which is now the 9WC thanks to a couple of hiccups, is over on Monday. Steve has lost 27 lbs. I think this pretty much takes me out of the running for anything. Ha. Still, even if I don't win, I am looking and feeling better. More on (all) this as time allows.
- Today's my Mom's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM), Have Nicole's bday on Wed, Jana's on Sat and mine on Sunday. Busy, busy week!
- Jana's still working with MMRF to get everything worked out on Memphis Miles. More info on that in the upcoming week(s).
- Only one week til Leslie is in town. Poor thing broke her foot last week and is going to have an especially tough time getting around. Still, I'll be happy to have her here and hopefully we'll be all moved in to the new house by then.
- That's all the time I've got. It's been a crazy couple of weeks! :)
Saturday, July 30
Yup, that's 12 in 15.
I just turned in rent for my final month in this apartment. It came with the realization that "Wow, we're really doing this." Tommy has voiced his concern that I will miss this place once I'm gone. And, while I have enjoyed these apartments, there are SO many things I am NOT going to miss about them that I don't foresee that happening. Besides, that whole home-attachment thing usually happens to people with much deeper roots than Kiera and I have ever had the opportunity to plant in the ground. I've had twelve "homes" since I got my first place at 17 (and most of those moves were from one city to another), so I know better than to invest feelings into places.
My apartment was kind enough, given my 2+ years as a stellar resident without so much as one late rent payment, to raise my rent $110 for the month of August, since it's out-of-lease. While I expected some rise, I was a little shocked that it was that much. And the check for $910.34 I wrote out today (rent + water, which is paid to the apts) solidified my decision to buy a home. My rent + ins. + taxes won't be near as much as my rent in this much smaller apartment. Of course there will be some additional expenses for repairs, but honestly the apartments haven't fixed even one non-critical maintenance request I've had, so that doesn't balance much against it.
[Backtracking a little]
I did fill out my paperwork for my mortgage last week. That was an unexpectedly emotional day. I think the stress of the entire transaction (I feel like I'm the one who's supposed to have the knowledge because I keep having to drive the process, even though I have NO experience in this) was bottled up and came raging out at the very moment I was looking at the numbers. And I began to cry. Not your typical, tears in the the eyes crying, but bawling, hyperventilating crying. Part of it was the numbers--and being terrified of using all the money I have towards a down-payment and closing costs, and part of it was the compilation of the stress (see preceding sentences), and part of it was just that I was so embarrassed that I had begun crying that it made me even more emotional. But the loan officer I was working with was super nice about it and when I went back the next day, I was completely okay with the numbers and signed my life away. Well, not my life but certainly a good portion of my income for the next 30 years. Keep in mind that, for someone who has never financed anything (car, furniture, etc), acquiring that much debt in one single transaction is incredibly overwhelming. So with all that being inherently known and with the support of my home-owner friends who reassured me that crazy is just part of the process, I'm feeling like my breakdown was nothing out of the ordinary and it's time to move forward (emotionally). If I weren't the person I am (thoughtful about finances), I wouldn't have had the breakdown...but then again, I wouldn't have negotiated a killer interest rate or minimized my closing costs or (probably) had enough money to put down to avoid PMI. So it's a good attribute--it just sometimes leaves me in angst more than others.
Another look at the numbers and I realize that not only can I afford this house, I can afford to pay it off in 10 to 15 years, which is exactly what I intend to do! :)
Once we move in (mid-to-late August), I'll have a few things to do to the house (it is not turn-key ready), but once we get all that done, I'll post some pics. Also, Jana is planning a house-warming party for me mid-Oct (she has to have her stem-cell transplant and recover first), so there will be more details of that in the upcoming month.
The appraisal and pest inspection is set for Monday, so hopefully everything will go well there and then we should be 100% in the clear with no additional hurdles to overcome.
More updates to come, but things are looking really great! :)
(++)
My apartment was kind enough, given my 2+ years as a stellar resident without so much as one late rent payment, to raise my rent $110 for the month of August, since it's out-of-lease. While I expected some rise, I was a little shocked that it was that much. And the check for $910.34 I wrote out today (rent + water, which is paid to the apts) solidified my decision to buy a home. My rent + ins. + taxes won't be near as much as my rent in this much smaller apartment. Of course there will be some additional expenses for repairs, but honestly the apartments haven't fixed even one non-critical maintenance request I've had, so that doesn't balance much against it.
[Backtracking a little]
I did fill out my paperwork for my mortgage last week. That was an unexpectedly emotional day. I think the stress of the entire transaction (I feel like I'm the one who's supposed to have the knowledge because I keep having to drive the process, even though I have NO experience in this) was bottled up and came raging out at the very moment I was looking at the numbers. And I began to cry. Not your typical, tears in the the eyes crying, but bawling, hyperventilating crying. Part of it was the numbers--and being terrified of using all the money I have towards a down-payment and closing costs, and part of it was the compilation of the stress (see preceding sentences), and part of it was just that I was so embarrassed that I had begun crying that it made me even more emotional. But the loan officer I was working with was super nice about it and when I went back the next day, I was completely okay with the numbers and signed my life away. Well, not my life but certainly a good portion of my income for the next 30 years. Keep in mind that, for someone who has never financed anything (car, furniture, etc), acquiring that much debt in one single transaction is incredibly overwhelming. So with all that being inherently known and with the support of my home-owner friends who reassured me that crazy is just part of the process, I'm feeling like my breakdown was nothing out of the ordinary and it's time to move forward (emotionally). If I weren't the person I am (thoughtful about finances), I wouldn't have had the breakdown...but then again, I wouldn't have negotiated a killer interest rate or minimized my closing costs or (probably) had enough money to put down to avoid PMI. So it's a good attribute--it just sometimes leaves me in angst more than others.
Another look at the numbers and I realize that not only can I afford this house, I can afford to pay it off in 10 to 15 years, which is exactly what I intend to do! :)
Once we move in (mid-to-late August), I'll have a few things to do to the house (it is not turn-key ready), but once we get all that done, I'll post some pics. Also, Jana is planning a house-warming party for me mid-Oct (she has to have her stem-cell transplant and recover first), so there will be more details of that in the upcoming month.
The appraisal and pest inspection is set for Monday, so hopefully everything will go well there and then we should be 100% in the clear with no additional hurdles to overcome.
More updates to come, but things are looking really great! :)
(++)
Tuesday, July 19
Is it too early for a celebration?
For those of you not lucky enough to stalk me out via FB, a little (pretty awesome) news this way today:
We have reached an agreement on the price of the home! Yayyyy!
We have reached an agreement on the price of the home! Yayyyy!
 |
| I don't even know these kids & they're this happy for us! |
Okay, so we aren't quite to the balloons, streams and confetti portion of the event yet.
I still have to get that home inspection and, while the home is only seven years old, you never know what may be lurking under those freshly painted walls.
Financing is already in the works (the only issue with this will be getting the lowest interest and closing costs, so no biggie) and hopefully we'll still be on track with a pre-birthday August closing date. :)
I'm doing a little happy dance in my head already...just not on paper.
Monday, July 11
Post #100! [Where are the balloons & streamers?]
I come to blog post #100 with what I hope will materialize into really great news for Kiera and me.
After a Saturday of house hunting, we have found another home that we really like. In fact, the outside looks nearly identical to the dream home, it's only one street over, and the asking price is a bit lower than the bid price on the other. I signed the offer today, and hopefully we will hear some news very soon. Granted, I don't expect them to accept our offer, but I do expect them to counter and hope we get it down about $6k, which would seal the deal!
Everyone cross your fingers for us. Again. :)
Gotta get to work...busy week!
(++)
After a Saturday of house hunting, we have found another home that we really like. In fact, the outside looks nearly identical to the dream home, it's only one street over, and the asking price is a bit lower than the bid price on the other. I signed the offer today, and hopefully we will hear some news very soon. Granted, I don't expect them to accept our offer, but I do expect them to counter and hope we get it down about $6k, which would seal the deal!
Everyone cross your fingers for us. Again. :)
Gotta get to work...busy week!
(++)
Wednesday, July 6
Ho Hum...back to the drawing board.
Yesterday was quite an emotional day as I watched the most annoying of cliches (including "the early bird gets the worm" and "don't count your chickens before they're hatched") play out right in front of me.
The long version involved a bunch of tears, anger and disappointment.
The short version is quite simple: we're back to square one on the house hunt.
The house we bid on got pulled off the market and in the meantime, as I imagined might happen, our second favorite was sold. Although I knew the possibility existed that we wouldn't get either, I thought the process of finding out would be a bit slower, broken out over several days, not in one foul swoop.
To add to the disappointment, I looked online at the homes still available, and it's clear that the market is settling as most people are getting settled in time to get their kids enrolled in school at the beginning of August. Which means there are far fewer homes to chose from than there were three months ago when I started this process.
I have a lot of support on this journey (and I appreciate it!), but it's hard for someone like me, who doesn't believe in destiny or karma or any of those other larger-than-life forces in the universe to see the positive side of this situation. But there's still hope...today, I'll look at some homes online and Saturday, we'll make some visits. Maybe something better will come along, but I certainly won't find it if I'm not looking for it.
[Pulls boot straps up, fakes a smile, starts strategically planning in head]
Wish us luck!
The long version involved a bunch of tears, anger and disappointment.
The short version is quite simple: we're back to square one on the house hunt.
The house we bid on got pulled off the market and in the meantime, as I imagined might happen, our second favorite was sold. Although I knew the possibility existed that we wouldn't get either, I thought the process of finding out would be a bit slower, broken out over several days, not in one foul swoop.
To add to the disappointment, I looked online at the homes still available, and it's clear that the market is settling as most people are getting settled in time to get their kids enrolled in school at the beginning of August. Which means there are far fewer homes to chose from than there were three months ago when I started this process.
I have a lot of support on this journey (and I appreciate it!), but it's hard for someone like me, who doesn't believe in destiny or karma or any of those other larger-than-life forces in the universe to see the positive side of this situation. But there's still hope...today, I'll look at some homes online and Saturday, we'll make some visits. Maybe something better will come along, but I certainly won't find it if I'm not looking for it.
[Pulls boot straps up, fakes a smile, starts strategically planning in head]
Wish us luck!
Wednesday, June 8
As Promised... (Action Item 1 Completed)
The hunt for our new home is moving...slooooowly.
As I said several weeks ago, we put a bid on a house Kiddo and I both love. And, well, since then, we've been waiting. And waiting.
I knew a short sale would work this way, so I had already put the I-want-things-my-way-when-I-want-them in check before we began the process, and that's really paid off in the form of patience. It also helps that I really want this house.
On the flip side of things, I have another constant voice in the back of my head reminding me that *if* I don't get the "dream" home, and I've waited too long for an answer, I might also lose the 2nd home on my list. I've got people throwing the whole "If it doesn't work out it isn't meant to be" cliche at me, but I'm a firm believer in making things happen (as opposed to thinking there is some greater force in the universe dictating what is/isn't meant to be), so I know it's simply a matter of timing. And of pricing. Since we put the offer on dream home, the asking price on the 2nd home has been lowered, which worries me a little more.
Just when I start wavering in my decision and think about withdrawing my offer, I remember all the things I love about the "dream" home and I am reminded to stand firm.
I'm just going to continue that...just plant my heels and wait for an answer from the banker (I feel like I should be standing beside Howie Mandel) and see what may come.
If I lose the 2nd home, there will be another...and another...and another.
Just have to exhale and remain calm. :)
[Keep your fingers crossed]
(++)
As I said several weeks ago, we put a bid on a house Kiddo and I both love. And, well, since then, we've been waiting. And waiting.
I knew a short sale would work this way, so I had already put the I-want-things-my-way-when-I-want-them in check before we began the process, and that's really paid off in the form of patience. It also helps that I really want this house.
On the flip side of things, I have another constant voice in the back of my head reminding me that *if* I don't get the "dream" home, and I've waited too long for an answer, I might also lose the 2nd home on my list. I've got people throwing the whole "If it doesn't work out it isn't meant to be" cliche at me, but I'm a firm believer in making things happen (as opposed to thinking there is some greater force in the universe dictating what is/isn't meant to be), so I know it's simply a matter of timing. And of pricing. Since we put the offer on dream home, the asking price on the 2nd home has been lowered, which worries me a little more.
Just when I start wavering in my decision and think about withdrawing my offer, I remember all the things I love about the "dream" home and I am reminded to stand firm.
I'm just going to continue that...just plant my heels and wait for an answer from the banker (I feel like I should be standing beside Howie Mandel) and see what may come.
If I lose the 2nd home, there will be another...and another...and another.
Just have to exhale and remain calm. :)
[Keep your fingers crossed]
(++)
Tuesday, May 24
The Weekend's Big Three
[In no particular order]
This was drafted on Sunday in anticipation of my adding photos...but on second thought, better to just post those on FB...I loaded them today, so check em out now.
1. Great news! Melissa and Taylor have moved back home--permanently!
I was pretty sure they were coming back this week, but I didn't want to jinx the deal by throwing the news out there. As I type this, Kiera, Taylor and Melissa are on the couch watching Caddy Shack. These are the kinds of Sundays I love. Also--as a side note--Taylor Mae gave her first kisses (ever) to her Aunt Bonnie today. We've got it on video, but I'll have to transfer to show you that slobbery (albeit sooo sweet) ordeal.
2. Kiera's first formal went off without a hitch yesterday. She wore the red dress bought for Jessica's wedding and looked stunning. Although she originally had a "date," she opted instead to go with her best friend Sarah when Sarah's date couldn't make it. That's my girl! She also got her first spray ten this weekend in preparation for the formal. That was a learning experience for both of us (bless my baby's poor ivory complexion!).
3. The dream house appears to be slipping through my fingers. Evidently the asking price hadn't been approved by the bank, so another offer at "full price," which had already been put on the table, was rejected. Now I have to offer more than the "asking" price in order to have a shot. So I'm going to do it. The paperwork has already been sent and now we sit and wait. And wait. And wait. Our chances are looking bleak, but I've got to at least try. We'll be fine with whatever fate deals to us...and on that note, let me end with a little Caddy Shack inspiration...
Hums to self:
[I'm alright...don't nobody worry 'bout me...]
This was drafted on Sunday in anticipation of my adding photos...but on second thought, better to just post those on FB...I loaded them today, so check em out now.
1. Great news! Melissa and Taylor have moved back home--permanently!
I was pretty sure they were coming back this week, but I didn't want to jinx the deal by throwing the news out there. As I type this, Kiera, Taylor and Melissa are on the couch watching Caddy Shack. These are the kinds of Sundays I love. Also--as a side note--Taylor Mae gave her first kisses (ever) to her Aunt Bonnie today. We've got it on video, but I'll have to transfer to show you that slobbery (albeit sooo sweet) ordeal.
2. Kiera's first formal went off without a hitch yesterday. She wore the red dress bought for Jessica's wedding and looked stunning. Although she originally had a "date," she opted instead to go with her best friend Sarah when Sarah's date couldn't make it. That's my girl! She also got her first spray ten this weekend in preparation for the formal. That was a learning experience for both of us (bless my baby's poor ivory complexion!).
3. The dream house appears to be slipping through my fingers. Evidently the asking price hadn't been approved by the bank, so another offer at "full price," which had already been put on the table, was rejected. Now I have to offer more than the "asking" price in order to have a shot. So I'm going to do it. The paperwork has already been sent and now we sit and wait. And wait. And wait. Our chances are looking bleak, but I've got to at least try. We'll be fine with whatever fate deals to us...and on that note, let me end with a little Caddy Shack inspiration...
Hums to self:
[I'm alright...don't nobody worry 'bout me...]
Tuesday, December 7
Nostalgia 101
As most of you already know, we are in the eleventh hour of Melissa's pregnancy. She and her boyfriend have just moved into their first apartment this week, so the timing couldn't be any better! I stocked up on necessities for them today: cleaning products, kitchen and bathroom supplies (including a very adorable shower curtain they will love), and some wall art.
The thought of two of them in that bare apartment brings back some fond memories of my first apartment. It's very sweet because I was so young and naive and so very (very) broke. It was an age of innocence that warms my heart when I look back on it.
It was a 2 bed/1 bath apartment in Millington, and (with my birth year forged by one digit), I was able to move in at the tender age of...seventeen. Yup, seventeen.
My kitchen was decorated in (heaven help me) cows and red/white checker print. My poor living room didn't have a solitary thing in it. There was no kitchen table, no furnishings to the spare bedroom. I had a single twin size bed and a cardboard (yes, cardboard) dresser. I remember that the first thing I bought was a set of very cheap pots and pans. And I just began collecting, adding one thing at a time until my little apartment became my home.
I was working at Taco Bell at the time and didn't make nearly enough money to afford the place, but I thought I'd have the help of a roommate when I moved in. It wasn't a week or two in that she bailed, and I realized I'd bitten off more than I could chew, so I worked HARD, 40 hours a week minimum, left school and concentrated on paying bills. I am proud to say I did all this without a dime from anyone: not my family, not the government, not a charitable organization. I prioritized and survived.
It took every bit of my paycheck to pay my rent and utility bill. I didn't have a home phone, a cell phone, cable, Internet or a car. I walked to work (even pregnant, even in the snow pregnant) and back home. I worked until I was 42 weeks pregnant, up to and including the very day they induced me. I had my daughter on a Tuesday and was back at work on Saturday, the kiddo in an infant seat in Taco Bell's management office, door propped open. Maternity leave is a luxury. Child care is a luxury. Most people don't realize that.
Even though it was a very tough time in my life, I look back on it with great fondness. I really pulled through a difficult time, sanity in check. When I tell Kiera about these early years, she is in awe of my perseverance, and I know I'm instilling some of that in her. No, I didn't make all the right choices as a teenager, but I handled the choices I did make with integrity and followed through with my head held high.
She knows defeat is not an option. No matter how hard things get, they are only temporary.
You prioritize. You survive.
You repeat as necessary.
The thought of two of them in that bare apartment brings back some fond memories of my first apartment. It's very sweet because I was so young and naive and so very (very) broke. It was an age of innocence that warms my heart when I look back on it.
It was a 2 bed/1 bath apartment in Millington, and (with my birth year forged by one digit), I was able to move in at the tender age of...seventeen. Yup, seventeen.
My kitchen was decorated in (heaven help me) cows and red/white checker print. My poor living room didn't have a solitary thing in it. There was no kitchen table, no furnishings to the spare bedroom. I had a single twin size bed and a cardboard (yes, cardboard) dresser. I remember that the first thing I bought was a set of very cheap pots and pans. And I just began collecting, adding one thing at a time until my little apartment became my home.
I was working at Taco Bell at the time and didn't make nearly enough money to afford the place, but I thought I'd have the help of a roommate when I moved in. It wasn't a week or two in that she bailed, and I realized I'd bitten off more than I could chew, so I worked HARD, 40 hours a week minimum, left school and concentrated on paying bills. I am proud to say I did all this without a dime from anyone: not my family, not the government, not a charitable organization. I prioritized and survived.
It took every bit of my paycheck to pay my rent and utility bill. I didn't have a home phone, a cell phone, cable, Internet or a car. I walked to work (even pregnant, even in the snow pregnant) and back home. I worked until I was 42 weeks pregnant, up to and including the very day they induced me. I had my daughter on a Tuesday and was back at work on Saturday, the kiddo in an infant seat in Taco Bell's management office, door propped open. Maternity leave is a luxury. Child care is a luxury. Most people don't realize that.
Even though it was a very tough time in my life, I look back on it with great fondness. I really pulled through a difficult time, sanity in check. When I tell Kiera about these early years, she is in awe of my perseverance, and I know I'm instilling some of that in her. No, I didn't make all the right choices as a teenager, but I handled the choices I did make with integrity and followed through with my head held high.
She knows defeat is not an option. No matter how hard things get, they are only temporary.
You prioritize. You survive.
You repeat as necessary.
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