Big News

A few weeks ago I checked the MLS and saw a perfect house newly listed in a great area of Sacramento. The house seemed to have the rooms and layout we wanted as well as a nice sized backyard. I checked the satellite and noted the house sits on the end of a cul-de-sac and backs up to a greenbelt, meaning no backyard neighbors. Like I said it seemed perfect so we called our agent to make an offer right away. I should also note that the house is a foreclosure. This means the offer wouldn't enter the black hole that is a short shale and there is normal escrow closing in 30 days. I would say 80% to 90% of listings are short sales so a foreclosure is a definite bonus. Also, even though this house is a foreclosure it is in excellent condition and hasn't been robbed of its window coverings, fixtures, appliances, etc. There are many sweet upgrades like tile floors throughout the main floor and granite counter tops.

Our agent checked with the bank's agent and informed us that even though the house had only been on the market one day, it was already a multiple offer situation and we should plan to make an offer above the asking price (i.e., a bidding war was about to ensue). The Saturday before the offer was due Jeff and I debated betwixt each other how much the house was really worth. I tried to keep them in check, but my emotions got involved. Did I mention how perfect the house seemed? Jeff and I finally came to an agreement and gave our agent the final offer. I kept my fingers crossed but didn't dare to hope that we might win. Jeff continued to remind me that we hadn't even seen the place so there was no guarantee that it was as perfect as I was imagining.

To make a long story short, the bank ended up taking our offer. I don't know how we guessed the right amount because there were twenty one other offers. Our agent called and said the bank was taking our offer while we were in Montana so we took a detour on the way home and stopped at Jeff's parents. Jeff's mom watched the kids on Tuesday so we could actually look at the home before we signed the paperwork.

Miracles of all miracles it was even more perfect for us than we had imagined. We were even able to talk to some of the new neighbors who were very nice and normal. There were many children out playing about the cul-de-sac and it just sort of felt like home already. Our agent had a big smile on her face the whole time because I think she was surprised we wanted the house. She's been working with Jeff long enough to know he is a hard sale.

So things are in motion and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. My feelings are mixed. At once I am both crazy excited and ready to bawl my eyes out. I have a couple of really good friends here and that is the hardest part. I also feel a sort of mid-life crises coming on. Having an adult house seems rather adult. We're not going to be in the "starting out" phase anymore.

Also, it's a little weird thinking about owning a property. I think when you have experienced foreclosure as a kid, you are on the lookout for history to repeat itself. I guess what I'm saying is I feel like I can't get too excited or attached because I know how transitory property can be. I just have to remind myself that Jeff is not my dad and I am not my mom. Jeff is actually pretty amazing with finances. So I'll try not to imagine losing the home before we even know if it will close escrow.

The other problem is that the neighbors told us the previous owners' situation. They foreclosed because of divorce. Divorce sours my mood. I feel bad swooping in and making my nest in a place where someone else had such misfortune. I guess not bad enough to not continue on with the purchase, but... Do we need to perform a hex on the property before moving in?

Other than my weird worries and feelings, these are exciting times. I'm going to be greedy and keep most of the pictures for myself for now, at least until we get things looking how we want, but I'll share these two.