A Hiatus is Coming

No Killer Campaign post today. My last day to blog might be Sunday because ---wait for it--- I am finally moving!!

I have never in my entire life been through such a difficult time when it came to buying and selling a house. Buying was bad enough in that it took months to find the right house. But selling!!

Holy moley.

We had three contracts on the house, one within the first five days of being listed and two more a few weeks later. Each one collapsed before it got to the table. There was always something. One buyer asked for too many amendments, another seemed shaky on the financing, and the third was just flakey. Methinks he was a looky-loo but I can't imagine why he would go as far as putting in a bid.

From listing to final contract only took two months, yet it's been the longest and most stressful period in my life. Next time, I will move first and then sell a vacant house. It was just too hard to bug out with a giant dog in tow every time someone wanted to show the house.

To add to the stress, within 24 hours of accepting the last contract, we found the house. I say, "we" because I was only partially there. The listing came up right after my eye surgery. Greg insisted that we see the house even though I couldn't see very well. I was grateful for the fresh air even if I couldn't see. I was bored out of my skull.

We went. Me, looking like the Unabomber in dark sunglasses and a baseball cap, while Greg and the realtor led me around by the arm so I wouldn't trip over anything. We were a sight.

But Greg liked this house immediately and even half blind, I got good vibes from it too. We made an offer and it was accepted!

I'll post more about it in the coming weeks. Next week begins the final ordeal of signing contracts. My eyes still aren't in good shape, so I hope those title company people are patient. I am bringing my magnifying glass--and aspirin.

More on the new digs when I get back online. Until then, hang on! I guarantee you 2009 is going to see a less stressed-out me.

Comments

Marianne Arkins said…
Last time I sold a house, I was pregnant, my DH had already moved to NH and I was still in CO. We put it on the market in Oct, sold it in FEB!! Now, picture me, 8 mos preggo driving a car, trailer, two dogs and a cat CROSS COUNTRY.

Yeah. Oodles of fun. I did manage to get us into motels that didn't take pets, though -- something to be said for being **this close** to giving birth, lol.

Good luck with your move -- I'm so glad you found a place at just the right time.
J.K. Coi said…
Good luck with the move!
Maria Zannini said…
8 mos. pregnant! You are incredible, Marianne. You must come from very hardy stock. And your husband is lucky to have someone so independent and strong.
Maria Zannini said…
Thanks, JK! I just have to survive reading the contracts.
Shelley Munro said…
Good luck with your move, Maria.
Maria Zannini said…
Thanks Shelley. Even now strange things are happening. I just found out I may be homeless after all. The house I'm buying has issues that need to be resolved before we can take possession.

-sigh- I was so close.
Heather Moore said…
When we bought our house, I had a newborn, so I was sitting in the back seat of the realtors car trying to keep the baby happy between appointments. I only had two weeks to find it. It seems like buying or selling is never really convenient.

Good luck with the move and the contracts!
Maria Zannini said…
Babies are great motivators. :o)

I keep reminding myself: This too shall come to pass.