It wasn't a simple, straightforward task however.
We had a realtor, a very nice lady who arranged all the appointments for the houses we wanted to view. On arriving at her office we were optimistic, happy and enthusiastic, but then she told us that 2 of the houses had offers on them. One of which was my absolute favourite! From then on, I had to adjust my thinking and give every house a chance. That's when my headache started.
We were driven from the office to each house and viewed 7 in an afternoon. They varied in quality, curb appeal, cleanliness and price.
Luckily I can walk in to an ex-rental or a repossession, masterfully block off my sense of smell and see potential. My husband not so much and my daughter not at all!
Having watched a million tv shows on renovations, home makeovers, DIY shows etc, I consider myself something of an expert. I would probably award myself a Home Inspector's qualification if I could. There I was, knocking and tapping at rotting door posts, pulling out the furnace filters, opening the ovens then wishing I hadn't!
I have a dislike of stained oak which ends up an orange colour. I don't want to offend any readers who love it, but I do like wood to look as natural as possible. If natural isn't possible, then stain it dark brown or paint it white.
We walked in to some homes with the orange stained oak window trim, door trim, doors, fire surround, kitchen cabinets, baseboards, floors it was all too much for me, my thumping head and my painful shoulder to imagine the sanding, staining or painting that lay in store. We would look at houses on corner lots and were told that the whole pavement surrounding the house, front and side would have to be cleared of snow within 24 hours of snowfall. I looked sadly at tiny patches of 'low maintenance luxury high end turf' in back yards only to discover it was 'Astroturf'. Could I really relax on the sunny deck that was higher than the fences and gave me a bird's-eye view of the road and neighbours (and them of me)?
By the end of the day, my head was swimming. I would have to settle for second best. I had a niggling feeling that our dream house was out there somewhere, still undiscovered.
The following day my aunt took us to a brand new building site. I'd seen them on-line and they were over our budget. She urged us to just have a look and we did.
The larger show-home had various financial incentives making it affordable and as I walked in, I could almost hear the 'Hallelujah Chorus' playing in my head. I looked around in awe, the house was gorgeous, no it was better than gorgeous. Were we really worthy enough to live in such luxury?
We walked to the master suite, then the walk in closet.
| This isn't the actual closet, but it gives you an idea! |
"Memo to self, burn every item of scruffs before we move in".
I pointed out that the fire surround and creamy grey granite countertops would all be extras. The sales guy replied that they were standard - the day was getting better and better.
As I wandered around the house with a stupid grin on my face, I knew this was the house.
My husband needed some persuading as he liked another home and thought they might accept a lower offer. Yes it was lovely too, but did I want my daughter sleeping in the basement?
With some gentle female persuasion from my daughter and I, he agreed and we signed there and then.
Today is packing, sorting, disposing and donating day - but that's tomorrow's Blog....
Isn't it a great feeling when you know that this is the house? I remember when we found that house, I didn't want to waste another minute looking and wanted to get a full price offer in before anyone else saw the house. When you know it is the house, you move faster to get the wheels in motion today.
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