Looking for the Right House---Hurry up and wait, Again!

Well that is it! All papers filed, all documents signed and turned in and the bank did their final review and everyone is happy and so now we hurry up and wait. A term we learn in the military.

But now we are focusing on getting our things packed. I have only a couple weeks now before I am off to drive up for closing. Of course it's not only about packing but being sure I have enough money to close.

One thing we had agreed to, foolishly I might add, is that in exchange for them paying some closing costs, we agreed to pay for the leftover oil and cords of wood. This is where it gets hairy because there is no telling how much oil they will have left, and presumably, we will have it checked and then calculated at the going rate. Then, they had said they had about 4-5 cords of wood and we thought the cost was about 100 dollars a cord. Of course he wants to get his money back from no doubt having the wood split and stacked for him and now he is saying it's more like 5-6 cords of wood.

After seeing where they have the wood, (up against the house and garage) we realized we are going to have to move it and thought we'd rather he just up and sell it or whatever but too late, we had agreed to take it. Not like we won't use it, as we will, but still, it will be a lot of work to move it all.

They are saying we are only obligated to pay 4 1/2 cords at this point and I am still not too happy about the whole deal as instead of 100 per cord, they are saying 215 per cord. I just kept seeing dollar signs ka-chinging everywhere.

Now granted, this is still going to come out cheaper than if we paid all closing, but it would have been nice if they just split closing with us. I know we are still making out on the deal tho', it just hurts to have to give them a check at this point.

So now, the hurry up and wait game comes in too with all the things that we know we need to get once we have the keys in hand.

One thing I have inquired about is the name of the electric company, water etc...tho' it is our own water so not too sure there as I am so used to paying for water.

I have also began to set up all sorts of different tradesmen to come up and do different things. Electrician to check out the electrical aspects from the inspection report, the pest guy to help go thru the garage and get rid of the wasp/hornet nests and help to seal the garage up from the mice and then Home Depot coming up to measure the floors that we are wanting to have redone and the cable/phone/internet guy coming up to install all of that. Plus, I'll be stopping by on the way up to see a flooring guy to talk about the aerobic floor I want to put in the basement. Lots of things to do! :)

It's exciting and there is a big temptation to rush out and get everything we need or want all at once. But the bad part of that is charging up credit cards and end up back with tons of monthly bills and you are paying interest on it all. Not a good idea.

So what we have planned instead is to get the most important things now, as we can afford them. Then, make a list of all the items we want to get and do and put them in order of their importance and then, we will save money and get them as we can afford to. There really isn't any hurry for it all and we want to be mindful of not hurting our credit and to not strap ourselves with high monthly bills. Plus you are tossing money down the drain when you charge things on those credit cards especially when they have high interest.

We do still have other big bills to pay down too and yes, the IRS to pay as well. So we have to take our time and be sure that everyone is paid as we go along.

It's exciting tho' to make this move and to actually be able to relax and be in our own home again. This time to not have any neighbors right up against us and to have the land to breathe and wander and just enjoy the views.

So next step is to complete the packing, see things and do all we wanted to here in this area before we move far away from it. And to also try to save as much money as we can for the move.

It's all coming together now!

Posts to come will be the move itself and the closing aspects and how that goes. After that, it will close out this whole topic for now and we'll move on to individual projects and reviews. :)

Almost there!

Looking for the Right House---Final Review

Well that is it! The final review was done by our bank and they have informed us that they have all the needed paperwork and everything looks good, good to go!

Now we wait for closing.

But not idly by any means. We are more focused than ever on packing the past few weekends and ordering things that we would need for sure to take with to closing so I can be there for a few weeks to set up electric, cable, internet and all that fun stuff.

What has really helped me a lot was being able to have every document scanned and kept all in the same place in one folder that I can get to quite easily. That way, when the bank or realtor asks me for something, I can easily get it and email it to them. A couple days ago, our bank was asking for the receipt for the water test that we had paid for, so I knew exactly where it was in my folder of moving documents and while I had her on the phone, I found it, attached it to an email and popped it over to her.

I know her and our realtor have been impressed that I've been able to be on top of everything like that. Bing, boom, bam shoot! They've had it in their hand within minutes. I like it that way. It helps tremendously to be that well organized so there is no hold up on our end.

So that is all I will be writing on this until closing. The truck is already reserved and I am picking up a couple furniture dollies as well as a regular tall dolly to help move the boxes and heavy items easier.

The next few weekends will be spent packing and doing things we want to do before we leave in the area. Spending time with family and just taking it easy. We will go over to storage again to do a final check on Memorial Day weekend as that is the last one I will spend here. It seems like it is coming up fast now! Still lots to do yet. :)

Enjoy your weekend and should you be moving, don't let it overwhelm you, make lists and keep everything in one spot, well organized and it makes things very easy and not so stressful. :)

Looking for the Right House---Water Quality Test and Title Search Info

We got the water quality test in last week and it's all fine! No bacteria, no issues.

So the move is definitely a go! This test was done by the same inspectors we had hired for ourselves and they emailed me a nice test result document as well as an explanation as to what the tests were about and term meanings. This was part of the whole inspection I had hired them to do and the water quality test was something that the bank definitely needed to have done. So I am very happy, very pleased with the thoroughness and although yes, it was expensive, it was well worth finding out about all the items that are going to need my attention as well as providing necessary paperwork for the sale of this property to go through.

 

Now we focus on packing while our bank gets ahold of the title company that will send her the information for the title.

 

I spoke to the bank as well as my realtor and they wanted the copy of the water test so I emailed it to them.

 

Now what is the title search about?

 In Wikipedia: "In real estate business and law, a title search or property title search is the process of retrieving documents evidencing events in the history of a piece of real property, to determine relevant interests in and regulations concerning that property."

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_search

 

So although we saw the documents for the deed and title, it has to be done legally.

 

In the meantime, we are now focused more on packing and ordering what we will need up there right away, especially as I will be staying there to get everything installed and ready to go for everyone else before I go back down and bring up the cats and all.

 

This past weekend, we were in the haunt in the garage and got it all packed up in just two days! Wow! that was a lot and could not have gotten it all done without the help of our neighbor who came over and generously volunteered to help! What a great guy! It really did help us out a lot too!

 

This Saturday we will head up to PA to pick up some wooden gliders made by the local Amish we have had our eye on and want for the deck. Plus, we'll make one last stop at the rock shop that I adore up there. Sunday is Mother's Day but we'll be packing the laundry room and the downstairs bathroom which will take all of about 30 minutes to an hour tops.

 

I still have to pack my bathroom and we have the kitchen as well. Then it's just odds and ends and on Memorial Day weekend, we will do a final check through of anything needing to be packed into a box to make moving day easier.

 

One of the more smoother moves I think we have done! And definitely very exciting! :)

 

 

 

Looking for the Right House---Appraisal is In!

Friday afternoon, the appraisal came in via FedEx. It was exciting as I riped open the package and quickly scanning it to try to find the amount the property was appraised at.

 

So the verdict is in, it appraised at $5k lower than our agreed upon price! Whew! I was so glad and so relieved!

 

Looking back through it closely, I saw where the land was worth $300 an acre and that each bay of the garage was worth $2,500. That was good to know as we were thinking of adding on even more bays or to have an outbuilding for the 'toys' we know we will need to have.

 

I called our bank and talked with our representative who is handling this transaction and she said she needed a few other documents from me so I emailed them to her and then she mentioned the water test. I let her know it was to be done more than likely this coming week. I spoke to the realtor and let him know what was going on and my bank called and talked to him too.

 

So after this water test comes in and hopefully it is all ok, if so, then it will be a complete go!

 

This weekend I've been packing up the movies and will be working on my room and bathroom and then next week, I'll be packing up the haunt in the garage, allowing two full days to do that. It is going to be a huge task as there is so much in there. But I believe we can get it all done in two days, no problem.

 

It's exciting to be packing things and getting ready for this move. I finally did tell my uncle I may have mentioned and that was hard to do as I know he wanted us to settle here in DE. But I feel as though I need to be near my daughter for one, and two, I just want my own land. I want the woods and wild and to do things with it, grow things and take care of the forest and the stream and just enjoy more time out in the country. I know there may come a time that I can't take care of the land and ourselves and if that time comes, then we'll probably sell it as are the current owners and move to a retirement community or such. But until then, I really want to enjoy my time up there in the wilderness. Just so looking forward to it!

 

My uncle's gf repeated again about being sure we are living close to a hospital as we are not getting any younger. Ok, I have such an issue with this. I wanted to say, why not cut out the middle man and just live next to a cemetery and roll me over the lawn? Save time and money! DOH!

I know they are just concerned and that is nice and all, but I am not going to live my life worrying over a hospital being near me. Right now, I have no medical issues really and yes, that will most likely change as I get older, but it's not right now. And yes, if I am an hour from a hospital and something bad happens, I might not make it and I might die. So be it, I do then. I will have lived my life and enjoyed it fully then on my terms. Perhaps they are trying to be practical, but I just can't live like that, I can't plan my life around the what-ifs or when's or eventually's. I don't want to give up living out there in such a beautiful place simply cause someone thinks I need to live near a hospital? No. I appreciate the caring and concerns, but I need to follow and do what feels right for me. It is probably not forever, and that's ok. :)

 

But like the Goonies say, "This is our time...." and..."Goonies never say die!" :)

 

So off we go, in about 5 weeks! It is going to go superfast!

 

Next up, is the water test!

Looking for the Right House---Hurry Up and Wait!

A motto in the military is the infamous, "hurry up and wait". It goes along the same thought process as if you see a line, go stand in it, chances are you need to do so.

 

So we hurried up and got all the documents back in to the bank for final review.

Now the bank will contact the title company, that's a company that goes off in search of the title to the property. It pulls up the history of who owned it before you and before the sellers did and makes sure it is clear.

 

What does that mean? Check out the link here that explains about the title search:

 

http://www.stewart.com/washington-dc/whats-in-a-title-search

 

The bank will also be in contact with the appraiser, our contact said, if they don't hear from them this week, they will next week. I know from the realtor that the appraiser is to do the appraisal this weekend.

 

So its all happening!

 

This is what is left to do along with the water quality test after the UV system is installed. This should also be conducted this weekend I believe from what the realtor said.

 

It's exciting and daunting all at once! It's a big move and I have had so many ideas run through my head as to what I want to do with the property, the house and land and garage and even the road!

 

Hopefully then, next week, we will find out if this is really a go or not. I am pretty sure it will all be fine, no problems.

 

So as the list is starting to form in my head, I'll be writing it all down as to what we want to have done and in the order/priority it needs to be done and then start to save money or allocate funds for each project. As I do them, I'll show them here for the most part and give a few reviews and all that fun stuff.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

Looking for the Right House--More Info

We heard back from the bank and they are wanting a few documents yet from us. One was the phone number of the nearest relative as we did not give them that, only the address. Oh well, I did not want to give out the phone number but I guess they need to have it.

 

Another item was to initiate Home Owner's Insurance. I have renters insurance right now and it is about to expire, funny enough, so it will be really good timing to cancel that and start the home owner's.

 

The third item was to get a letter from our employer to saying we can work remotely from home and it is not going to effect income or position. This is weird when you travel for your work so it really doesn't matter where you live. I have to call and check on this one with the bank to be sure we are on the same page.

 

4th request was some sort of documentation for a large deposit I had made into the savings. I had to laugh because if they are looking into my account, they could go back and look at the checking and see where it came from!? DOH! I wanted to say, oh it's the money I printed up in my basement last night! Hahaha! Man, sometimes I think they are really too picky and silly. Just look!

 

But yea, if that is all they are wanting, that is easy enough to get for them.

 

Just waiting on the water test now for radon first and then after the UV system is installed, will get the water quality test done.

 

While on the phone with them, I am also going to nudge them about the appraiser as my realtor has not heard anything from them on that one. That is the last thing really that all of this hinges on as I am sure the water will be fine.

 

Keeping fingers crossed!

Looking for the Right House---The Inspection

The inspection was conducted yesterday. This is a completely optional thing for the buyer to do, hire an inspector to go to the prospective house they are buying or wanting to buy and have an inspection done. This is recommended to do by the realtor for at least the water to be tested as a standard.

They can also recommend that you have a general overall house inspection done.

 

Why?

 

Well this lets you know what you are getting into. Yes, the seller is obligated by most laws to reveal all the issues or problems or whatnot, but often, the seller may not even be aware of issues or they feel it is perfectly fine and yet, it is not up to code or standards or whatever.

 

As this particular house was built in the late '70s that we are looking to buy, it definitely needed to be looked at. The typical house inspection, general, is $350.00. When you start to add on other things like water, radon, a garage, etc, it does add up very quickly.

 

The problem with this that I see, is that the buyer puts out this money for the inspection to be done and if this uncovers major items that need immediate attention, the buyers may opt out from buying the home altogether, especially if it is too expensive. They don't get that money they spent on the inspection back, however they would get their earnest money they put down.

 

Typically, the contract the sellers and buyers sign, has a date on it and it's 14 business days for the inspection to be done and the buyers to make a determination if there are any big concerns or if they wish to renegotiate the price or have the seller fix it, or walk away from the deal.

 

The inspection is NOT the appraisal. So the inspection is only viewed by yourself--the buyer and the realtor and of course the inspector themselves. Your lender doesn't see it, the sellers do not see it, no one else does but you as you are the one who paid for it. IF the seller were to have it, and the buyer (you) walked away from the deal, the seller then would have to disclose that information, by law, to the next potential buyers.

 

So this inspection we had set up was conducted yesterday morning at lunch time. 3 people went in along with the realtor and they went over both the house and garage in great detail, taking a lot of pictures! This team was excellent! They even had thermal imaging cameras and shared details of what they found, pictures of it and they also gave us a lot of information on how to repair certain items or links to more information or videos that were very educational. It was well worth the money spent.

 

The inspectors will email you the report and in the body of the email, these inspectors highlighted the items that they felt were of a higher priority. There was a full report linked for a pdf file as well as a summary of the report as well. Very professional, very well done. I was highly impressed.

 

Right out of the gate, they tell you to try to not be overwhelmed. Wow, that's an understatement. They found a lot of items that definitely needs addressing and tending to. A lot of tlc. There wasn't anything that was a huge deal, there were some items that we knew about, many we did not, and some things we have plans to take care of anyway. At first, seeing this huge long list and pictures and recommendations and all that, we wanted to back out. It was just sounding like a money pit and too expensive to have to fix up everything. Thoughts of the UTV or all the fun toys we wanted to get, went right out the window as other priorities came to mind instead.

 

So after talking about it for a while, I slept on it and in the morning, it felt better. I looked around at other properties I had saved and did comparisons in not only price, but taxes as well and the look of the land and location. I have to say, I just couldn't see any place better really, even with all the issues!

 

I wrote an email to the inspectors and the realtor with a few questions and comments and thank yous for the inspection report. The inspector called me back and we chatted for a while as she talked over my concerns and gave me a few ideas on how to handle a few items. That made me feel better and as we calmed, I began to see that a lot of things were small nitnoid items really. There are a few big things but nothing that major. Then I spoke to the realtor who also gave me his opinion. Now granted of course his opinion is that he will want us to buy the place and pay what we had negotiated for as he is getting commission on it, but his thoughts and solutions to some of the items made sense and did not feel nor sound like it was blowing smoke.

 

I know we have a lot of plans for this particular property and in the end, its the taxes that says it all. That is what will remain forever and they won't go down, they will only continue to go up. Plus, we do have friends and we can get help for what we need and nothing says we have to take it all on at once. We plan on being there for many years and as such, we can take our time and do things one project at a time. So we will have to make a list of what we want done and slowly work on that, item by item, prioritizing as to what is the most important to get done. At least now we have a full inspection report that details it all out and also where and if we have any issues or need help in figuring out what is meant or location, we can always call the inspectors to ask. That is very nice.

 

Now that we are calmed again and back on track, we have pretty much decided to proceed forward. I don't want to ask the elderly couple to do anything because some of the things that had been done were just quickly done and not installed professionally. Case in point was a woodstove in the garage that look like it was hillbillied with a beer barrel. Don't ask! But no it doesn't make moonshine! ;)

We would rather see to any repairs or modifications or changes ourselves. This is because I am not going to nickel and dime this couple like what had happened to us in Texas. Plus, if I hire someone to do work there, I will know it is getting done right and I will learn something as I usually watch what they do and pick up tidbits of information from them. And, this way, I get to know the tradesmen in case I need to call them back out and they are familiar with me. :)

 

Next up is the appraisal. Our realtor has not heard from anyone yet.
The bank did call today, they did get the disclosure packet all signed and our processor looked it over and it looked fine but now it is sent on to the inspector team there who look it over to be sure they have all the right documents and if not, they will notify us so we can send in whatever is needed.

 

That's where we stand today.