Oh LJ, how I have neglected you so. I feel so rushed when I make a "big" update, rather than more frequent ones. Oh well, better some than none ( Read more... )

My mom took a bunch of photos. I can't post the photos directly from her Picassa, but the link should work. She got a great one of all 3 cats on the stairs. They LOVE zipping up and down chasing each other. She also got a nice one of Mr. Cornelius.

Tomorrow marks our second week as homeowners, but it doesn't seem that we have accomplished much. The first week I got little accomplished because it was the stressful last week of school coupled with the last week of a 3 week course. Josh was off of work and got quite a bit done, mostly his "boy room" or "bat cave". Where he has all of his graphic ( Read more... )

It was a loooong weekend with lots of friends, family, and moving. Josh and I were so lucky to have so much help (especially to make up for the problems that my dad likes to create in the midst of madness). Everything is finally out of the apartment after 2 Uhaul trips and oh so many car trips. We had way more than we thought we did! Now begins the ( Read more... )

I'm posting from the top of the stairs in the new home :D
Just on a break from moving/cleaning!

Our loan is fully approved!
We sign the papers tomorrow!
We get keys next Friday!

Today is the first time I've felt a glimmer of excitement. It's been a long few weeks of constantly dealing with the bank. It was funny the few times the loan officer called my classroom and kids answered. It will be nice to finally be home.

Everything seems to be going smoothly (knock on wood!!!) with preparations for the big purchase and move. We've started packing in hopes that there isn't a mad rush when it is time to get moving. I didn't think we had all that much stuff to pack, but we've stuffed about two dozen boxes and feels like we barely made a dent. The plan is to close on ( Read more... )

We had the home inspection today. There are very minor repairs needed and everything looks good. I'm feeling a bit of buyers remorse because it is a bit on the small side and in a cluster housing area, but the house is in excellent condition and we are getting a good deal. Considering the rest of the crap on the market this is a good one. Besides, ( Read more... )

Yesterday we signed the contract, and today we sign more paperwork. The plan is to close by May 29. I'm not as excited as I should be, I'm saving that for when we have the keys in our hands. Part of it is that I am not thrilled to have to pay the closing costs which will be a few thousand extra out-of-pocket. It may require a loan from parents, but ( Read more... )

After over 2 months of waiting to hear from the bank (the one selling the home) we finally got verbal approval today. Last week things weren't looking good as the house appraised at 20k more than the listing price (what we offered) and the bank wanted more moolah. The listing agent refused that and discounted her fee and negotiated with the bank ( Read more... )