The seller is willing to make the repairs! Whew...
(*wipes sweat from brow*)
So he's making repairs on the other issues in the house now, we've gotten our extension on the windows and are pricing those so the seller can put some money in our escrow for it, and we're still set to close Feb. 23.
I have already done my insurance stuff, but I need to send in some signatures and schedule and take the 2-hr first time homebuyer's course for the grant, then I should be pretty much set.
Things are moving along and that's good because I'm impatient! Now I can start trying to figure out what we wanna do with the rooms!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
"Hold Harmless" extension
Quick update: If the seller agrees to work with us, which I hope he will, we have been granted an extension on the window repairs due to the cold.
The way I understand it is we got the extension because the repairs cannot be done right now and it is neither our fault as the buyers nor his fault as the seller that it's winter time right now and it's cold during the winter.
If everything works out, either the seller will have so many days after it gets warm to come in and make the fixes or he will have to put a to-be-determined amount of money for the repairs in the escrow account and we will have so many days after it gets warm to do the fixes.
I would prefer that he come in and do them, but either way we can work it out will work for me. I just want my house.
He still has to agree though, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed still. It shouldn't take much to get him to make the electrical repairs since, like I said previously, the city inspection will require those to be done as well.
I hate inspections.
The way I understand it is we got the extension because the repairs cannot be done right now and it is neither our fault as the buyers nor his fault as the seller that it's winter time right now and it's cold during the winter.
If everything works out, either the seller will have so many days after it gets warm to come in and make the fixes or he will have to put a to-be-determined amount of money for the repairs in the escrow account and we will have so many days after it gets warm to do the fixes.
I would prefer that he come in and do them, but either way we can work it out will work for me. I just want my house.
He still has to agree though, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed still. It shouldn't take much to get him to make the electrical repairs since, like I said previously, the city inspection will require those to be done as well.
I hate inspections.
If it isn't one thing...
My realtor hasn't heard back from the seller's agent as to whether or not he's willing to do the fixes on the windows. She does seem to think he will have no problem, and I'm starting to feel better about that.
I almost think he had to have known when he signed the contract with me, specifically, that the windows might not pass inspection. I mean, he redid the kitchen and bathroom and put in a new furnace and water heater... it's almost like he hadn't gotten to the windows yet and just decided to get rid of the house. I think that may work in my favor if he wants to get rid of it badly enough, and like I said, my realtor seems to be thinking positive about at least that.
But if it isn't one thing, it's another.
Can you even glaze windows or paint them in the winter? Sources are pointing to no. My agent said she had this same dilemma last winter and the grant coordinator in that instance gave the buyers an extension. The seller then gave the buyers the money for the fixes and when it got warmer they had 45 days to complete them. That would be oh so nice.
Anyway, my agent said she doesn't think this will keep me from closing and she doesn't think I'll lose the house so I'm not falling to pieces just yet. But I am still nervous and I hope to hear good news soon!
I almost think he had to have known when he signed the contract with me, specifically, that the windows might not pass inspection. I mean, he redid the kitchen and bathroom and put in a new furnace and water heater... it's almost like he hadn't gotten to the windows yet and just decided to get rid of the house. I think that may work in my favor if he wants to get rid of it badly enough, and like I said, my realtor seems to be thinking positive about at least that.
But if it isn't one thing, it's another.
Can you even glaze windows or paint them in the winter? Sources are pointing to no. My agent said she had this same dilemma last winter and the grant coordinator in that instance gave the buyers an extension. The seller then gave the buyers the money for the fixes and when it got warmer they had 45 days to complete them. That would be oh so nice.
Anyway, my agent said she doesn't think this will keep me from closing and she doesn't think I'll lose the house so I'm not falling to pieces just yet. But I am still nervous and I hope to hear good news soon!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Inspection wasn't TOO bad but I'm worried
In order to get the house, I need the $3,000 Alton grant that helps pay for inspections, down payment, etc. In order to get the grant, the Western house has to pass an inspection.
We did that inspection today and some things looked good: the furnace is new; the water heater is new; the floors are solid, etc.
But the house did have some minor wiring problems and needs work on or replacement of all the windows in the house. There are 11-plus windows. The inspector said the seller can scrape the windows and re-glaze them, whatever that means, or he can replace them. As I understand it, he can go the glaze route for a decent price and fix the minor wiring issues in the basement, and then the house would be good to go.
I also understand that he can say no and choose not to fix those things. He should fix the wiring, because it won't pass the city's inspection if he doesn't and that would be an issue for any prospective buyers. But the windows, I'm pretty sure, aren't a problem for another buyer who doesn't need the $3,000 grant and would be willing to fix them themselves. I can't help where I stand on that issue.
I called my realtor, who called the inspector, and was supposed to call the seller's realtor to see if this seller might be willing to do the work and go through with our deal. I'm crossing my fingers and praying to God, but at this point I'm worried we might lose the house. It sucks being at work because I certainly can't concentrate on work right now. I could really use some moral support right now. It doesn't help that I'm incredibly impatient.
We did that inspection today and some things looked good: the furnace is new; the water heater is new; the floors are solid, etc.
But the house did have some minor wiring problems and needs work on or replacement of all the windows in the house. There are 11-plus windows. The inspector said the seller can scrape the windows and re-glaze them, whatever that means, or he can replace them. As I understand it, he can go the glaze route for a decent price and fix the minor wiring issues in the basement, and then the house would be good to go.
I also understand that he can say no and choose not to fix those things. He should fix the wiring, because it won't pass the city's inspection if he doesn't and that would be an issue for any prospective buyers. But the windows, I'm pretty sure, aren't a problem for another buyer who doesn't need the $3,000 grant and would be willing to fix them themselves. I can't help where I stand on that issue.
I called my realtor, who called the inspector, and was supposed to call the seller's realtor to see if this seller might be willing to do the work and go through with our deal. I'm crossing my fingers and praying to God, but at this point I'm worried we might lose the house. It sucks being at work because I certainly can't concentrate on work right now. I could really use some moral support right now. It doesn't help that I'm incredibly impatient.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Loan in process, inspection is tomorrow
Here's my quick update for the day.
I met with the lender this morning, Pulaski Bank in Alton, and signed a bunch of paperwork. My signature is getting pretty tiresome to look at and it's only getting worse! Point being, the loan is now being processed and I'm not spending anything until it's through!! (Except bills and other necessities - the normal stuff, you know).
It sounds like things are moving swiftly so far, and closing is set for Feb. 23, which works out because our lease is up at the end of March and we need some time to fix things up. I can't wait and have been watching far too much HGTV lately. I'm trying not to get overly excited or get to thinking its OK to spend more money than I can, but I am allowed to get pumped, I'm buying my first house for Christ's sake.
Our realtor has set us up with a specific home inspector, which is required through a local grant I got as a first time homebuyer. My dad and I will meet him over at the house tomorrow afternoon on my lunch break and check things out. For my sake, keep your fingers crossed that there's not a lot wrong and we can proceed on schedule. (And if there is a lot wrong, that the seller has a big hand in paying for it!)
More updates as I have them.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I know this was kind of sudden
About a month ago or so, I started looking at houses and considering my housing options. My lease at the Lincoln Lofts was going to be up in April, and I needed to figure out my plan for the future.
Two weeks or so ago, I started hardcore looking at houses in my low price range, and quickly found how limited I was going to be. Although I had some hope in the beginning, because the house I settled on happens to be the second one I actually saw.
From there, I noticed quality and potential going straight downhill. But this particular house was in a not too shabby area of Alton, the city I've always considered home, it had tons of storage, a garage and a shed, a basement, a brand new kitchen and bathroom, and loads of possibility for building resale value - not to mention for becoming a home I can call my own.
My parents thought it a little sudden but I felt my house slipping away, although it haunted my dreams in previous nights. I did a lot of calling and research, and made an informed decision. I would offer a low price, ask for closing costs and just see what would happen.
Through a realtor that has been very helpful to me, I made that offer and got countered. I made one more counter offer, and guess what? The seller took it.
In short, an agreement has been made between myself and the seller, and it has been determined financially feasible for me to own this home. If all goes smoothly, you may be looking at a home owner. That's my news.
I am buying a house?
If everything goes through with the bank, I just bought a house. Details later.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Lauranette.com is up
It may look lame now, but keep in consideration that I coded lauranette.com by hand.
Also consider that I was a bit out of practice when I did it, so there are still some validation issues I need to work out.
I plan on using the site in the coming year to display my work in writing, video, photo and design (both print and Web) as well as my resume. I'm currently working on a more solid template (I think it's going to look a lot more like this blog than anything else) and design for the site, as well as gathering site content.
Right now I have linked this blog and one I created at lauranette.com to blog about journalism. I haven't posted to that one in awhile and still need to mess with the theme a bit.
Classes start Tuesday and I'll be learning more about Javascript and venturing into the world of Flash. I forsee that this site will become a lot more exciting when I get a chance to incorporate some of that knowledge.
Already, as you can see, I have come along way from nothing. So wish me luck in the coming semester.
Also consider that I was a bit out of practice when I did it, so there are still some validation issues I need to work out.
I plan on using the site in the coming year to display my work in writing, video, photo and design (both print and Web) as well as my resume. I'm currently working on a more solid template (I think it's going to look a lot more like this blog than anything else) and design for the site, as well as gathering site content.
Right now I have linked this blog and one I created at lauranette.com to blog about journalism. I haven't posted to that one in awhile and still need to mess with the theme a bit.
Classes start Tuesday and I'll be learning more about Javascript and venturing into the world of Flash. I forsee that this site will become a lot more exciting when I get a chance to incorporate some of that knowledge.
Already, as you can see, I have come along way from nothing. So wish me luck in the coming semester.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Now, onto 2009
A little late since it's been 2009 for 2 hrs and 10 min, now, but here are my ten resolutions for 2009 (not in order, but for countdown purposes...):
10. Keep a more open mind when it comes to movies, music and books.
9. Budget money better and build savings back up.
8. Get rid of unnecessary clutter at home and at work.
7. Try your hand at improving cooking and entertaining skills.
6. Get lauranette.com up and running with a purpose.
5. Update resume and professional contacts.
4. Get my associate's degree in Web design from LCCC.
3. Organize files on computer, get more space for file storage.
2. Feel better about myself, lose 25 pounds by 2010.
1. Eat better and exercise regularly. Get back into yoga.
10. Keep a more open mind when it comes to movies, music and books.
9. Budget money better and build savings back up.
8. Get rid of unnecessary clutter at home and at work.
7. Try your hand at improving cooking and entertaining skills.
6. Get lauranette.com up and running with a purpose.
5. Update resume and professional contacts.
4. Get my associate's degree in Web design from LCCC.
3. Organize files on computer, get more space for file storage.
2. Feel better about myself, lose 25 pounds by 2010.
1. Eat better and exercise regularly. Get back into yoga.
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