I am meeting with an attorney tomorrow … to put an offer on the house!
I went to see it on my lunch break today … was it just this afternoon? Yep. It was love at first sight. It’s so cozy, comfortable and safe. And the aura – is magnificent. Good vibes all around.
And guess who lives in it now? A single woman in her 40′s. No kids. But a strong single woman who’s kept the place absolutely pristine. And the view from the living room window? An old park. (The new park with the mountain climbing wall is down the block). But Benjamin will wake up every morning and see “his” park.
And the backyard…fenced with 1/4 of an acre, huge trees and a cute little shed. And there’s a door leading to the yard from the little dining room and the kitchen. So he can run around and play, completely safe while I watch from inside. I’ll have to buy a sand box, maybe a swing set….oh! And of course transfer my firepit blocks from my current yard. Must have fire pit. I’m SO excited.
The house is for sale by owner. I found it on Craiglist.com, where every single mama can find every single thing she needs – including men. Long live Craigslist! So I met her, we chatted and it just seems so much more personal. Realtors scare me.
And here’s the best part. My father grew up in this neighborhood. Cheesy. But I think his spirit is sending us there. Didn’t even know this until my mom told me this afternoon. (I miss you papa).
Okay. Wish me luck. Seems like a shoe in but you never know…
P.S. Buying a house SOLO without a husband to say – “No, I don’t like it because of ‘yada, yada.’” – Priceless. And dreams coming true – even better.
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh how exciting! I wish you the best of luck, and do post some pics of the place!
QT – it’s the same house in my post on moving to the burbs!!! SO fricking cute!
And I just thought of you b/c I was looking at the pics that I can’t copy and paste – anyway – as each pic came up I just said “mine, mine, mine!” Ha! Yes! This is awesome.
Love at first sight? I’m having VO flashbacks or something…
Congrats on finding such a nice sounding house.
Yup, it’s one helluva good feeling, isn’t it? I’m really really REALLY excited for you! Hmm … do you have a lawn mower?
I even find mowing my lawn somewhat fun – I get done and think, damn I just made my house look gooooooooood baby!
OK, I thought we lived close to one another, now I think we might live in the same city… maybe.
If so, I gotta find the park with the rock climbing wall, Son would LOVE it.
Hi, I just found your blog via dooce and I’m really enjoying your blog. Congrats on the new place. My Dad passed a long time ago and I TOTALLY get the whole “spiritual help” thing. I also have a deep love for craigslist. What a great invention!!
That’s so exciting! Good luck!
Some advice:
Your bid should begin at least 10-15% below the asking price (unless you anticipate a lot of activity here). Without brokers involved, negotiations may actually be harder (though cheaper by 5-6% depending on local commission rates) because the seller is emotionally invested in the value she’s asking for. You like the house (it’s never good negotiating to let the seller know just how much you love it). Also, to avoid a seller stringing you along waiting for a better offer (happens a lot), you should consider making an exploding offer: Offer is $X until [7-10 days after offer date], after that the offer is X-10% for an additional 7 days, then it’s gone.
Have you pre-qualified yourself for a mortgage? Make sure even so you have a mortgage contingency in your contract.
If your offer is accepted, make sure you get a good professional inspection to make sure there are zoning issues, illegal construction, no termites or carpenter ants, wet basement problems, fire damage, issues with the electrical or heating/air conditioning systems. If you find a problem, use that to renegotiate the price and/or have the seller fix the problem before closing. You may or may not need a survey, your lawyer will know local practice.
The most important thing (and the hardest) is to view this as a business decision — don’t let your emotions lead you to overpay or to take on more debt/carrying costs than you can reasonably support. You’re going to be at least a little “house poor” for a while, but you should not beggar yourself.
Kat – tks for reading! And you found me through Dooce? Awesome. She’s my hero.
Cato – wow! Tks…hadn’t though of the offer expiration idea. Thanks again. And yes, I’m pre-qualified. We have to get inspections – state law. My emotions are fairly in check – it’s a super hot neighborhood and we haven’t seen prices this low in years and years – so if I wait – might never be able to get a house here.
Especially in a hot market, it’s important to avoid being strung along while a seller waits for a higher offer (even if you came in at the asking price) — the seller is emotionally involved (this is undoubtedly the largest transaction she’s engaged in other than buying the house) and does not have a broker to guide her through the negotiation process. Your goal (in addition to paying the lowest price possible for what you want) is to get the seller to contract quickly so that you lock in your deal.
If attorneys are involved in your state (some states it’s all done by the title companies with standard contracts), then even if there is a local form contract in use, there will be negotiable provisions — what stays and what goes (light fixtures like chandeliers? refrigerator? stove? washer/dryer?, etc., even sometimes some furniture), who’s responsible for for what, representations and warranties (may be mandated, but there are always local practice considerations), closing conditions (what if a problem like a fire or sewer break or leaking roof occurs between signing and closing?), contingencies (mortgage and inspection are minimums, but how long do you have to get the mortgage nailed down).
Your attorney should guide you through all of this, but may not (especially if there is a low fixed fee charged in your area for simple real estate closings). Make sure your attorney is local to the area and knows the market.
Cato’s help is priceless. It’s hard not to get swept up when you fall in love with a house. I can not wait to see pictures! It sounds similar to the house I just sold…(tearing up here) and did we ever love that house! It was perfect!
Congratulations!! What an accomplishment
Congrats! I love the part about being a single parent and loving something and not having to hear a partner say what they don’t like.. one of the up sides to going it solo, for sure.
When’s the house warming?
Good luck Mama!
I love how fast you move! Watch out world, big dreams ahead!
P.S. Since Dad’s House and I live near the same airport, we’ll fly to the house warming together, okay?
Cato – just met with the attorney this afternoon and we went over all of this…he’s top notch. And I’m all about locking down the deal. To avoid anything I’m going to personally deliver my offer and just say – this is it. I can’t negotiate. I didn’t go much lower than her asking price but am asking her to cover closing costs and help with my down payment.
Oh – and I am asking for the draperies and of course, all of the appliances.
Shannon – I know…this house has no room for a man, so if I ever do find one I’d have to sell. Might love the house more than I could ever love a man. Tee hee…well, maybe not, but I’m sure you know what I mean.
Tks Lausana, DH and SMS.
Oh and if you two actually came out here I would pee myself.
YOU ROCK!
Say it and do it!
You are fully supported!
Go On Girl!
MSM – We’ll FedEx a box of Depends ahead of time…
I just read this post
– I think it’s awesome that you are buying this place 
– a new chapter in your life – a lifetime of memories waiting to be made with your little man, Benjamin 