I've gotten over the disappointment with the first offer. It's still early in the game, and we have more house searching ahead of us. If this nice house doesn't move quick enough the seller may come down in price. Who knows? In the meantime, we're moving on.
Unfortunately, this weekend got a little stalled for house. I had appointments to see three houses Saturday: one was already sold, and the second house we couldn't get into. So that only left the 3rd house and although that house looked impressive in an online MLS listing, it was simply too small for our needs. Sally had line up 2 showings for this afternoon (Sunday), but the realtor had to cancel at the last minute for personal reasons. To maintain some momentum, we're going to check out an open house close by.
And fixed-sign Boyo does get attached to things. For instance, I am very attached to Sally --- attached at the hip you might say --- though I prefer attached at the lip(s) ;)
To be continued.....
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
Didn't get our house, because the "Seller" as she's called, wasn't interested in negotiating price. At all. This is something I (as a total neophyte) understood was basic procedure.
Okay, well, my (admittedly shaky) understanding of the process is, you price your house a little (or a lot) above what you hope to get, and then you negotiate with a buyer who makes an offer.
The only basis for comparison I have is yard sales. If I want to sell, say, my elderly sofa - It's in good shape, a little worn where the boyo of (some previous) moment insisted on sitting exclusively, but still, it's quite nice. Also the cats have had some influence on one of the arms. And sometime past, I did pay $1000 for said sofa, but time has come and gone. I believe this sofa is STILL worth at least $500, but I know we're talking yard sale (not consignment shop, or even Good Will, here) so I price it at $150, knowing full well that while it is "worth" more in some market, but not the one I'm dealing in - I am willing to take $100 for it, if whoever it is will hand me the cash and take it away immediately.
I go into this in some detail to describe what my basis for understanding this is.
Dim, at best.
The house, is not so much like this. "My house is totally worth the asking price," the Seller asserted in the exchange, via realtors and whoever-
WTF?
Darling Harry was Very Very Bummed. (Fixed signs get attached to things)
When it came right down to it, I thought, "Okay, this is a perfectly lovely house. It looks wonderful and has many things we want (hardwood floors, a garage, a nice kitchen) - not to mention several things it hasn't occurred to us to want: A working fireplace. A shed to store things. Gorgeous light fixtures and tasteful painting palettes... So- Boyo and I being both fixed sun signs.. . we had BONDED with this house. It took some REALLY hard remembering to realize that there WASN'T: a fourth BR, a REAL tub to bath in - AND that it was $20,000 more than our most hopeful estimate, previously.
So we passed.
There are lots of houses out there. We're getting over it
Okay, well, my (admittedly shaky) understanding of the process is, you price your house a little (or a lot) above what you hope to get, and then you negotiate with a buyer who makes an offer.
The only basis for comparison I have is yard sales. If I want to sell, say, my elderly sofa - It's in good shape, a little worn where the boyo of (some previous) moment insisted on sitting exclusively, but still, it's quite nice. Also the cats have had some influence on one of the arms. And sometime past, I did pay $1000 for said sofa, but time has come and gone. I believe this sofa is STILL worth at least $500, but I know we're talking yard sale (not consignment shop, or even Good Will, here) so I price it at $150, knowing full well that while it is "worth" more in some market, but not the one I'm dealing in - I am willing to take $100 for it, if whoever it is will hand me the cash and take it away immediately.
I go into this in some detail to describe what my basis for understanding this is.
Dim, at best.
The house, is not so much like this. "My house is totally worth the asking price," the Seller asserted in the exchange, via realtors and whoever-
WTF?
Darling Harry was Very Very Bummed. (Fixed signs get attached to things)
When it came right down to it, I thought, "Okay, this is a perfectly lovely house. It looks wonderful and has many things we want (hardwood floors, a garage, a nice kitchen) - not to mention several things it hasn't occurred to us to want: A working fireplace. A shed to store things. Gorgeous light fixtures and tasteful painting palettes... So- Boyo and I being both fixed sun signs.. . we had BONDED with this house. It took some REALLY hard remembering to realize that there WASN'T: a fourth BR, a REAL tub to bath in - AND that it was $20,000 more than our most hopeful estimate, previously.
So we passed.
There are lots of houses out there. We're getting over it
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A House - Continued: Posted by Harry
I just caught Sally's post about a new house. We are both very excited. Yesterday I made a down payment and an offer on what could be our new house. I had pre-approved credit for the loan amount. Hopefully the seller will accept my offer with not a great deal of haggling and negotiation.
It's a lovely house, and without the X-ray vision of a home inspection, it appears to be in need of little work and ready for moving into. I think Sally and I would be immoderately happy in this house.
Yes, I guess because of my last experience with home ownership and finally selling a home in June of 2008, I hadn't been paying careful enough attention to the developments in the housing market that really helps buyers --- especially interest rates, and falling prices. Although house prices may continue to fall, I think that the present is the right time, and frankly Sally and I have worn out living in an overpriced rental for nearly two years with no hope of ownership and a landlord who nickels and dimes us over every minor repair needed on this house. Not to mention we need more space. We need more space. Am I repeating myself? We need more space.
Sally and I have been watching a lot of HGTV on cable. I guess we now have the correct mindset ;-) for being new homeowners ourselves.
Please, Dear God, make this happen. Please...
To be continued.....
It's a lovely house, and without the X-ray vision of a home inspection, it appears to be in need of little work and ready for moving into. I think Sally and I would be immoderately happy in this house.
Yes, I guess because of my last experience with home ownership and finally selling a home in June of 2008, I hadn't been paying careful enough attention to the developments in the housing market that really helps buyers --- especially interest rates, and falling prices. Although house prices may continue to fall, I think that the present is the right time, and frankly Sally and I have worn out living in an overpriced rental for nearly two years with no hope of ownership and a landlord who nickels and dimes us over every minor repair needed on this house. Not to mention we need more space. We need more space. Am I repeating myself? We need more space.
Sally and I have been watching a lot of HGTV on cable. I guess we now have the correct mindset ;-) for being new homeowners ourselves.
Please, Dear God, make this happen. Please...
To be continued.....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A House!
Harry and I (or rather Harry himself, who is a much better credit risk) are buying a house!
I'll spare you, dear internet, tales of how we decided/realized/whatever - that the exhorbitant (and not very rewarding) rent we have been paying could be, with some financial hocus-pocus, morphed into a MORTGAGE payment that is LESS and pays for a lovely house that we then (at some point - (pardon me for not getting this part very clear, I have never owned real estate, never been related to anyone who did. ..) will then OWN.
That has to be better, right?
Unless we die first.
Financial stuff is not my metier. But who cares?
A place my Boyo and I can live together? With a working fireplace?
I am SO there.
Stay tuned.
I'll spare you, dear internet, tales of how we decided/realized/whatever - that the exhorbitant (and not very rewarding) rent we have been paying could be, with some financial hocus-pocus, morphed into a MORTGAGE payment that is LESS and pays for a lovely house that we then (at some point - (pardon me for not getting this part very clear, I have never owned real estate, never been related to anyone who did. ..) will then OWN.
That has to be better, right?
Unless we die first.
Financial stuff is not my metier. But who cares?
A place my Boyo and I can live together? With a working fireplace?
I am SO there.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Jobs, work, & etc
In the past year or so, I have had a series of jobs.
Perhaps I should clarify: This is Sally. Harry has had a real, continuing job ever since I have known him, and before. I know he doesn't always like it, especially in tax season, but it is nevertheless real, well-paid and Professional in a way that the recent efforts I have made, in the arena of work, do not begin to approach.
Let me count the ways: First, I worked for an automotive repair place; I was the bookkeeper and office manager. Mostly what I had to do was make sure the location managers - read: skilled mechanics and car guys - did not do anything stupid about settling the daily accounts. They never did, being much more skilled than I was...I gave this up (it was a part-time job) for a "career" in CITIZEN DIPLOMACY. . .. I thought it seemed like a nice idea. We sponsored trips, and activities aimed at making friends with foreign people (none of whom had (god knows!) any political positions. It was fun, there were parties; I liked it. The (very charming) director who hired me - changed her mind. It was not so much - you; maybe what we need is more - I don't know- something else- perhaps our lovely Polish intern who is leaving to have a child-no? Not? Someone else then?
Thanks but no thanks.
After that, there was the non-profit (& much hope I had of this, as it actually related to my work background) - that "provided services to the disabled." They offered me a position case managing OR (Occupational Rehabilitation) clients.
I took it eagerly, a professional job; one I was actually qualified for:
But the director (or whatever she was) never wanted me there. I think ( who knows?) she was pressured to hire me, I do know she did all she could do to sink me - - by January it was all over.
(Screw you, Shirley Watson!!!)
Now I work for a pair of charming and (very very young!) boyos who are wino importers. I'm learning about Italian wines - fun!
I have left out many other jobs.
I don't really have the heart to explain. Another time, perhaps.
Perhaps I should clarify: This is Sally. Harry has had a real, continuing job ever since I have known him, and before. I know he doesn't always like it, especially in tax season, but it is nevertheless real, well-paid and Professional in a way that the recent efforts I have made, in the arena of work, do not begin to approach.
Let me count the ways: First, I worked for an automotive repair place; I was the bookkeeper and office manager. Mostly what I had to do was make sure the location managers - read: skilled mechanics and car guys - did not do anything stupid about settling the daily accounts. They never did, being much more skilled than I was...I gave this up (it was a part-time job) for a "career" in CITIZEN DIPLOMACY. . .. I thought it seemed like a nice idea. We sponsored trips, and activities aimed at making friends with foreign people (none of whom had (god knows!) any political positions. It was fun, there were parties; I liked it. The (very charming) director who hired me - changed her mind. It was not so much - you; maybe what we need is more - I don't know- something else- perhaps our lovely Polish intern who is leaving to have a child-no? Not? Someone else then?
Thanks but no thanks.
After that, there was the non-profit (& much hope I had of this, as it actually related to my work background) - that "provided services to the disabled." They offered me a position case managing OR (Occupational Rehabilitation) clients.
I took it eagerly, a professional job; one I was actually qualified for:
But the director (or whatever she was) never wanted me there. I think ( who knows?) she was pressured to hire me, I do know she did all she could do to sink me - - by January it was all over.
(Screw you, Shirley Watson!!!)
Now I work for a pair of charming and (very very young!) boyos who are wino importers. I'm learning about Italian wines - fun!
I have left out many other jobs.
I don't really have the heart to explain. Another time, perhaps.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ground Hog Day
I have never understood Ground Hog Day.
He comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow, & there's six more weeks of winter? Why? The sun is out -
Or is that if he DOESN'T see his shadow? (which would make more sense)
When I moved to PA, there was a whole more local and personal approach - seems we have a specific ground hog with a name, etc. Local news programs do spots...
I don't know.
But today, this particular February 2cd is a GOOD DAY. After losing two (out of three) jobs in as many weeks, and worrying my Harry (vis, supporting me, life after divorce, adult children, etc. etc.-) much more than necessary, more than I ever, ever will (god willing) again -
I seem to have a JOB !
I feel readmitted to adulthood, and thankful withal.
NOTwithstanding an incident at my children's school the other night, that reminded and depressed me, about life with the EX. . .
I dreamed extensively last night and woke realizing how much my interminable marriage limited and constrained me. It was always "you CAN'T do this, you're not good enough to try that; No, that is NOT for for YOU. . . "
I mourned, at some low (-er than usual) point in the marriage, that I had traded everything for the right to have babies...
& Ex scoffed at me in the night, but I was right. If maudlin.
First to have one child (what did he know?) and then another. . .In between there were the losses I have not forgotten. My Owen Andrew, stillborn at nine months. (his father wouldn't recognize the name or his child; he dismissed our son as completely as he had a miscarriage and the so-called "disgenetic" pregnancy I terminated because I could not compromise my three-year old daughter's claim on our (limited) resources. . .
It's all water under the bridge now but I don't know how to consign it to unimportance. Harry doesn't ask me to.
Harry has his own water under the bridge.
I love Harry
Posted by Sally
W
He comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow, & there's six more weeks of winter? Why? The sun is out -
Or is that if he DOESN'T see his shadow? (which would make more sense)
When I moved to PA, there was a whole more local and personal approach - seems we have a specific ground hog with a name, etc. Local news programs do spots...
I don't know.
But today, this particular February 2cd is a GOOD DAY. After losing two (out of three) jobs in as many weeks, and worrying my Harry (vis, supporting me, life after divorce, adult children, etc. etc.-) much more than necessary, more than I ever, ever will (god willing) again -
I seem to have a JOB !
I feel readmitted to adulthood, and thankful withal.
NOTwithstanding an incident at my children's school the other night, that reminded and depressed me, about life with the EX. . .
I dreamed extensively last night and woke realizing how much my interminable marriage limited and constrained me. It was always "you CAN'T do this, you're not good enough to try that; No, that is NOT for for YOU. . . "
I mourned, at some low (-er than usual) point in the marriage, that I had traded everything for the right to have babies...
& Ex scoffed at me in the night, but I was right. If maudlin.
First to have one child (what did he know?) and then another. . .In between there were the losses I have not forgotten. My Owen Andrew, stillborn at nine months. (his father wouldn't recognize the name or his child; he dismissed our son as completely as he had a miscarriage and the so-called "disgenetic" pregnancy I terminated because I could not compromise my three-year old daughter's claim on our (limited) resources. . .
It's all water under the bridge now but I don't know how to consign it to unimportance. Harry doesn't ask me to.
Harry has his own water under the bridge.
I love Harry
Posted by Sally
W
Finally Back
Sally's last post was beautiful and true, but I don't see how it can be any other way. I am in this relationship to love her and be there for her, no matter what the circumstances. The romance is great and vital, but this is the most important thing I can ever do with her. Honestly.
I responded joyously to Sally's post about the wedding in my heart, and also in my heart about where we are going with our lives. I did tell her about the post and how wonderful I thought her vision was. This is a rough time (rough time of year for me, and rough time in general, with older kids and their needs, house plans, money, etc.). A new onslaught of dust. Sally and I joke about "when the dust settles" and how it may never settle. I prefer to think that once in a great while the dust settles for a time, but mostly there are periodic, eddying clouds, and every now and then we get a full blown storm.
No more hiatuses (hiati?) from the blog. It is not a burden, this writing we share. And I'd rather make a small post than nothing at all.
I responded joyously to Sally's post about the wedding in my heart, and also in my heart about where we are going with our lives. I did tell her about the post and how wonderful I thought her vision was. This is a rough time (rough time of year for me, and rough time in general, with older kids and their needs, house plans, money, etc.). A new onslaught of dust. Sally and I joke about "when the dust settles" and how it may never settle. I prefer to think that once in a great while the dust settles for a time, but mostly there are periodic, eddying clouds, and every now and then we get a full blown storm.
No more hiatuses (hiati?) from the blog. It is not a burden, this writing we share. And I'd rather make a small post than nothing at all.
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