Step Two: Ask someone if you can buy their house... for less than they asked for...

This post is really for Katie so she does not go into a tissy waiting to hear our house choice :)

After we saw house number 4, 2 floors-3 bedrooms-2.5 baths, we began discussing with the Realtor what our next move should be.  As I mentioned we kinda went into the last house with high hopes and minus some slight water damage on the floor in the kitchen, the house did not disappoint!  So we ran some numbers on our way to the mall for birthday shopping (it really was a super awesome day :) ) and made our decision over lunch.

We called Sarah (our Realtor) while we were at the mall, which is why it looked as if we were putting an offer in on the mall haha.  House #4 was listed at 189,000 and we offered 180,000 with 2,000 towards closing costs.  We were very hopeful that they would indeed take the closing cost request, because that's cash up front that would allow Jarrod and I to start some projects right off the bat rather than give the extra money to the bank up front.  This was Tuesday, and we gave them till Friday to answer us back.  At that point Friday seemed like eons away and though we were celebrating my birthday with shopping and dinner, it was really hard not to think of anything but the house.

For the rest of the day we went about business as usual as best as we could.  We had a very successful day of shopping, used the Apple store to sign our offer contract (how I love technology) and enjoyed a few hours of rest with the pups before it was time for dinner.  Dinner was also fabulous! So much good food and wine we almost... almost... forgot we were waiting to hear back about the house.

The next day was Wednesday and we were going to the Houston Rodeo for the first time (I will do a post on that separately for sure!) and we were glad for it as it would be a good distraction.  Jarrod and I were early to pick up a friend, so we stopped in to the near by Barnes & Nobles to pick up the first Game of Thrones book.  Yes we are watching season 1 currently and yes we will most likely get HBO just so we can watch it, however I digress...


As we were deciding on which was the first book, Sarah called with a counter offer! We were totally surprised and excited that they got back to us so quickly.  Their counter was 185,000 and the 2,000 closing costs.  After some quick deliberation we decided that the price was still pretty good for how much house we were getting and the fact they agreed to the closing costs, how could we say no?!  So an hour before our first rodeo, we were under contract on our first house!

Again via computer we signed the new contract and set up a time to visit Sarah to give her the first of many checks.  1 to start the process with the title company, and 1 to the seller to give us the option of a 10 day "trial" if you will.  During these 10 days we have the option to walk away if the inspection does not go well or if we simply change our minds.

Our house, roof and pest inspections are scheduled for this Thursday the 22nd and if all goes well we should be closing on or around the 28th of April!  At the inspection I will be taking some video and more pictures, which I will be sure to post!  Here's hoping that the water damage is minor, the roof and AC still have long lives and there are no multi-legged creatures crawling where we can and can not see them.

Step Three: Inspect the unexpected....

Step 1... Look at the Potential Houses

After the wonderful weekend in Fredericksburg it was time to focus back on our house hunt!  On Tuesday we met up with our realtor and she showed us 4 houses.  If you've read the previous posts you know that 4 was actually quite a bit considering how fast houses are moving around here.  Allow me to bring you along for the ride...

House 1: An attached town home with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.  Price 189,900 and it had HOA fees for being part of this small community that is about a 5 minute walk from our current apartment.  I took photos of it, but my camera died so you'll just have to "listen" about this one and the next one.
Upon walking into this house you are immediately in the living room/dining room which has nice dark hardwood floors.  The somewhat updated kitchen over looks both rooms and there was a half bath down the hall from the kitchen.  There was a tiny... tiiiiiiny, backyard space and no garage, though there was enough space to park 4 cars should we desire.  A full staircase (which is a big deal for us as we have the metal spiral type in our apartment now and dislike it!) leads you up to the 2 bedrooms that share a bathroom located in the middle of the two rooms.  Both rooms had ceiling fans and large closets and the carpet was very clean.
What we liked: It was clean, somewhat upgraded and near the dog park.
What we didn't like: It was only 300 sq. ft. larger than our current apartment, no garage and the backyard wasn't not even worthy of that name.


House 2: This house (200,000) was pretty much exactly like the first with the only differences being lighter hardwood floors, nicer appliances and a larger backyard area.
What we liked: The space was used well and we could see ourselves living there more so than the first one.  The backyard actually had some usable space and we could put grass down if we wanted.
What we didn't like: Again as with the first house it just seemed too small and it was attached so we would not be able to get a good First Time Homebuyer's Loan from our bank.

House 3: An attached metal exterior, loft-like, town home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for 220,000.  It had a 2 car garage with extra storage space and many up grades throughout the entire space.  You can see in the few photos (at this point I switched to my iphone) that everything was done very well in this house...

house 3 - Online Slideshow Maker

What we liked: The various rooms were huge and had really great materials used.
What we didn't like: No real yard space, kitchen layout was odd and the 2 bedrooms were on opposite floors.  Master on 3rd floor... 2nd bedroom on 1st floor.

House 4: A detached 3 bedroom 2.5 bath house for 189,000.  Jarrod and I had been spying on this one more than the rest because if it worked for us we could get a really great deal from our bank.  So while we did our best to keep an open mind for the first 3, we may have had our hearts set on this one before we even saw it because of all it's potential.  I'll allow the pictures to show you around this one too, though just like the photos we saw online before seeing it in person, they do not do this house justice...

house 4 - Online Slideshow Maker

What we liked: The potential.  There were a hand full of projects, but all ones we could handle.  3 bedrooms make the house last longer, and a half bath on the first floor is so nice.  Also we can put a fence up and the dogs would actually have grass.
What we didn't like: Some water damage in the kitchen floor.  Smaller living space, which for us is big because we spend a lot of time in the living room and kitchen.

So which one did we choose....??? :)

Vino? Yes Please!

I love as you get older and become more busy that birthdays tend to get spread out over multiple days and occasions.  While the birthday dinner with friends was certainly amazing in every way, it was really fun to head to Fredericksburg, Texas and once again enjoy the wine tastings and shops that little German town has to offer.  This was the same place that Jarrod and I went 2 Christmas's ago and it certainly was just as lovely as it was then.  

2 friends from school and I drove up there the first Saturday of spring break for an overnight trip and though it rained most of the ride there once we actually arrived the weather cooperated and allowed us to enjoy ourselves indeed!  Rather than "talk" your ear off like I did in the last few posts, I will share our trip with photos... Please enjoy :)

Fredericksberg 2012 - Online Slideshow Maker

Step by Step

No this will not be able the hit 90s sitcom about the blended family... so sorry to disappoint.  I chose that title because so many things have happen for Jarrod and I in the last few weeks, that I want to just tell you all at once, but realize I should take it step by step...

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Jarrod and I have begun the process of looking for a house.  The one house that seemed perfect (at least online) went under contract 2 weeks before we had an appointment to house hunt with our realtor, so we were forced to find other options to look at.  This was probably for the best anyway because it would be smart to have options instead of falling head over heels for the first house we saw.

So we continued our search online and found 4 houses/townhouses to look at with our realtor the Tuesday of spring break (2 days ago) and then we waited.  Within the week of setting up the appointment and actually getting to it one of the houses went under contract and so it was back to the online listings to find something else to look at.  Houses in our area are moving like hotcakes and it is very unlike the market for this time of year.  Maybe it has something to do with the new FHA loan laws, maybe because everyone e-filed their taxes and got their returns earlier, or maybe one of the oil companies just relocated 20 people and they've all moved to our neighborhood.... whatever it is, the house choices went from plentiful to sparse in a matter or weeks.

While all of this was happening a birthday also occurred.  Yes, my 28th birthday came and went in the most perfect of fashions :)  I had to work, which was totally fine seeing as most of my students did not know it was my birthday.  This is for the best really because once one kid knows, they ALL know and then it's 165 Happy Birthdays and non stop chatter!  After school that day I also had a JV track meet... in the rain... but again something to do before I got to celebrate with a group of work friends.  All of it was very low key and it was nice to enjoy their company at an outdoor bar (yes the rain stopped) and it was wonderful to be showered with gifts of wine, wine glasses and gift cards!  I really have an excellent group of people here in Texas that I have come to know and I am so glad they were able to join me on my actually birthday.

The next step was to continue that good time with an over night trip of wine tasting and shopping... weeee!

You Get What You Pay For...

I swear I have officially learned my lesson when it comes to hairdressers... You pay for what you get! With all this talk of buying a house I was trying my best to not over pay for getting my hair trimmed and colored.  3 hours later I walked out of the hair salon with 1 highlight, a trim and a soaking wet t-shirt.  I am not going to bad mouth the place I went to, but I am so glad that for one of the first times in my life I stood up for myself and demanded the price be changed for the services that were not done correctly.

It is as if getting ready to buy a house (which may be happening sooner than we originally thought, so stay tuned!) has made me more financially bad ass.  "That's my money and I want what I deserve for it!"  This may not be a bad attitude to have when buying a house.  We are giving up a lot of hard saved cash, we should get what we want for it.

As of right now our list has not changed.  We have gotten more information on our favorite house that makes us a little more hesitant, but I think at this point we just need to see it.  Even though it is a lot of money we've worked very hard to save, short of building our own house, we will never find the perfect house for us.  We just have to make sure we're getting what we pay for.  My hair will grow back, I have lots of headbands and t-shirts for that matter.  Once you're in a house though, that's it.  No getting money back before leaving the store.

First Home: The want, the need, the this is what you'll getBe

As mentioned yesterday, at the end of March Jarrod and I will be going to the bank so that we can get pre-approved for our very first home loan so that we may begin looking at houses. Of course we have been scoping out homes online, but some houses only have a few pictures and they're usually of the front door, the bathroom and maybe the living room.  I need details people!

A lot of what will most likely end up in these blogs posts about us buying a house will be old news to people.  For me, I looking forward to seeing what we thought we knew about buying a house, versus what really ends up happening.  Jarrod and I have watch so many episodes of Property Virgins we feel as if perhaps we're less of one but none the less it's never going to be the same as on TV I am sure...

So let's begin with what we want/what we need... and based on online research, what we'll most likely end up with:

What We Want/Need:

• A small patch of grass(need).  It could be 3 feet by 3 feet, but if the dogs can pee on it, that's good enough for me.  Honestly for me (and I am sure Jarrod too) nothing will be more wonderful than simply opening a door and letting our furkids run out to use the restroom.  No more leashes, no more elevators, no more picking up poop in little bags(don't worry, we'll still pick it up!) 
• 3 bedrooms(want)/2 bedrooms(need). Ideally we'd like to have 3 bedrooms so that once our family expands by 2 legs there is still a place for guests (cough cough come visit cough cough).  Jarrod has recounted "fond" childhood memories of getting kicked to the couch when aunts and uncles came over, so it's doable, but to make the house last longer, 3 would be better.
• Hardwood floors(want). I really dislike carpet in a house.  Maybe it's the dogs, maybe it's wanting what we never really had, but either way I love me some wooden floors.  The wider the planks the better!  Wooden floors are cool in the summer, which is good here in Houston. In the winter when they're also cool, that's what awesome, brightly colored area rugs are for.  The only downside to wooden floors for me is the clicking of the dogs' nails on the floors.  Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
• Open floor plan(want). It seems this is on a lot of people's wish list and in a city it makes perfect sense.  If you're going to be restricted by how much space you can own in an urban area, wouldn't it be nice for all that space to be open and flowing and feeling like you have more than you do?  Jarrod and I only really use our living room and kitchen, so having them all in one space would be ideal.  Plus we love to have people over, and based on all the shows we've watched, an open floor plan is ideal for that.
• Projects(wants). Again with all the HGTV we've been watching, Jarrod and I are biting at the bit to get our hands on some ugly cabinets or some worn out tiles and make each room truly our own.  What we are not eager to do is a major renovation, or structural fix so the projects need to be small... but awesome.
• Bedrooms on the same floor(need). We would feel most comfortable if the bedrooms were all on the same level so that the family was near by.  In the future we don't want to have to go down or up flights of stairs for upset children or in the far future mischievous children.  

What We Will Most Likely Get: (based on research and homes we have visited of friends in the area):

• A yard that has no grass and only a small concrete patio.  While there are many homes with grass, the fact of the matter is there are way more homes that are inside units and so have no grassed side yard. We'd have to pull up the concrete so that the dogs had some place to pee because pee on concrete is noooooo good!
• 2 bedrooms is probably the most likely situation.  Because our area caters to young professionals there tends to not be a need for 3+ bedrooms.  Builders have capitalized on this and usually offer large master bedroom suites and while these are awesome, for Jarrod and I they seem like more wasted space than anything else.
• Hardwood floors may actually happen!  Based on what we've seen online many of the available homes have hardwood floors at least in the living areas.  We may need to eventually add it to the bedrooms, but that's a project we're confident we could do ourselves... or with Jarrod's cousin Ben's help :)
• Open floor plan is again another good possibility.  See the reason for the large master bedroom above and that would explain good areas to entertain.
• Projects may or may not happen.  We are nervous about any house in our area that is old enough to have projects because they are also old enough to need major work.  Most housing in our area is either VERY old or fairly new.  We'd feel silly pulling up counter tops that were fine and new, just not our favorite.  That seems like a waste of money.
• Bedrooms on the same floor. This may be the most difficult thing to find.  Our area is mostly townhouses and to make so many fit on one block they have made them very tall and very skinny.  What is typical is a bedroom on the first floor, living on the 2nd and the master on the 3rd.  There is no way we would be comfortable with future kids on the entry level floor, 2 flights down from us.  This may be the deal breaker for most places we look at.

Next up... How do we go about buying a house?! And other serious questions...

Time to Keep Track

Yesterday before Jarrod went off to work for hopefully one of the last night shifts of his life (I'll get there, give me a second) we took a look at the calendar and realized that though March has yet to begin we have basically filled every moment of it.  You name it, we've got it going on.  Not all bad things, just every moment being used to the max.  At the end of all of it Jarrod and I hope to take a huge, HUGE, step in our lives... but again, I'll get to that.

Allow me to explain about Jarrod's new job since that's probably all you've been thinking about since I mentioned it above.  About 2 months ago Jarrod got word that there was a job opportunity within his company that would fit him quite perfectly.  Jarrod had been working on becoming a green belt (the GE company thinking kind, not a ninja) and his mentor saw that this new job was available and suggested he apply to it.  It is project management and the way I understand it is that any time a project of any sort needs to happen at one of the MANY plants his company runs, he and his group makes it happen.  They don't complete the project, but rather find the people, resources, and time to do it.  Especially for big projects, this becomes a huge undertaking to make sure that an entire plant full of people are on board and have the time to get things done.  The best part of the job I have noticed is the fire proof jeans... No I kid.. I kid... No the best part about the job other than the promotion potential and exciting work is the normal schedule.  That's right ladies and gentlemen, my husband will be coming home every night! I am so proud that he worked so hard to move on from his initial position with Praxair and I am so glad that he was able to find something within his company so that he had a smooth transition.  Way to go Jarrod :)

Now about that crazy month of March.  This is where the keeping of track needs to begin.  Oddly enough one of the reasons March is so busy is because it is our first full month of Track.  So far we have had 1 track meet and it was absolutely freezing.  We also have a very young team who is used to being the super stars of their middle school and are only slowly adapting to second place.  Yeah, as if second place was so bad.  Last weekend's meet was canceled due to major rain and this weekend's meet is 2 days long.  Woo who doesn't love track season?!  All but one of the weekends in March is filled with either a 1, 2 or sometimes even a 3 day track meet.

Ok so that's only 5 days in the month, not that much to keep track of.  As I mentioned, the month is super busy, but not all worked related.  March in Texas means several things.  Spring break for schools, warmer weather inching in and the Rodeo! This year Jarrod and I have been told, I mean highly suggested to, that we need to go to the Rodeo since we "missed" it last year.  So during Spring Break we will be attending 1 day of the Rodeo...yeeehaw!  The rest of Spring Break will be filled with wine tasting, birthday celebrations, packing (patience still...) and most likely prepping for the last push of the school year. That's right, this year it's back to even digits for me(which I prefer much more than odd years).  I already know it will be filled with all kinds of wonderful events including another 1/2 marathon.  Yup, that's in March too... Woo!

If you're still paying attention, 1 I applaud and appreciate you, and 2 I bet you're wondering what I'll be packing for during Spring Break.  Obviously if it's happening during Spring Break it's not for Spring Break.  Nope, this year we're not going anywhere fancy.  The main reason we're not going anywhere is because we wanted to save a lot of money for when we get ready for our next HUGE step and that is to BUY A HOUSE!!! A more detailed post about our up coming search is on it's way for sure, but for now know that I am going to use Spring Break to begin packing and purging things we don't use currently.  I figure if we can be semi packed by the time a decision is made it will make for a more smooth move.  I am so excited for this event to happen, I am not however, excited to pack again.  Hopefully this will be the last time for many years.

I am planning to keep track of much of our home buying process. From what we want, to how we get it and what's it's like once we're in.  I want to "write" it all down so Jarrod and I can look back this fall and realize how (hopefully) successful we were in our 3rd major adult life decision(marriage and move being the first 2 if you were wondering).

Next up... Dream House!