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....