Chad and Nicole have a contract on their first home. It feels like my first home. I’ve been so anxious about it all and will be glad it’s over. With these kinds of things, I never feel like it’s over til it’s closed and you have the keys.
When they moved in February, they rented. That’s all they’ve ever done because they move around so much. Chad is determined he will stay within driving distance of where they are now. I hope he’s right. But, when they moved in February, they couldn’t find anything to rent. They finally found a house that was for sale but Chad said he felt it was overpriced for the area and it had some issues so he wasn’t worried. Well . . it sold and they have to be out in late January.
You can probably imagine the stress Chad has with the Christmas season and his job. Now, he’s been sick and hasn’t been able to shake a cold for about 2 weeks now. Oh . . he has been a grumpy one! So, between working the hours he’s working, trying to find a place to live and being sick, I guess I can understand that he’s been grumpy.
Chad & Nicole’s House
In the little town where they live, finding housing in their price range is so hard. They had been gone about four years and when they were there the first time, they rented the cutest little place – 2 bedrooms, 2 baths for $325. When they moved back and rented, it cost them over $600 per month . . I’m not saying anything about it but I said I wasn’t going back til they moved out of that house. I think the rent has gone up so high that all of the decent houses in the lower price point are selling overnight to people who can buy for less than they pay in rent.
There was a house they looked at one night, wanted Nicole’s dad to check it out and the next day . . sold! They found another one. Nicole drove by and looked at it. She wasn’t crazy about it but Chad wanted to see it. Sold! They found the house they have a contract on. Looked at it, then the next day Chad was working so Nicole went back with her dad for him to check it out . . that was Saturday. They made an offer Sunday and got their offer in just before someone else made an offer. The seller countered and I told Chad . . just accept it. Who’s going to argue over a couple thousand dollars and risk missing the house? So . . offer accepted. If it all goes through, they’ll be homeowners by the end of January.
I talked to Nicole and I said “Are you excited?” She said “Yes, and nervous and scared, and happy and worried!” We’ve bought and sold quite a few houses through the years and I still have those same emotions every time.
I can’t wait to see them in their own home and out of the rent situation. Please send good thoughts that this all works out the appraisal is good and the inspections are all good! I’ll keep you posted.
Teri says
Sending good thoughts for Chad & Nicole and Addie. Buying a first home is really a combination of emotions! Best to you all!
Joyce says
You’re right! It isn’t a done deal until the keys are in their hands! I hope it goes well for them.
Erin says
Oh Judy I will Pray that it works out for them especially during this Christmas season… I hope Chad feels better working in retail Management is so difficult. It’s demanding on him as well as Nicole. So hard being a parent. We want the best for our children no matter how old we are or them!! God bless!!
Helen says
How exciting!
Now you need to get a house in the same town….. just kidding the same state sounds good!
Susan says
What an exciting time for them. If the values are climbing that fast, they should soon have plenty of equity, no matter what they paid for the house. Best of luck to them in their new home.
Nelle Coursey says
When you get your iris from our lots, get enough for them also! Those things will grow anywhere!!
Linda in NE says
I hope it all works out for them. Probably the one thing standing in the way of smaller towns staying viable is the lack of decent housing at affordable prices. We’re facing the same thing here and in surrounding towns. So prices go crazy. Friends of mine ran into that when the husband changed jobs to being a police officer in a neighboring town. They own their house here but, of course, that town wanted them to live there. They looked and looked but anything even close to their price range was going to cost at least another $50k to make it decent. So he has a small apartment there when he’s working or on call and comes back here to where she still lives on his weekends off. Certainly not an ideal situation.
Carolyn says
That sounds like housing where we live. We lost two while waiting for hubby to make a decision. I wanted to scalp him!
Claudia Wade says
I remember my feelings about buying our first house and our daughters’ feelings when buying their first houses. My husband always advised them, “It’s only money.” not that we don’t have to worry about money, (everybody does unless you are rich) but is is ONLY money. It’s not life or death, health, or the decision to get married or have a baby. It is only money and if it doesn’t work out, sell it and go somewhere else.
vivoaks says
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!!! 🙂
wanda j says
Good thoughts for them.Hope the weather turns out good for the move too and that Chad gets to feeling better. I know this time of year is hard for retail stores
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anniequilts says
Fingers crossed for them that all goes to plan and are moving in soon!
Donna Goodman says
My daughter and son-in-law went thru the same thing over the last two years. Houses sold in their area within hours of being listed. They had a contract on a house that was voided due to the sellers filing for divorce and letting the house be foreclosed. It was a rocky time for them before they finally found a house. It was also stressful for me as they wouldn’t even consider having me a grandchild until they had a house! Maybe I will have a grandbaby next year(fingers crossed).Thankfully they finally found one and moved in September. Hope all goes well for Chad and family!
Jill In Ohio says
I remember looking at condos with my parents when I bought mine. The place I ended up with had a great structure and everything wrong was cosmetic and most of it has been fixed. For the area, the price was OK, but I offered $7-8K less with the explanation that there was a lot that had to be done – both bathrooms gutted, major cleaning. The realtor said that unless I could come up in my offer, she would just rent it. I laughed and said tell her good luck and we got off the phone. I called my dad and told him what happened and he said my response was good and we would keep looking and while I was on the phone with Dad, the realtor called back and accepted the offer. One of the best deals I have ever made!
It gonna be great for Chad and Nicole, too!!! Hope you all can keep the worrying at bay and enjoy the excitement while you wait on everything!!
Eileen Eisner says
Prayers that everything checks out and the sale goes smoothly!