I think this is what I wanted . . . isn't it?
John's House
OK, so most of you know I finally put my house on the market. At some prodding from my co-workers, family and friends, I listed it at $249,950. It is slightly more than I had intended to list it, but I'm glad I did. Everyone who has seen it, buyers that is, have loved it and had said they would write an offer. I showed it literally hours after it went on the market and the couple met me at my office to do just that. Turns out they were not pre-qualified for a loan so I sent them on their way to get qualified. In talking to them the next day, they decided to hold off buying a home for 12 - 18 months. C'est la vie.
I was getting very few hits on the MLS, and even fewer showings. One to be exact. But that couple's agent said THEY were going to write it too and how much they loved my home. There was a slight cat smell in the family room however and they decided not to write it. So I had the carpet replaced in the family room to avoid that situation in the future. It's the ONE thing I didn't do in getting my house ready to sell and I knew it should probably be done. I was getting increasingly nervous and looking at the possibility of renting it out.
So finally again last night I had the second showing and again the buyer's agent called and said she was writing it up. So I held my breath all day today . . . but no offer. Then she called again at 7PM and said that within an hour I'd have said offer. Well at 8:30 I checked and . . . no offer. So I took a bath. Now here I am at 10PM . . . offer in hand. It's a good offer. I'm going to make very few changes, shorten up timelines, etc. but I'm basically going to sign it as is. They say they can close by the end of the month, which saves me from having to make September's mortgage payments. We'll see.
I can't help but feel a bit sad that my house is no longer going to be MY house. I do feel somewhat comforted by the fact that the couple seem nice and love it nearly as much as I do. Well there is no way they can love it that much. I mean I put all the work into it and they will simply enjoy the benefits. But I know they'll love it. And I AM happy to not be renting it. I AM happy to not have to go over there at 3AM for a leaking toilet and realize they have destroyed the place. I will buy an investment property. It won't be nearly as nice, but again I won't be as emotionally attached either. I will miss my house. I will continue to enjoy the memories. I will sign the offer. Tomorrow. For now, it's still mine.
For now, enjoy this:
Virtual Tour of John's Home
- j