We sold our house!

Now, I don't want to jinx anything by being too happy about this, but we sold our house a couple days ago. The ink's not dry and the money's not in the bank yet, but things are looking good that all is going to go well. We had two potential buyers making offers after the open house last Sunday and the final one was very near our asking price, so we went with it. It was a miracle and a blessing that it went so well! We are looking forward to being able to finally find a home here in Richmond, now that our home in Albuquerque is almost off our backs financially.

As for our house-hunting endurance test these last few weeks...it's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster once again as another favorite home is out of our grasp. One of our long time favorites, the home on Wanchese Way (#2 on our "House Hunters" entry), is totally out of the race. It has been on the market since May, is in a prime location in a highly sought after subdivision in a great part of town, it has an incredible yard front and back and the decorator touches throughout are very nice. It is move-in ready and was tailor made for us. We both fell madly in love with it. We know the seller is wanting to retire and move to Florida and is willing to negotiate any of the furniture in the house into the contract as well. We also assumed since it's been on the market for so long, she'd want to move out and down to Florida before the holidays instead of being in that big house all alone. I mean really, wouldn't you? I'd be ready to get on out if I were her.

But, we sadly found out that this is not the case by a long shot. Since May, and in this terrible sellers' market, she's come down a whopping $5,000 - and now, she is not willing to budge one single penny. We made our offer yesterday, feeling somewhat confident that she would at least come back with a counter offer, so we could feel out her final price...but no, we were shut out within a few short hours.

We stood firm and didn't bother asking more or settling for her ridiculous asking price. So we are moving on to other properties and hopefully, this Sunday, we can find something else that we can make an offer on. There are a ton of homes for sale around here, but it can be hard to find one with just what we need, especially after seeing all the great homes that have slipped us by.

For instance, just finding a home with a 2 car garage around here is proving difficult, plus one with just a little bit of privacy and space, which we both need so badly after living with such a small lot size before. Location to work, shopping, hospital and schools is another thing to consider. We've found homes that look great on the outside, but the inside feels wrong or needs a lot of work - we won't have time or money for home repairs with the baby coming.

There are a handful of homes that are looking promising. We are compiling a list so Nancy can take us out to see them this weekend. Wish us luck that we find something to suit our needs, likes and budget. In the meantime, we are so greatful for the sale of our home in Albuquerque!!!!