For those of you who haven't been around forever, here's a very brief background about me:
My fam moved to Sac when I was a wee little one, from SoCal, where much of our family still resides. So, we came here, just my pops, my mom, my older bro and I. We have been pretty much in the same area of Sac ever since.
As our family is really small up here, we have always been really close. My mom and pops are the best parents a person could ask for and we have always been extremely close. This means that I was always there for the fun activities they did, like Jeeping, camping, going on trips, etc. This also means that I have become quite close with their group of friends.
A little over four years ago, we were forced to go through everyone's worst nightmare. Out of nowhere, my dad was diagnosed with late-stage Esophageal cancer. So, we went from a family on top of the world, living it up, to one in the midst of the fight of our lives. Sadly, our battle only lasted a few months before we had to say goodbye. I can say, without a second thought, that this was the hardest thing that my family and I have ever been through. It has taken this entire time to get any semblance of normalsy back in our lives.
Now, here are the few added bonuses that come along with a situation like this:
* A year (or maybe two) of regrettable treatment of friends and family by those going through the worst of the sad part.
* Ongoing, spur-of-the-moment crying jags. (Brace yourself, I'm going to share the worst of the worst... On my JOB INTERVIEW for my current position, which I love, I cried, in front of my then-future, now-current, boss. When mentioning what I did for work previously, I teared up at the fact that I used to help my dad with his business. Yep, crying on a job interview. It was THAT bad.)
* A feeling that, as I grow older, the things that most people look forward to their whole lives now seem like things I couldn't suffer to put myself through. Things like getting married, having a kid, buying a house now seem impossible because I don't have the go to person I always did to come to when I have a question about anything from how to change a tire to what to do when the bathtub drain won't drain.
Although I always kind of new this, here is what I have learned in the last few weeks:
There are always people that care. When you're in a tough spot or an unfamiliar situation, someone will be there. When you don't know how to do something, you have people you can call.
Case in point: this house.
We know, from the last posts, that the BF (Shupe) has been amazing through all of this construction business. Patience is a virtue he thankfully has a lot of.
Phil, my bro, has been a huge help, giving up his perfectly nice weekends to help take down contaminated sheds, sand walls and many other completely yucky tasks.
My mom, has come through like a shining star for me. Not only did I hit her up for her spare change to purchase the house, but as the deal got closer, the number grew exponentially. And she smiled (through possibly gritted teeth), sighed, and opened her checkbook. Without her, this blog would be a continuous story about life in Bordova... Certainly not a bestseller.
After this past weekend, I have to share another example of my family coming through to make my dream come true.
This weekend, after the tragic bailing out of our hopeful cabinet man, I felt like this thing may never happen. With a quote from our local big box home improvement store for cabinets to be ready in six weeks at a price I thought was rather high for "we deliver - you install" cabinets, this meant that our approximate move in date of early September was shot to the moon. And I must mention that we started this process in February, so we are going on eight to nine months working on moving to this place.
Enter surprise saviors, stage left.
Our old family friends, who will remain nameless for privacy purposes (I know the CIA must be on to this blog by now). ;) To my surprise, my family's oldest and dearest friends, who just happen to own a top of the line, absolutely amazing, awesome cabinet shop, popped up and made me an offer I couldn't even dream of. Not only will they do my kitchen, but perhaps even in a timeframe that would allow for our actual move-in date to stick relatively close to early September.
Now, these aren't your "we do cabinets when we want because it's fun" kind of people. They are busy, with hectic schedules and big (HUGE compared to my place) jobs for important people. But, out of the generosity of their heart, they made me the offer and agreed to help little old me have the kitchen of my dreams. And this isn't some easy task, as my kitchen is the approximate size of a box of Cheerios. And not the big Costco box, I mean the Safeway box.
So, with already booked schedules and deadlines, they have squeezed me in and are actually looking forward to the project.
This had made me so excited that words cannot express. Not only will the kitchen be absolutely stunning, but as the focal point of the house, it will be the room that I am most proud of and spend the most time in. (Hey, vegans get hungry a lot.)
The lesson of the day is this: Family is the most important thing in the world. They are the ones that can pick you up when you're down, show you how to be a better person, and make your dreams come true.
Thanks, Mom and Pops 2. My dad would be so proud.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
What's a project without a couple setbacks?
So,they say life's the journey, not the destination, right? Welp, that is certainly true. Without the trip it takes to get where you're going, what's the fun of it? The road trip to the wedding is always as fun as the reception, the bus ride to the soccer game is what really makes you stick with the team, and the free drinks on the plane to Vegas are what really get you in the mood to par-tay.
So, here's to appreciating every step in the way to this new house, good or bad.
Here's what brings me to this moment of reflection:
After two weeks of planning on swapping "labor for labor" with a custom cabinet maker (thank goodness for boyfriends who know electrical), our cabinet guy from heaven has officially bailed. Now, I understand we are all busy and I shouldn't have banked on someone "finding time" to put together a whole kitchen full of wonderfully perfect cabinets, but, silly me, I did. So now we are three weeks into this fun little adventure and no closer to having a put-together kitchen. Of course, I'd be willing to go with the "Coleman stove on the floor and sink on saw horses" set up for a while, just to move into my own place, but I realize that just won't work. (Although, here's an annoucement: I stayed the night at the house for the FIRST TIME this week! After a cocktail-hour turned cocktail-evening at our local pub, it was just a better idea to mooch couch cushions from my lovely friend's dog - yes, her dog - and sleep on the floor at the Discoball. And it was fabulous. Minus the thousand brain cells I probably lost sniffing freshly lacquered floors all night.)
Anyway, we've checked Ikea (would I really go with particle board?!) and Home Depot (five grand and a six week wait for cabinets WE have to install?!) and no decisions have been made. I know, I know, I need to shop around, but when we are talking about a month plus to get the suckers, time is of the essence.
So, here's to finding the dream set of cabinets this weekend and shelling out the dough to get 'em here sometime before the first snow. The worst part? I used to moonlight as a "Home Show Cabinet Pro" for some family friends, so I know what good cabinets are and why they're worth it. Note to self: save dough for the dream cabinets BEFORE you buy the shack that really could use them.
Gotta jet now... Bordova house needs cleaning and then it's off to sand and mud the walls at the Shack. Have a fabulously sunny amazing weekend to you all. Cheers.
So, here's to appreciating every step in the way to this new house, good or bad.
Here's what brings me to this moment of reflection:
After two weeks of planning on swapping "labor for labor" with a custom cabinet maker (thank goodness for boyfriends who know electrical), our cabinet guy from heaven has officially bailed. Now, I understand we are all busy and I shouldn't have banked on someone "finding time" to put together a whole kitchen full of wonderfully perfect cabinets, but, silly me, I did. So now we are three weeks into this fun little adventure and no closer to having a put-together kitchen. Of course, I'd be willing to go with the "Coleman stove on the floor and sink on saw horses" set up for a while, just to move into my own place, but I realize that just won't work. (Although, here's an annoucement: I stayed the night at the house for the FIRST TIME this week! After a cocktail-hour turned cocktail-evening at our local pub, it was just a better idea to mooch couch cushions from my lovely friend's dog - yes, her dog - and sleep on the floor at the Discoball. And it was fabulous. Minus the thousand brain cells I probably lost sniffing freshly lacquered floors all night.)
Anyway, we've checked Ikea (would I really go with particle board?!) and Home Depot (five grand and a six week wait for cabinets WE have to install?!) and no decisions have been made. I know, I know, I need to shop around, but when we are talking about a month plus to get the suckers, time is of the essence.
So, here's to finding the dream set of cabinets this weekend and shelling out the dough to get 'em here sometime before the first snow. The worst part? I used to moonlight as a "Home Show Cabinet Pro" for some family friends, so I know what good cabinets are and why they're worth it. Note to self: save dough for the dream cabinets BEFORE you buy the shack that really could use them.
Gotta jet now... Bordova house needs cleaning and then it's off to sand and mud the walls at the Shack. Have a fabulously sunny amazing weekend to you all. Cheers.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Adventures In Manual Labor
So, it's been nearly three weeks since we FINALLY got keys to the new shack. And I am LOVING IT! Every day, I wake up excited to work on the next project. Previously a construction neophyte, I have almost officially earned my own hard hat at C&C Construction, or so I have named us.
Here is a brief rundown of what we have done in these two and a half short weeks:
Clear out and tear down back shed
Clear out garage and take out half-assed bathroom
Tear down dilapidated deck
Completely gut kitchen and laundry
Remove doors in kitchen/laundry and kitchen/dining, add arches
Re-tile and paint bathroom
Install new VD-free toilet
Take down huge tree in front yard, including stump
This is certainly an abbreviated list, but you get the point. Every waking hour not spent at our day jobs, Shupie and I are working on the shack. And boy is it coming together. I have chronicled all the progress in pictures, which I hope to turn into some fantastic coffee table book or best-selling coffee table book.
The latest adventure in remodel-land had me spending the better part of Saturday learning to "tape and texture" walls. Upon first look, you would think, "Hey, EASY job! Put goo on wall, spread it with a flat tool thing and you have perfect walls." But, after about ten minutes I realized that this was certainly not the case. I was covered, nearly head to toe, in said goo after about an hour. To add extra fun to the job, I had to goo the archway, meaning that when the goo was applied to thick, it would fall directly on my head, down my shirt (thanks to the girls for being team players and not breaking out in a goo-caused rash) and anywhere else below.
But, all in all, it was a fun job and I love getting my hands dirty. Good thing, since that was coat 1, out of the 4 coats necessary to complete the job.
Another highlight of the project has been the willingness of my great friends to lend a hand. Two of my very best friends came over, on a perfectly beautiful summer day off, and helped tear down stinky walls, load up the pick-up and actually accompany me on a trip to the dump. Now THAT is friendship. Needless to say, this was both of said friend's first trip to the dump. Not to worry, I promised next time they come over, it will be for wine and a chatty, not manual labor.
I have to give a couple more shoutouts, first to my favorite construction guru, Shupe. Without him, I would still be walking around in circles trying to think of what to do. And if it weren't for his drill sergeant attitude, we wouldn't be moving in for another year.
Also, my bro Phil, who has helped us with the worst of the worst of the projects. Clearing out the shed, which we were sure would contain at least one dead body, taking out the tree that must have been planted in the mesozoic era. Phil is putting in more than enough time to earn him a key to the new downtown boozer crash pad. Thanks, Phil.
Oh, and this story wouldn't be complete without a big THANKS to Morgan's, our neighborhood bar. We are officially regulars, and have become the new "NORM!" of the place. Thanks for the cold beer, yummy food, and for letting us in even when we are covered with schmutz and smell like cattle. Here's to our long and boozie relationship.
So, here's to more adventures in manual labor. Next on the agenda: plumbing, cabinets and more wall texturing. And maybe a few brewskis in between.
Here is a brief rundown of what we have done in these two and a half short weeks:
Clear out and tear down back shed
Clear out garage and take out half-assed bathroom
Tear down dilapidated deck
Completely gut kitchen and laundry
Remove doors in kitchen/laundry and kitchen/dining, add arches
Re-tile and paint bathroom
Install new VD-free toilet
Take down huge tree in front yard, including stump
This is certainly an abbreviated list, but you get the point. Every waking hour not spent at our day jobs, Shupie and I are working on the shack. And boy is it coming together. I have chronicled all the progress in pictures, which I hope to turn into some fantastic coffee table book or best-selling coffee table book.
The latest adventure in remodel-land had me spending the better part of Saturday learning to "tape and texture" walls. Upon first look, you would think, "Hey, EASY job! Put goo on wall, spread it with a flat tool thing and you have perfect walls." But, after about ten minutes I realized that this was certainly not the case. I was covered, nearly head to toe, in said goo after about an hour. To add extra fun to the job, I had to goo the archway, meaning that when the goo was applied to thick, it would fall directly on my head, down my shirt (thanks to the girls for being team players and not breaking out in a goo-caused rash) and anywhere else below.
But, all in all, it was a fun job and I love getting my hands dirty. Good thing, since that was coat 1, out of the 4 coats necessary to complete the job.
Another highlight of the project has been the willingness of my great friends to lend a hand. Two of my very best friends came over, on a perfectly beautiful summer day off, and helped tear down stinky walls, load up the pick-up and actually accompany me on a trip to the dump. Now THAT is friendship. Needless to say, this was both of said friend's first trip to the dump. Not to worry, I promised next time they come over, it will be for wine and a chatty, not manual labor.
I have to give a couple more shoutouts, first to my favorite construction guru, Shupe. Without him, I would still be walking around in circles trying to think of what to do. And if it weren't for his drill sergeant attitude, we wouldn't be moving in for another year.
Also, my bro Phil, who has helped us with the worst of the worst of the projects. Clearing out the shed, which we were sure would contain at least one dead body, taking out the tree that must have been planted in the mesozoic era. Phil is putting in more than enough time to earn him a key to the new downtown boozer crash pad. Thanks, Phil.
Oh, and this story wouldn't be complete without a big THANKS to Morgan's, our neighborhood bar. We are officially regulars, and have become the new "NORM!" of the place. Thanks for the cold beer, yummy food, and for letting us in even when we are covered with schmutz and smell like cattle. Here's to our long and boozie relationship.
So, here's to more adventures in manual labor. Next on the agenda: plumbing, cabinets and more wall texturing. And maybe a few brewskis in between.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
One million thanks
As the four of you that read this probably know already, I GOT THE HOUSE!
Officially officially, it's mine. I have keys, in my hand. After nearly six months of ups, downs, excitement and let downs, we are done! Well, done with the actual purchase. Now the real work begins. But first, I have to give thanks where thanks are due.
First and foremost, I have to thank my mom. Without her, this whole deal would not have been possible. Seriously. After we found out about the five thousand dollar bomb, I thought it was over. But, after seeing how much I was really really dying for the place, my mom came through without blinking an eye. There's something to be said for a mom who cares so much that you are happy that they will put you first. I am one lucky daughter.
Now, there's Shupe who,as we have seen in the last three days especially, has his work cut out for him. He has been here through all the crying jags when Jerky Bank #1 changed their mind, when I thought there was a $30k repair bill coming, and when I just got so tired of waiting I could kill someone. And now that it's ours, he has jumped to get to work, which is the reason why our demo is nearly finished and the first weekend isn't even over.
I have to take the time here to thank my realtor as well. As a family friend, I'm sure he thought, "Hey, I'll help. Sure. How difficult could it be?" Welp, after the events of the last months, I'm sure he regrets that decision. Of course, know he doesn't, but man has it been work. They hourly rate of this deal is probably down to Wal-Mart greeter status. He has put many, many hours into this thing, put up with my occasional grumpy email when it seemed like a new twist was just unbelievable, come to my office at a moment's notice to have me sign something or talk about conditions, and even gone to the house in the scorching heat to make sure repairs were made that were required before I could complete the purchase. And, to top it off, when I walked in my house for the first time, there was a bottle of bubbly, chilling on the floor with glasses and a card with my other key in it. What a way to begin a life at that house. For his efforts, I am truly grateful.
Also, my lender was amazing. This loan could not have gone any rockier, but he was there to make it happen. Once again, the time spent on this thing will not be reasonably compensated due to the extreme length of the transacton. Thank you to Nick, for all of your hard work.
I must also thank my great friends, who have been here through the whole thing, excited for me the whole way through. Even after talking about it for months, they still don't mind when I say, "Guess what is happening with the house today..." I really do have the world's best group of friends.
Now, to the project. It's been barely three days and we are moving right along. Everytime I walk in the door, meet a new neighbor, show friends and family the "before" house or even just have a beer on the front porch, I am as excited as I was the first time. Here's to a great future in my little shack that could.
More on the fun of demo later. Cheers!
Officially officially, it's mine. I have keys, in my hand. After nearly six months of ups, downs, excitement and let downs, we are done! Well, done with the actual purchase. Now the real work begins. But first, I have to give thanks where thanks are due.
First and foremost, I have to thank my mom. Without her, this whole deal would not have been possible. Seriously. After we found out about the five thousand dollar bomb, I thought it was over. But, after seeing how much I was really really dying for the place, my mom came through without blinking an eye. There's something to be said for a mom who cares so much that you are happy that they will put you first. I am one lucky daughter.
Now, there's Shupe who,as we have seen in the last three days especially, has his work cut out for him. He has been here through all the crying jags when Jerky Bank #1 changed their mind, when I thought there was a $30k repair bill coming, and when I just got so tired of waiting I could kill someone. And now that it's ours, he has jumped to get to work, which is the reason why our demo is nearly finished and the first weekend isn't even over.
I have to take the time here to thank my realtor as well. As a family friend, I'm sure he thought, "Hey, I'll help. Sure. How difficult could it be?" Welp, after the events of the last months, I'm sure he regrets that decision. Of course, know he doesn't, but man has it been work. They hourly rate of this deal is probably down to Wal-Mart greeter status. He has put many, many hours into this thing, put up with my occasional grumpy email when it seemed like a new twist was just unbelievable, come to my office at a moment's notice to have me sign something or talk about conditions, and even gone to the house in the scorching heat to make sure repairs were made that were required before I could complete the purchase. And, to top it off, when I walked in my house for the first time, there was a bottle of bubbly, chilling on the floor with glasses and a card with my other key in it. What a way to begin a life at that house. For his efforts, I am truly grateful.
Also, my lender was amazing. This loan could not have gone any rockier, but he was there to make it happen. Once again, the time spent on this thing will not be reasonably compensated due to the extreme length of the transacton. Thank you to Nick, for all of your hard work.
I must also thank my great friends, who have been here through the whole thing, excited for me the whole way through. Even after talking about it for months, they still don't mind when I say, "Guess what is happening with the house today..." I really do have the world's best group of friends.
Now, to the project. It's been barely three days and we are moving right along. Everytime I walk in the door, meet a new neighbor, show friends and family the "before" house or even just have a beer on the front porch, I am as excited as I was the first time. Here's to a great future in my little shack that could.
More on the fun of demo later. Cheers!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Looking for something fun this summer?
So, after nearly six months of waiting, it appears that we might be getting close to wrapping this bad boy up. I type those words with a huge sense of doubt, although I hate to admit it. I have gone from extreme optimism to extreme pessimism when dealing with this house situation, which is not like me. Usually, the glass is DEFINITELY half full and NEVER half empty (unless you're running to get refills, in which case I would LOVE another Ketel on the rocks, thank you).
But here we are. My final loan documents have been drawn, sent to title and now we wait to schedule our appointment to sign away the next thirty years of my life. I am so excited I don't think there are words to express it. I have, over the months (and months, and months), the trials and tribulations, become quite attached to my little shack.
I know, I know, there is A LOT that needs to be done before we can even move in, but even the prospect of having shack keys in my hands gives me jitters. I haven't been more excited to clean up someone else's mess since my brother used to slip me a $5 spot to clean his room (and do his homework- I had to earn my money with Phil). I cannot wait to clear out the old food in the cabinets, the breast pump in the living room, the golf clubs, baby pool, the 800 doorhandles in the garage and the 10 different appliances spread throughout the house, yard, garage and shed. THAT is how much I love this place.
Now this is when I have to let reality sink in a bit.
Shupie and I sat down a couple days ago and wrote a list of who I need to contact (concrete guy, cabinet guy, tile guy, the place where you get huge bins to throw stuff away, A/C service guy, etc.) and what we need to ask (schedule, timeframe, cost, do they take payment in kidneys? etc.).
Now, being a first time homeowner, this is all new to me. Let's just say I am thanking my lucky stars right now that Shupie is the handiest person I know, and his awesome brother is willing to brave the heat and help with the repairs. Sometimes I just sit back and think, man, what would I do without these guys? Answer: live at home until I'm 30. (No, mom, there's nothing wrong with that, of course.)
So, if any of the five of you that read this are looking for something fun to do this summer, feel free to stop by the Discoball Speakeasy and lend a hand. I promise, I will pay in wine and cold beer - TOTALLY worth it.
Oh, wait a minute, I forgot one little detail... Schmucko's SMUD lien... Well, we'll keep it short and just say that I am signing papers BEFORE I find a stranger on the street corner to grab a $5k cashier's check and take it to SMUD. Hey, do you happen to have $5k lying around? Just askin'... Nothing like getting down to the wire, eh?
Wish me luck...
But here we are. My final loan documents have been drawn, sent to title and now we wait to schedule our appointment to sign away the next thirty years of my life. I am so excited I don't think there are words to express it. I have, over the months (and months, and months), the trials and tribulations, become quite attached to my little shack.
I know, I know, there is A LOT that needs to be done before we can even move in, but even the prospect of having shack keys in my hands gives me jitters. I haven't been more excited to clean up someone else's mess since my brother used to slip me a $5 spot to clean his room (and do his homework- I had to earn my money with Phil). I cannot wait to clear out the old food in the cabinets, the breast pump in the living room, the golf clubs, baby pool, the 800 doorhandles in the garage and the 10 different appliances spread throughout the house, yard, garage and shed. THAT is how much I love this place.
Now this is when I have to let reality sink in a bit.
Shupie and I sat down a couple days ago and wrote a list of who I need to contact (concrete guy, cabinet guy, tile guy, the place where you get huge bins to throw stuff away, A/C service guy, etc.) and what we need to ask (schedule, timeframe, cost, do they take payment in kidneys? etc.).
Now, being a first time homeowner, this is all new to me. Let's just say I am thanking my lucky stars right now that Shupie is the handiest person I know, and his awesome brother is willing to brave the heat and help with the repairs. Sometimes I just sit back and think, man, what would I do without these guys? Answer: live at home until I'm 30. (No, mom, there's nothing wrong with that, of course.)
So, if any of the five of you that read this are looking for something fun to do this summer, feel free to stop by the Discoball Speakeasy and lend a hand. I promise, I will pay in wine and cold beer - TOTALLY worth it.
Oh, wait a minute, I forgot one little detail... Schmucko's SMUD lien... Well, we'll keep it short and just say that I am signing papers BEFORE I find a stranger on the street corner to grab a $5k cashier's check and take it to SMUD. Hey, do you happen to have $5k lying around? Just askin'... Nothing like getting down to the wire, eh?
Wish me luck...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Anybody up for a good Catch 22?
I have now realized that sometimes life's stories are so completely unbelievable that it seems a Harry Potter book would be more realistic.
As of this time last week, I was riding high with optimism. I had an offer in my hand from Bank #1 to pay off the SMUD lien from hell, give me three weeks to close and get this thing wrapped up. Best of all, I had word from my wonderful Realtor that we would NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH Bank #1. HALLELUJAH!! I couldn't have been happier if you told me that I had won the biggest jackpot in Lottery history. No exaggeration.
With this news, I grabbed Mr. Shupie and stormed the local home improvement stores, doing price comparisons of all the goodies we would need to buy in the upcoming weeks to make this house a home.
This is about the point in time where the light at the end of the tunnel turned into a train. (Thanks to Liz for the perfect analogy.)
Enter Monday.
As it turns out, Bank #1 allocated the funds to the SELLER rather than the buyer (me). Conveniently enough, the seller IS Bank #1. So, they generously allocated $8500 towards their own closing costs, with nothing allocated to SMUD, nor myself. Apparently what a bank says on the phone and what they put in writing do not have to be the same thing.
So this leaves us where we were about, eh, four weeks ago. Here are our options:
1. I pay the $5k for Schmucko's SMUD lien.
2. I forget about the whole damn thing and spend my saved up down payment funds on therapy to help me get over the whole ordeal.
Wait wait wait, I forgot one thing... I can't pay the SMUD lien. According to FHA guidelines, the buyer cannot pay the seller's lien. So, the lien must be paid, but not by me, but not by Bank #1. Interesting predicament, eh?
For those of you (like me) who are thinking this is too crazy to be true, that there must be a way to get Bank #1 to pay the lien (as they said they would), here are some of the ideas that got shot down:
1. Bank #1 credits me money in closing costs, so I can pay, er, have some stranger pay the lien off. Nope, we would have to put that info on a HUD statement, at which point Bank #2 would say, "HEY! We're only getting $3k (out of the $80k we're owed) and you are crediting the buyer $5k? No way, Bank Jose!"
2. I offer to pay Wells Fargo an additional $1800, which would make them receive the same amount that Bank #1 is paying towards the SMUD lien. Nope, any funds I pay MUST go to Bank #1, not Bank #2 or anyone else.
3. I put in an offer of $5k less than we are paying and take that money to pay the lien. (Er, I mean find someone who is not me to pay the lien. Forgot about that again.) Nope, now that I paid to dollar for a great appraisal, showing that the property already has $15k in equity, the bank isn't going to take any less for the property. More money well spent on my part.
There are many more ideas I could add, but you get the point.
Oh, did I forget that while this is going on, the awesome incentive tax credit is tick, tick, ticking away and (WHOOPS!) expired yesterday.
So, I sucked it up and begged the best mom in the world to pleeeeeeease add another $5k to my ever-growing tab (I believe she has started calling me Norm, from Cheers, at this point.) Thank goodness I was blessed with an awesome mom who would do anything to help me in my time of need. And needless to say, I will be indebted to her until about a week after I'm dead. It'll be worth it, right?
So here I am, about to be another $5k poorer, on the verge of being ready to throw in the towel on this one. I have to recite the "It's a good investment, you'll love being downtown, it will be worth it, you won't really have to go all Cinderella at mom's house for the rest of your life" mantra about ninety seven times a day. But I am starting to believe it. I think.
What's ahead? Welp, it looks as though we are ready to draw documents the beginning of next week, after the holiday. Isn't it funny how sometimes a holiday can fall right at the time you DON'T want it to? Oh well. I guess I will be lazing away this weekend rather than starting my month-long renovation project on my dream shack.
Here's to a week with no speed bumps, a light at the end of the tunnel that does not turn out to be a train, and a couple a brewskis to pass the time in between. Happy 4th of July.
As of this time last week, I was riding high with optimism. I had an offer in my hand from Bank #1 to pay off the SMUD lien from hell, give me three weeks to close and get this thing wrapped up. Best of all, I had word from my wonderful Realtor that we would NO LONGER HAVE TO DEAL WITH Bank #1. HALLELUJAH!! I couldn't have been happier if you told me that I had won the biggest jackpot in Lottery history. No exaggeration.
With this news, I grabbed Mr. Shupie and stormed the local home improvement stores, doing price comparisons of all the goodies we would need to buy in the upcoming weeks to make this house a home.
This is about the point in time where the light at the end of the tunnel turned into a train. (Thanks to Liz for the perfect analogy.)
Enter Monday.
As it turns out, Bank #1 allocated the funds to the SELLER rather than the buyer (me). Conveniently enough, the seller IS Bank #1. So, they generously allocated $8500 towards their own closing costs, with nothing allocated to SMUD, nor myself. Apparently what a bank says on the phone and what they put in writing do not have to be the same thing.
So this leaves us where we were about, eh, four weeks ago. Here are our options:
1. I pay the $5k for Schmucko's SMUD lien.
2. I forget about the whole damn thing and spend my saved up down payment funds on therapy to help me get over the whole ordeal.
Wait wait wait, I forgot one thing... I can't pay the SMUD lien. According to FHA guidelines, the buyer cannot pay the seller's lien. So, the lien must be paid, but not by me, but not by Bank #1. Interesting predicament, eh?
For those of you (like me) who are thinking this is too crazy to be true, that there must be a way to get Bank #1 to pay the lien (as they said they would), here are some of the ideas that got shot down:
1. Bank #1 credits me money in closing costs, so I can pay, er, have some stranger pay the lien off. Nope, we would have to put that info on a HUD statement, at which point Bank #2 would say, "HEY! We're only getting $3k (out of the $80k we're owed) and you are crediting the buyer $5k? No way, Bank Jose!"
2. I offer to pay Wells Fargo an additional $1800, which would make them receive the same amount that Bank #1 is paying towards the SMUD lien. Nope, any funds I pay MUST go to Bank #1, not Bank #2 or anyone else.
3. I put in an offer of $5k less than we are paying and take that money to pay the lien. (Er, I mean find someone who is not me to pay the lien. Forgot about that again.) Nope, now that I paid to dollar for a great appraisal, showing that the property already has $15k in equity, the bank isn't going to take any less for the property. More money well spent on my part.
There are many more ideas I could add, but you get the point.
Oh, did I forget that while this is going on, the awesome incentive tax credit is tick, tick, ticking away and (WHOOPS!) expired yesterday.
So, I sucked it up and begged the best mom in the world to pleeeeeeease add another $5k to my ever-growing tab (I believe she has started calling me Norm, from Cheers, at this point.) Thank goodness I was blessed with an awesome mom who would do anything to help me in my time of need. And needless to say, I will be indebted to her until about a week after I'm dead. It'll be worth it, right?
So here I am, about to be another $5k poorer, on the verge of being ready to throw in the towel on this one. I have to recite the "It's a good investment, you'll love being downtown, it will be worth it, you won't really have to go all Cinderella at mom's house for the rest of your life" mantra about ninety seven times a day. But I am starting to believe it. I think.
What's ahead? Welp, it looks as though we are ready to draw documents the beginning of next week, after the holiday. Isn't it funny how sometimes a holiday can fall right at the time you DON'T want it to? Oh well. I guess I will be lazing away this weekend rather than starting my month-long renovation project on my dream shack.
Here's to a week with no speed bumps, a light at the end of the tunnel that does not turn out to be a train, and a couple a brewskis to pass the time in between. Happy 4th of July.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
I acquiesce...
Ok, let me start this by fully admitting that I have committed the cardinal sin of blogging: I started this blog, put up a couple posts and then let it lie dormant for, well, a whole month. A lifetime in blogland. I know, I did it, now let's get past it.
For the record, I had my reasons, and they were good ones. I started this blog to entertain you with the adventures of new homeownership... But three couple weeks ago I had the rug pulled out from under me. The lovely bank (who will remain nameless until I have keys in my hands) that holds the first loan on the property changed their minds. Yep, changed their minds. After signing a contract with me and accepting my offer, they said, "If you don't close by Monday, we're foreclosing." This was on Wednesday. Needless to say, I proceeded to crawl under a rock and feel sad about my bad fortune and another summer NOT living downtown. Let's just say, things have changed. Here's a brief re-cap of the events of the last month in Discoballand.
1. We find out there is a SMUD lien on the property for $5k. SMUD will not negotiate the amount, take payments or anything of the like. It must be paid upon closing.
2. I offer to pay $1500 if Bank 1 pays $3500. (God forbid the schmuck who took out the loan actually pay for it.)
3. Bank 1 takes approximately 3 weeks to get back to me, within which time I find out that under the terms of an FHA loan, I am not allowed to pay back any of the SMUD lien. An interesting rule (to put it nicely), if you ask me.
4. This is the point at which Bank 1 tells me that if I don't close the loan in 4 days, they are foreclosing. Now, call me a pessimist, but the idea was floating around that the bank had a cash offer, no strings, waiting to buy the place on the courthouse steps. This hasn't been confirmed, but the events of the following week lead me to believe it's true.
5. I get really sad, then really mad, then really really mad, about this crappy treatment and the fact that some jerk with cash can blow my deal out of the water. I'm preeeetty sure that schmuck with cash has no plans to actually live in my little shack, but rather improve it to livable conditions and rent it out. I resign myself to no longer looking for a place to buy (did I forget to mention that even if I did find another place, I am now ineligible for Uncle Sam's generous first time homebuyer tax credit? Oh yeah, that's important, too. Thanks to Bank 1 taking upwards of 4 months to make decisions, I'm SOL.)
6. I test out the ride (on our bikes) from Rancho Cordova to downtown Sac. Hey, an hour and a half isn't THAT long, right? I can totally stay in Bordova for the summer. 100+ weather and an hour and a half to get to the beers, no problemo.
7. My Monday deadline to close the loan comes and goes.
8. Wednesday rolls around and I get a call from my wonderful Realtor, who was "giving me time to think about what I want to do." Why the heck is he calling me??? It goes a little bit like this:
Wonderful Realtor: "Are you sitting down"
Me: "Umm, why?"
Wonderful Realtor: "The other realtor called. Bank 1 changed their minds and they are willing to pay the entire SMUD lien and give you two more months to close."
Me: "Umm, what?"
Realtor: "You heard me right."
Me: "I think I might have a heart attack at 27."
Apparently that cash offer did not show up on the courthouse steps. Too bad for Bank 1, tough luck.
9. Here we are. Appraisal, done. Inspection, done. Underwriting, working on it. As of now, it looks like next week or the week after I might be signing papers and getting keys to my new little shack. Now, I know that a lot can happen between now and next week, but all signs point to go.
So, now I am getting back to this blog and looking forward to keeping you posted on the antics of the weeks and months to come. I promise I won't wait a month to post again. Kisses.
For the record, I had my reasons, and they were good ones. I started this blog to entertain you with the adventures of new homeownership... But three couple weeks ago I had the rug pulled out from under me. The lovely bank (who will remain nameless until I have keys in my hands) that holds the first loan on the property changed their minds. Yep, changed their minds. After signing a contract with me and accepting my offer, they said, "If you don't close by Monday, we're foreclosing." This was on Wednesday. Needless to say, I proceeded to crawl under a rock and feel sad about my bad fortune and another summer NOT living downtown. Let's just say, things have changed. Here's a brief re-cap of the events of the last month in Discoballand.
1. We find out there is a SMUD lien on the property for $5k. SMUD will not negotiate the amount, take payments or anything of the like. It must be paid upon closing.
2. I offer to pay $1500 if Bank 1 pays $3500. (God forbid the schmuck who took out the loan actually pay for it.)
3. Bank 1 takes approximately 3 weeks to get back to me, within which time I find out that under the terms of an FHA loan, I am not allowed to pay back any of the SMUD lien. An interesting rule (to put it nicely), if you ask me.
4. This is the point at which Bank 1 tells me that if I don't close the loan in 4 days, they are foreclosing. Now, call me a pessimist, but the idea was floating around that the bank had a cash offer, no strings, waiting to buy the place on the courthouse steps. This hasn't been confirmed, but the events of the following week lead me to believe it's true.
5. I get really sad, then really mad, then really really mad, about this crappy treatment and the fact that some jerk with cash can blow my deal out of the water. I'm preeeetty sure that schmuck with cash has no plans to actually live in my little shack, but rather improve it to livable conditions and rent it out. I resign myself to no longer looking for a place to buy (did I forget to mention that even if I did find another place, I am now ineligible for Uncle Sam's generous first time homebuyer tax credit? Oh yeah, that's important, too. Thanks to Bank 1 taking upwards of 4 months to make decisions, I'm SOL.)
6. I test out the ride (on our bikes) from Rancho Cordova to downtown Sac. Hey, an hour and a half isn't THAT long, right? I can totally stay in Bordova for the summer. 100+ weather and an hour and a half to get to the beers, no problemo.
7. My Monday deadline to close the loan comes and goes.
8. Wednesday rolls around and I get a call from my wonderful Realtor, who was "giving me time to think about what I want to do." Why the heck is he calling me??? It goes a little bit like this:
Wonderful Realtor: "Are you sitting down"
Me: "Umm, why?"
Wonderful Realtor: "The other realtor called. Bank 1 changed their minds and they are willing to pay the entire SMUD lien and give you two more months to close."
Me: "Umm, what?"
Realtor: "You heard me right."
Me: "I think I might have a heart attack at 27."
Apparently that cash offer did not show up on the courthouse steps. Too bad for Bank 1, tough luck.
9. Here we are. Appraisal, done. Inspection, done. Underwriting, working on it. As of now, it looks like next week or the week after I might be signing papers and getting keys to my new little shack. Now, I know that a lot can happen between now and next week, but all signs point to go.
So, now I am getting back to this blog and looking forward to keeping you posted on the antics of the weeks and months to come. I promise I won't wait a month to post again. Kisses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)