Quick Check In

Just checking in with a quick update. All illnesses cleared our home as of Thursday a week ago. Friday D and I headed to Alabama while my parents took care of the beasties. D and I spent a whirlwind day and a half looking at homes and found one (best of the available) in a neighborhood that we think will be terrific for the kids. The kids had my parents snowed----I mean the kids were very good for my parents and had a great time. At points when we called they were unavailable due to chasing beavers off the beach at the pond, driving golf balls, fishing, and going out to eat. My parents got to experience my favorite parenting compliment the "people stop to tell you how well behaved your monsters are"; they took the kids out to eat at their favorite restaurant and a couple stopped to tell them how well behaved the boys were. Again the learning just doesn't stop: with this home sale we have learned about radon and on the buy side we are becoming all too familiar with the dangers of contaminated Chinese drywall. our home on that end turns out not to have it but we have read 2 reports the builder commissioned for our new home as well as hiring our own expert. Who knew you could learn so much about home construction and materials through buying and selling homes. I think I need to begin a career somehow tied to real estate. Perhaps a consulting service that helps you prep your home for listing: staging, de-cluttering, list of quick things to do before a showing. When it is time to look for your new home things you should beware of: music playing in a home (next to a noisy road?), air fresheners (what smell are they trying to cover), streams running through an out of the way closet (no really, a tiny river inside a house-- like that is not a problem). Putting your offer in on a house (good luck-- listen to your realtor because they probably have it all worked out with the listing agent). Inspection (multiple in some cases. Buyers market or sellers market determines if you get any problems addressed). Closing-- we haven't had one go wrong yet, but we are not through this move yet. We are crossing hurdles at a good pace at this point toward eating this move complete. D heads out next weekend to begin his new job and watch over prep on the new house. The boys and I will finish things out here and will get everything arranged for the move. To add to the excitement I am quilting right now--- relaxing no???? Will keep you updated on progress as I get inspired to write or I find a few minutes to pop out a posting. love and hugs, B