Well, yesterday was a momentous day for us. We have been working quite hard for the last while to get a place of our own. We started talking about it earlier this year but didn’t begin in earnest until after our vacation in Nova Scotia (more about that at my year end round up). When we got home, we began socking away every spare cent we could and began to explore our options.
Qualifying for a mortgage was no mean feat, but, we did manage. We were pre-approved for a reasonable sum of money and began our search. Alex spent every waking moment in front of the computer pouring over listings, searching for options and narrowing down the fields. We wanted 2 -3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a yard for Nykie (getting a place for him to be able to sit outside in peace was #1 priority for both of us).
We found a real estate agent who also helped us further narrow our search. An in early October, we began. We spent weekends going to viewings, asking questions and crunching numbers.
Eventually, we came upon a hidden gem. The property is in Surrey and after our initial view (which was not favourable by any stretch of the imagination) we talked about it. And talked about it. And discussed it. Debated it. And then when all was said and done, we talked some more. We arranged for a second viewing and spent close to two hours there, poking around, taking pictures, measurements and generally snooping. It was definitely a diamond in the rough. We went home feeling confident that we found the right place.
We then began to put together our plan:
1) Secure downpayment – Check
2) Secure financing – Check
3) Put together offer – Check
4) Make offer – Check
On Sunday, December 23 at 1:00 pm, we met with our realtor, put the offer in and by 1:45 pm, the offer was accepted with all our conditions attached. YIPPEE!!! We are on cloud 9. Couldn’t sleep a wink last night because I was planning on all the things that need to be done: carpets out, new flooring in, new paint, wall coverings, arranging for utilities, AUGH!!! MOVING!!!!!!. Gawd, I hate moving. Trying to decide if we ask friends or hire movers… Decisions, decisions, decisions….
To make matters more entertaining, I am in the middle of 2 (count ’em TWO) plays and won’t be finished until the middle of March…. Sheesh! What the heck was I thinking?
Then, there is the whole matter of packing everything. Major purge is being planned. Will be posting a variety of knick knacks, curious, bric a brac and various sundry items that we don’t want to take with us. So, people…. be prepared for a deluge of items we want to find homes for…..
in the meantime, a few pics of our new home. Enjoy.
Al
ps: Hope you have an amazing holiday. I know we will. Best friends Angela, Roy and Bonnie are gracing us with their presence (but no presents) on Christmas Day….
Al Zylstra 