Day 74: Third time’s a charm

My latest almost-home

An eight-house shopping spree found me inside a bright green dining room; a kitchen canvassed in oak; floors sprawling with carpet; and walls hugged with paper. Wood floors and paint are more my thing.

Knotty pine planks adorn a vaulted ceiling in the living room, meeting serene, turquoise walls. Huge windows overlook a secluded, beautifully landscaped backyard. And two trees toward the back are begging for a hammock to be hung. A brick wall in the dining room holds a fireplace and driftwood mantle. The roof is a year old. The windows are new and double hung. And, albeit small, there’s an attached garage. This layout of this place has everything I’ve been looking for. ‘Twas love at first sight!

I walked through the front door of this Alger Heights home a few days after breaking the dreadful I’m-backing-out-of-your-Ottawa-Hills-house news to Mimi. I couldn’t believe it. Putting an offer in would be impulsive, I told myself. But my mom quickly reminded me that I had 100 houses under my belt; if I knew, I knew. (Not to mention, this finally beat out her favorite: the Sinclair street home on the Northeast side).

After going through it two more times over the next two days – another evening, a mid-day trip and a morning drive by – I put an offer in. We countered back and forth a bit. I was getting stubborn, ready to say take it or leave it. But the slide-out cabinet shelves, the new windows, the landscaping, the finished basement and the overall quality feel of the cute little Cape Cod got the best of me. It’s not easy to find this goodness wrapped all in one! So we came to an agreement and scheduled an inspection.

My third home inspection found mildew in the attic and a poorly installed bathroom vent; I started to get a little nervous. What if she wasn’t willing to take care of it? After getting price estimates, I was relieved to find out we still had a deal! Hallelujah! The final addendum was signed yesterday. I’m filling out my loan application today. The appraisal is next. Closing to come!

I’m so excited to fulfill a lifelong dream of reading a book in my very own bay window seat, I can barely contain myself.