We Found It!

We were full of gloom and doom for about a day after our heartbreak. Monday our spirits slowly started perking up a bit. Jason created a fun database that pulled only houses that were single family and within what we wanted to spend for us to search through instead of all the new home listings (it's frustrating to read a house description and then click to the detail page only to learn it is a twin home). Monday was a busy home day, but Tuesday brought our spirits down again as the listings were slow. Wednesday wasn't much better, though our list grew to two. And then it was Thursday. A house only a block from the one we had so desperately wanted went on the market. Things were looking brighter.

I was off from work that Friday as I was scheduled to work at Swanson's over the weekend, so we planned a 3pm meeting with Tanya. About an hour before, another house came on the market, and I had the strangest vibe. Today was the day we were going to find our home. I texted that to Jason, and he, too, had the feeling! Not that we didn't have a little disappointment first.

Our first stop was the new home listing. Well, the Realtor those owners had must be relatively new to the field as he didn't even have the lock box with the key at the house yet! This delayed us for about 15 minutes. The house was in West Fargo and very cute on the outside as well as being landscaped nicely. And then we entered it. I am not sure what the builder was attempting with this floor plan, but it was almost as if the dining room was part of the kitchen and upstairs living area. Well, that was easy. It wasn't the one and off we were to Moorhead.

The next home was nice. It was in an older established neighborhood, and the wood floors were fascinating. There were some quirks though, and it went on our maybe list. I officially learned what it feels like to be on House Hunters.

Lastly, house number three, the house a block away from Village Green and heartbreak house. While Tanya's key code device had been acting up at the two prior homes, it worked without haste and clicked giving us the key. We walked in and within seconds, knew it was the one. OK, I had to see the kitchen first and make sure it didn't have white cabinets. Custom built oak cabinets stared back at me, and I know we were thinking offer before we even saw the lower level! Finally - this feeling that I had been on a quest for for so many weeks now, that feeling I was so worried I'd never have was there for the taking. This home made the heartbreak house completely disappear from our minds. I think we were both thinking to ourselves, thank goodness that one was sold because at that very moment, we had found the one!

After spending a bit of time in the house, checking out the backyard and deck and rooms three times over, it was time to head back to the office and write our offer. Once all the papers were signed, we headed home to gather ourselves. Tanya also suggested calling to make an appointment for the home inspection right away. From her two referrals, we decided on Tri-State Home Inspection. I called and left Dean a message. Jason and I then opted for a mini-celebration (not too extravagant, after all, we'd lost one house in this search) at John Alexander's. Dean, the home inspector called while we were sipping martinis and confirmed an appointment for us for Thursday. Of course, I have no idea what the address is of the house we just put in an offer on is. Thankfully people must do this all the time, and he said he'd just call back and get it. While our ducks were all in a row, our wait then began.

We finished up supper and then I had to check to make sure "our house" was still there, so we drove by it. In the meantime, Jason's sister, Rhonda called us up and said they were having drinks at The Ground Round. So off we went for more beverages to pass the time awaiting to see if our offer had been accepted. Shortly after, Tanya called. The homeowner was "seriously considering our offer, but wanted to sleep on it." More waiting. For once, I was thankful that I had to go to work in the morning on a weekend. While I feel I have patience of steel, having to wait until morning felt like forever!

I went off to work the next morning, making sure Jason had his BlackBerry next to him. I then watched the minutes pass, trying my hardest to focus on work. Finally, a little after 10, Tanya called. The homeowner countered with a different amount and later closing date. I called Jason and after about 10 minutes we decided to accept the counter. It was really ours!

We met up with Tanya at Woody's the next afternoon to initial the counter offer making it official! And of course, had to have a few drinks to celebrate. Our inspection is set for tomorrow night at 5 and if all goes well, we close on July 1st!