Post Four - The Waiting (and The Paperwork)

I have to say, it really didn't take much pondering about *if* we would make an offer on the property after our visit.  It became quickly a matter of what that offer would be.

Our agent turns out to be a great fit for us,  a responsive, no-nonsense person that gives us that perfect balance  of personal interest without wasting time on idle chit chat and platitudes.  We are all about business, but at the same time, she's clearly got a soft spot for us and for the property.  In that spirit, as we assessed what we would offer the seller, Carol had the exact same number in mind.  With a little more thoughtful consideration over the phone, we were ready.  Carol said she would draw up the paperwork and get this thing going.

The offer was accepted without counter offer.  Guess that is good.

So, two parallel tracks of paperwork and signing begin.  Real estate disclosures, inspections, notifications, rights and acknowledgements.   Documenting the same incomes and expenses we have been reporting on just about annually in the recent past as we have refinanced and secured equity lines on our current home.  Bank and brokerage account statements,  pay stubs, proof of insurance.

Emails go back and forth.  The scanner captures our signatures and initials and creates bundles of electrons that fly across the Internet to downtown San Rafael and to Nevada City.  Probably via Bangalore.  Which is a big change from 25 years ago when we bought Tampa Drive....   everything needed to be done on paper with pens and mailed or delivered in person.

But even with all the modern conveniences of technology, at this point in our lives, it all seems more tedious than daunting.  We have been through this process, or at least similar ones, many times, and have the support of an amazing lender, whom we have known for years.  Her Mom (and sister) sold us that first house many years ago.....  I still recall the uneasy feeling we had about buying that first house.  I was only 25, and Barry had graduated from college a few months prior, and had only been working that very short time.  It was an intimidating and humbling process to go through.  But now, we understand what needs to be done, and have relative confidence it will all transpire successfully.

The best part of this process was the chance to get to know our Seller, as I attended the Building Inspection and then a week and a half later, she walked us around the edges of the property.  She is clearly having a hard time leaving this amazing home that was custom built, but has commented that she feels like the house will be happy to have us living there, and promises to go hiking with Barry after we are installed in the house.  I feel like we will have a great friend in her, and that feels good.

It's beginning to look like this will be a reality.