Friday, September 20, 2013

Stay... or Go???

Greetings:

So, this week, I have a question:  Should I (we) stay or should I (we) go???  Donna and I have asked ourselves that very question.  And we think/hope we came up with the right answer.  This is one of those simple and 'straight forward' FYI's.  Hang in there with me for a bit as we have a 'few things in the works.'

Some Background...
 
Approximately 3 1/2 years ago, Donna and I decided that we wanted to sell our house and move into an apartment.  At that time, we had lived in the house right at 10 years.  It was our very first house together.  Lots of memories in that house, some of which will surely be an upcoming Blog Post.  At the time 3 1/2 years ago, there was no doubt in my mind that we would sell our house within a day or two.  Certainly, by the end of the week.  LOL!!!  Our neighbors had sold their house in one day 8 months earlier.  We had this in the bag.  NOT!!!  We were so confident that it would sell fast, we found an apartment that we fell in love with and signed a lease and moved in very quickly.  Our house did not sell on the first day, the first week, nor the first month.  Within the next 3 to 4 months, we changed Real Estate Agents.  Still, no sale.  However, our new agent suggested that we lease the house, that it was a "Hot Lease Market."  And Booooooyah!!!  Just like that, we had our house leased to a nice young couple.

Some Reasons...
 
Some of the reasons for us wanting to move mainly revolved around the fact that I was tired of spending my weekends mowing and weed-eating and working in the yard.  And that is a story in and of itself for another day.  We were also tired of paying Property Taxes each year.  We wanted to downsize too, both in square footage as well as "stuff."  We got rid of lots of "stuff" when we moved.  We were also extremely lucky in getting a "perfect" location for our apartment at the apartment complex where we moved to.  A nice two bedroom, two bath, on the bottom floor with an attached garage (Donna's).  And just twenty feet away, I have a garage for my 'Baby' and a 3rd garage, both side by side, that I use for storage.  The 2nd bedroom is my 'Man-Cave.'  We LOVE it!!!  
 
The Good & The Bad...
 
Our first 'Renters' stayed in the house exactly two years.  Our second 'Renters' stayed in the house 4 months in a 'sweetheart' deal (only 4 months, while their new house was built, but for mucho extra money).  And finally, our third 'Renter,' a friend, stayed in the house 4 months as well.  She now lives in the same apartment complex as us.  So, almost 3 years of 'Renters' is sweet income each month (The Good).  But, almost 3 years of 'Renters' takes a toll on your property (The Bad). 
 
Hence, A Few Things in The Works...
 
So, for the last 6 weeks, Donna and I have had a contractor in the house making lots of repairs, painting, hanging this & that, removing this & that, installing this & that, etc.  Last Thursday, our 'repairs' were completed with the installation of new carpet in all of the bedrooms.  And then, finally, on Monday of this week, our house was Listed as being 'For Sale' with an MLS.  And, on Monday (that would be the same day...  can you feel my excitement) of this week, we received our first "OFFER."  Over the next 24 hours, there was some negotiating, but in the end, we stuck to our guns and we got the price we wanted and a Contract was signed.  And now, our fingers are crossed as we wait on the "process" that follows...  Inspection, Loan Process, Paperwork, etc.  But, pending something crazy happening, we have maybe, kinda sorta, SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!  On the maybe, kinda sorta, 1st day from the 1st showing (that was actually on Sunday)...  but, certainly on the 2nd day.  And yes, I'm Smiling!!!

My Man, Jose...
 
We found a Contractor through Donna's sister.  His name is Jose.  He had done some work for her sister and had done it well.  We had a list of things to do.  It was extensive and it wound up being expensive, because the list was, well, extensive.  But, the "Before Jose and After Jose" proved to be worth almost every penny.  My Man Jose did an excellent job and we think it paid off on that very 1st day with the very first "showing."  Heck, Jose did such a good job and the house looks so good, that Donna and I asked the question:  "Dang, do we want to move back into our house???"  Which prompted the: Should I (we) stay or should I (we) go???  Well, the quick & the short answer is NO, but...  Nah, we're good.  The house is paid for.  We'll take the CASH!!!  Ha...

Cautiously Smiling...
 
So now, we wait.  Tomorrow, the Inspector invades our property and he holds the 'Key' as to how this will move forward.  So, I'm hoping by Sunday or Monday, I'm lifting my favorite Libation in a 'Celebration Toast' with my Little Bride because of a favorable Inspection.  Fingers Crossed!!!
 
Takin' it "To the House"
 
Music:  There is only One Tune that I can share here this week...  From The ClashShould I Stay or Should I Go.  Ha!!!  Enjoy...  (source)
 

Photos:  I have not included any Photos in a while.  Wednesday night had a brilliant Moon, a Harvest Moon, that I managed to get a few pics of on different settings.  Last night, it was raining and too cloudy.  So...










       

Houston Texans Football:  Yikes!!!  Back to back 'Nail-Biters' (literally) that ended on the last play of the game.  Twice in a row.  You feeling me???  Yes, we won both games, but hey...  Let's 'breeze' one.  That would be nice.  This week, we visit the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.  No letting up.

Market Watch:  Crazy times in the Market.  But, it's all Good Times right now.  The Dow, while down 40 for the day, has still climbed back up to 15,636 at the close yesterday, while Facebook increased to 45.98, to the delight of many.

The End:  Another one in the books.  Thanks for dropping by.  Hope to see ya back on Mix Tape Tuesday.  Til then...

Be safe, be smart, and always show your Smile...  It's "Happy Friday"

adios...  vaya con dios

20 comments:

  1. Slu, I can SO feel you on this post. However, you are 10 steps ahead of me and my hubs because you already down sized and moved out. Congrats on the upcoming sale. We need to downsize because our oldest will be going to college next year and we already have 2 rooms we never go in. Problem is we still have a 13 year old at home (poor planning for old farts) and can't decide whether to renovate or move to something smaller.

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    1. Debster...

      We love our 'smaller' place and are happy with our decision. And Thanks!!!

      Appreciate the visit, Slu

      Delete
  2. Hope everything goes smooth on the house for you and Donna. Loved the pictures of the Harvest Moon. Went out to see it with my granddaughter, but was cloudy and we didn't get to see it. Have a good week. Love Cuz

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    1. Hey Cuz...

      Thanks!!! The Moon was beautiful Wednesday night. Thanks.

      All the best, cuz

      Delete
  3. HI...HOPE YOUR SELL GOES THRU....THE MOON WAS AWESOME...WE HAD THE SAME MOON LAST NIGHT...A LITTLE BRIGHTER...ORANGE GLOW...OUR SUNSET'S ARE JUST AS PRETTY THIS TIME OF YEAR...THOMAS AND I LIVE IN AN APT...I AM LOOKING TO BUY AGAIN...I MISS HAVING A HOME...YARD, GARDEN, THE PEACE, AND PRIVACY...I GUESS WE GO THROUGH DIFFERENT PHASES OF LIFE...MOST OF ALL PLAYING MY MUSIC..SO I CAN HEAR IT...NOT DISTURBING MY NEIGHBORS...GREAT STORIES AS ALWAYS...YOU AND DONNA HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND...TALK TO YOU AGAIN..DEB

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    1. Thanks Deb... We are lucky here. Neighbors are cool. Love it!!!

      Good luck with the Irish, Slu

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  4. We did something similar, bought a house and had to sell ours. We did stick to our guns and sold at the exact price we wanted (and a little extra because they wanted a lot of my furniture, but that's a whole story for another day). Anyway, I hope it all goes well, you close and get to do your happy dance.

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    Replies
    1. Ha... Am so looking forward to the 'Happy Dance.' Thanks!!!

      Appreciate the visit, Slu

      Delete
  5. Hey Slu, thanks for linking up at Fun Friday Blog Hop. Have a great weekend!

    Anne @ The Pink Momma

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    1. Thanks Anne & you too... Always love the Hop.

      And you too, Slu

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  6. Those are some amazing shots of the moon!

    And congrats on selling your house :D

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    1. Hey Kellie...

      Thanks. And Thanks!!! I hope you are feeling better, Slu

      Delete
  7. Going......going.....................GONE comes to mind if you don't hurry up and decide. Just remember why you wanted to leave in the first place. It's so hard to leave a home that you have fond memories but sometimes you need to be practical in regards to space etc and none of us are getting any younger, ha ha ha (no insult meant).

    I'm sure you'll do the right thing and if not, you can always beg the new owners to let you back in again, for a high price of course :)

    Oh, I love the Clash, not heard that tune for years. Have a great weekend, and I'm sure to hear the glasses chinking from here.

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    Replies
    1. RPD...

      Always good to hear from you. Glad you stopped by, Slu

      Delete
  8. First time here and I'm lovin' your blog. Beautiful shots of the moon! I'm a Texas gal too, in fact, my Dad lives in Houston. I live further up North, though. Dallas area. ANYway, Congrats on the sale of your house! That's always so tough - ugh - but the memories get to stay with you and that's all that matters. Make news ones in a place that suites you better now. Love the song, thanks! That'll be in my head all day now....awesome. :)

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    1. Hey Yo Beth...

      Welcome. Thank you so much for stopping by. A fellow Texan. Love it.

      Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated, Slu

      Delete
  9. Congrats on the sale and your moon pictures are FABULOUS!!!!

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    1. Thanks Meno Mama...

      Always love taking pics of the Moon.

      Thanks for stopping by, Slu

      Delete
  10. I hear you on the yard work! Love the moon! It was still up when I got up for work this morning. Admired it only briefly. Like your blog!Gonna subsribe when I finish this comment. Found it on the fun friday blog hop. Keep up the good work!
    tam@ spinstersnacks.com

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    Replies
    1. HA... I have a story about that yard work someday. Thanks on the Moon, & Thanks for Checking it out.

      I so appreciate you stopping by, will absolutely pay you a visit, Slu

      Delete

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