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 Clash:  Should 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