the art of patience

So a few days ago the hubby and I put an offer on a split-level house in a develpment in town. Now ideally we would like to be on a few acres in the country. But this $8000 first-time homebuyer credit is just too tempting to pass up and we are running out of time with the end date being November 30th. There aren't a whole lot of houses in the area we want to be, but right now we are looking into a short sale house, which means it's in the process of being foreclosed on. The first viewing we had of the house was about a week ago, and it was a little bit of a shocker for me. Walking in the carpet was pretty dirty with food and other stains ground in. My mother-in-law agreed that it probably needs to be completely refloored. The walls were dinged up and there was junk sitting around. Granted it wasn't as bad as some of the foreclosures that other people we know have bought but I had a bit of a hard time at first. I was used to the idea of people cleaning up their house and putting on their best face to try and sell their house. Foreclosures are a different deal. After a few days though with some encouragement from family I warmed to the idea a little. With new flooring, paint, a different chandelier in the foyer and a butcher block to increase counter space in the kitchen; I could really see myself falling in love with this house.

But for now we are in the process of waiting to hear if they will accept our offer, it they don't take it the world will not end. I may be heartbroken for a couple of days but I will get over it! It would just be nice to not have to pay rent and be able to see the house as a sort of investment. Since it would be a starter house we would finish the basement and hopefully be able to make a little on it in resale. Like my grandpa says, "there isn't much you can do with rent slips. you can make a fire with them, but that provides little warmth." Too true.

Oh well, isn't daydreaming about houses fun? It's the finding the right one that is hardest right now.