Finally, after all this time...

We have finally achieved Building Permit status. Thanks to some important people who know some important people, we were finally able to push through all of the "red tape" that was holding us back. (OK, you are each allowed to make one joke at my expense for forcing that same "red tape" on people. It is so much more fun to be the one holding the hoop rather than the one who has to jump through it.) All jokes aside, we are uber excited to see work starting to progress. We will have full "before" pictures in the next few days. Keep checking in!

On another note, I mowed the lawn for the first time on Monday night. I really didn't think this would be such a big deal, but having not pushed a lawn mower for at least ten years, and not bieng the most physical/athletic/fit person on the planet, that small hill turns into a big hill in a hurry. Lucky for me, I have the entire summer to turn that big nuisance into the small annoyance it would be for anyone else.

Quick Update or Building Permit Blues

Yes we now own the house. I am told that my initial is now correct and I am once again R. The next step in the progression is to get the building permit and get to work. Easier said than done.

I applied for the permit last week and was promptly told that my drawings did not show enough of the planned electrical work. So I had to get in touch with our electrician to draw up some more detailed electrical plans. We had a miscommunication and did not get the new updates to the architect until Monday. Today I called the architect to see how we were progressing and found out that he has been sick, and they do not expect him back this week. So Brian, GET WELL SOON!!! and hopefully we can get our permit next week. Once we have a building permit, work should begin fairly quickly.

Who is this guy anyway?

We have had issues with names over the past week. Somehow the mortgage company got the idea that my middle initial was A instead of R. I first noticed the error on our appraisal. I promptly called and had it changed, and thought that would be the end of the problem. On signing day, all of the documents had an A. While we signed, we changed all of the initials to R and initialed each change. We were worried that we would have to sign again, but were assured that the problem had been fixed.

Today, I had planned to apply for our building permit. To do so I have to provide a current ownership plat from the county recorder's office. To my chagrin, our deed was recorded as Sean A. UGGGGHHHH!!! I called the title company and had to spend time waiting for them to prepare a document to record to finally fix this stupid mistake. Unfortunately for me, I don't dare try to get a building permit until my name is correct. I cannot image how hard it would be to explain to the city why my name does not match the recorded name on the plat. I guess the permit will have to wait until next week.

Some Photos

My Dad came to visit today, and we were able to take some interior photos of the house. We also got the key today, although the locks will be changed sooner rather than later. Enjoy the pics!

99.9999995%

The Mrs. and I had a scare on Tuesday. We were supposed to close on our new home. I had arranged to leave work early, and Kari was going to meet up with me to sign the papers. Before I left work, i took a call from the mortgage company saying we were good to go. Before I was able to get home, we had heard that the deal might not happen due to a paperwork snafu -- the people who create the paperwork for us to sign could not get the math to work out for whatever reason. Fortunately for us, it was worked out Wednesday afternoon, and we were able to sign the papers thanks to our most dedicated real estate agent Ethan. There is a minor caveat, as my middle initial was incorrect on most of the papers. We have been assured that this is not a major problem, and therefore are happy to announce that we are almost homeowners!!!!! the paperwork needs to be recorded and some checks need to clear, but we are essentially there.

Our house is located on the same physical block where we currently live. We will not be able to move in for awhile while the renovations are being completed, but here is your first look at our new home!



We will have indoor pictures, as well as before and after pics of the entire process. Stay tuned!!!

SL

Closing Soon !?!?!?!?!

We have found out that we should be able to close on our new house within the next couple of days. A local architecture firm is drawing up some plans for us to submit for our building permit. We have a contractor chosen, who should be able to begin work as soon as we close. Our lender is finishing our loan; it has been approved, but our loan processor is clarifying some info for the file. All in all we should be signing the paperwork on Monday or Tuesday. It has been a long road but we are almost there.

Coming Soon

The Mrs. and I have spent the past few months looking for a permanent place to call our own. We are currently under contract to purchase a new homestead quite close to where we currently live. One of the cool things about this house is that it was gutted by the previous owner and left in shambles. As a result we have an opportunity to customize some of the options to our own tastes!

As we get closer to closing and finalizing the purchase, this is where we will provide updates to friends and family, including photos, so everyone can see the changes that will make this house our home.

SL