Cloudy to Sunny
{Metaphorically- it’s supah sunny here}
Hi friends! How was your day?
Bella’s was just like every other day…
Tough.
She has a very hard life 😉
So when I wrote my am post, I was feeling a little gloomy. I got a phone call this morning saying that Saturday was my last day at work –the day I put in my two weeks– and just have to pick up my paycheck tomorrow. I loved my job and like to work, so I’m kind of bummed that it’s the end. I was expecting to finish out the two weeks (and get paid for it).
It’s always sad when something that seems so amazing ends up tarnished.. it’s kind of like seeing the back part of Disneyland.
We took Bella to the DP (<—our code word for dog park) and she had a blast chasing the big dogs on the other side of the fence. While we were there, I got word of 3 exciting blog things to come, which gave me a good feeling that the day would look up.
The dog park here is *slightly* different than the one in Valdosta:
Tucson:
Valdosta:
Hahaha.
And then I put on a lucky “we’re going to find the winning house outfit”
and WE DID.
It’s perfect….
Everything on our lists.
Here’s a pic of the Pilot standing downstairs, but I’ll definitely post more.
We’ve been pre-approved and are going to meet with the realtor to do the contract thang tomorrow. I can’t believe that this is really happening- the fact that we’re actually going to live in Tucson is starting to feel real 🙂
Lunch:
Salad with hearts of palm and balsamic, egg, smoked salmon with capers, goat cheese
+ a ton of these Turkish dried apricots
Tortellini for the Pilot:
Good stuff 🙂
I’m off to dance and then watch Hot Tub Time Machine with the Pilot and some friends.
See ya in the morning!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Any tips on the home buying/negotiation process?? We have a realtor, but ya’ll always have amazing advice 🙂
![It’s [not] always sunny](https://fitnessista.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/08/bell_thumb7-150x150.jpg)
134 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
WOOO I’m so happy for you!! No tips or tricks to share, but sending lots of positive vibes your way. Congrats 🙂
Giiirl!!! Congratulations! The house looks lovely from that one photo! 🙂 I hope things continue to look up — transitions — especially unexpected ones — are so challenging. Love your attitude <3
No tips because oh right, I still live at home 😉 , but congrats on finding *the* house! Yayyyyyyy.
Happy & positive thoughts!
CONGRATS! on the house. Such a big step, but SO super exciting! Glad you got a little ray of sunshine on a rather blah sounding day.
Ha! Just be happy ya’ll even have a dog park.
Oooh I like the house so far! Can’t wait to see more photos. AND your outfit is lovely!! I like the blazer and have been on the hunt for a similar one. I wish J Crew would come to Canada!! Good luck with the house stuff.. I know things will work out when you find the right one!
I love how you make that JCrew denim blazer work with EVERY outfit! It’s adorable! And I also noticed how you labelled your Coach purse as “old” (hint, hint Pilot!) 😉
hahaha!!! PLEASE! i think i need a “i quit my job” purse… right??
Congratulations! I always look forward to reading your posts. As for advice, be sure to get it inspected, appraised, & don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price…the worst that can happen is a counteroffer from the seller & more negotiating! 🙂 Hope everything goes well + Good Luck! 🙂
So happy that you guys found a house in a relatively short amount of time! Congrats! Take your time! Put thought into your offer, and be reasonable! Also, you can negotiate, so don’t go too high either! But a real low-ball offer sometimes just makes the seller angry and they won’t even counter-offer! My daughter just bought a house and the lady was the RE agent and she was nuts! Good luck!!
Congrats on the house!! 🙂 We just went through that process not long ago, and it’s so nice to find “the one”.
Congratulations!! Good luck with all the house business 🙂
And let me say, Hot Tub Time Machine is hilarious… vulgar at times, but hilarious. 🙂
I channeled my inner fitnessista and made a work out today. I never thought I could do that or motivate myself to do it.
Are you sure that’s not the same dog park? :p
Congratulations on the house!! Sorry no tips, but it’s exciting!
look at you! that’s awesome 🙂
thank you <3
Congrats on the house! My advice is to not fall too deeply in love before the inspection and final negotiations. It can be hard, but have a clear head and it will work out the best in the end. Be ready to walk away if the price isn’t right or if there are major issues!
Exactly what I was going to say. You have to be willing to walk away until the final deal AND the inspection are complete and all is bueno!
that’s very true.. great tip 🙂
Congratulations!!! I hope that everything goes smoothly for the two of you. I don’t have any house buying tips. I did find a cool goal-setting website that you might like: 101in365.com. You make a list of 101 goals that you have for this year and mark them off as you achieve them. Have a fun night 🙂
so awesome- thanks!!
I’m so sorry the job didn’t really end as you wanted it to 🙁 but, typically, I find that the things I didn’t plan for end up being the biggest blessings of all. Congrats on finding what may become your new home — that is SO exciting! xoxo
you’re totally right- i’m ready for the *good* thing to happen now 🙂
Bummer about the job. It stinks that they weren’t willing to let you stick out the two weeks.
The house looks lovely from the little photo. Can’t wait to see more!
Congrats!
My advice? Just be patient! Your closing date will probably change, they will likely want you to provide some random documentation at the last minute, etc. Just roll with it and know that all of those hiccups are perfectly normal. 🙂 My house is on a downtown block across from the river so new development is not really an issue for me, but I know my parents were very diligent with neighborhood research, existing easements, and that kind of thing since they were raising young children. Not sure what the area is like where you’re looking, but sometimes those beautiful views and open spaces end up as townhouse and condo developments…
Anyway, good luck! I’m sure you’re finance background will serve you well! 🙂
That’s so amazing that you found the one!! We ended up getting a great deal on our house by offering about 10% less than the listing price!
YAY!!! You can not host dinner partiesss!
FINALLY!
that movie is soo funny. You look so cute in your outfit, I can’t say walk or ride or my dog loses it lol! As for house buying haven’t gotten there yet, but good luck hope you guys get it. Sorry the job didn’t work out and they let you go early to bummer, but things happen for a reason and maybe theres something out there thats a better fit and you will be so happy when you look back.
Congrats on the house! I love the staircase!
Poor Bella — that Tucson dog park looks like a prison yard 🙂
for real, right??
Sorry about your job, but yay about the perfect house! My biggest tip would be to get your mortgage directly from the bank (as opposed to through a broker). When my husband and I bought our house in 2009, we started the lending process by going through a broker. From the very beginning, we asked, “What will your service cost us?” The broker said, “We don’t like to discuss that up front; just towards the end, there’s a small fee.” Well, I don’t call $2,000 a small fee! As soon as we saw that added fee, we cancelled working with the broker and went straight to the bank. The bank we went with had no unnecessary fees, just the typical ones our realtor told us were unavoidable. We saved $2,000 and got the exact same rate as going through a broker. Good luck with the home buying!
Congrats on finding the perfect house, I hope you can enjoy your free time now with the Pilot and preparing for your potential new home! I’ve worked for a real estate company for 7 years and the biggest issue I see buyers have is proration of taxes at closing. Realtors and title companies in different states, counties, and cities all prorate differently. The important part is that you make sure your contract states clearly that you will be credited at closing for any previous taxes to be billed or currently due for time periods in which you did NOT own the home. Especially if you are in a state in which taxes are billed in arrears (generally 1 yr behind so taxes due now are from last year at this time). I know it sounds silly and simple but I see SO many realtors that don’t understand this and their clients end up, well, screwed out of thousands of dollars when taxes are billed. Best of luck!!!
amazing- i will definitely be sure to double-check that
Tell the lawyer what YOU will pay, not what they want you to. The job takes an hour and they will charge you an obscene amount.
Congrats on finding a house! That stairway is BEAUTIFUL! And so much natural light! Amazing! 🙂
Sorry about the job thing. I hate it when that happens. Not only does it just suck, but it sets a bad/ uncomfortable mood about the whole situation.
Congrats on the house find! What a positive way to end the day. I can’t wait to hear about the up and coming blog related things. 🙂
First, you look smashing. Loooove-love-lovin’ the blazer/shorts combo.
Second, congrats! That must feel amazing to find THE house!
Awww wow, I’m so excited for you and the house! It looks beautiful just from the one picture. 🙂 Hopefully the excitement of the new home will outweigh the bummer news about your job. And hey, just remember…it could always be worse, right? 🙂
very true <3
Also one more thing – have your cable, internet, heat etc…set up to start the day you are moving in—that way you have all the nonsense taking place on the same day –AND if you want you cable/internet cable extended to fit your “set up” they will do it right then.
great tip- thank you!
Yay congrats on the house!! My advice, as some others have said, is to be patient. Dates change, seller’s opions and wants change, etc…you just have to roll with the punches and remember it’ll all be worth it once you’re living in your new house 🙂 You’re usually good at that sort of thing anyway so I’m sure you will deal just fine!
oops *opinions* time for bed lol
Congrats on the new house! Exciting!! Can’t wait for more details! Wish my days were more like Bella’s 🙂
don’t we all? haha
You could call the local police department (the non-emergency number) to see if they have info on crime (if there is any) in that neighborhood. Also, call the city to see if they are planning construction on the road and/or sidewalk in front of your house…if so, you may have to pay for road repairs on your property taxes. Speaking of property taxes…make sure you know what they are prior to buying the house…some homes can be priced reasonable but have sky high property taxes.
excellent tips- thank you!
That staircase is beautiful! p.s. I went to my first Zumba class today and thought of you. I absolutely loved it!
so glad you liked it!!
Congratulations!!! Happy you guys are settling down =)
Congratulations on the house!!! I’m sending positive thoughts your way 🙂 Super cute outfit too!
Congrats on finding your house!! That’s awesome. Can’t wait to see more pics. 🙂
The only tip I have right now is that it’s a buyer’s market, so don’t let them convince you otherwise. Also, be sure to get a fixed interest rate!! Good luck with it 🙂
Sorry about the job :-(! Hot tub time machine was definitely not a good movie to me.
i’m answering blog comments instead of watching it- i’m bored already
Hooray on finding the perfect house! Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly!
congrats on finding a house, thats so exciting!
My tip: get a home inspection and be at the house when the inspection is done.
Congrats, that house looks amazing!!! Very cute outfit, and those are some BodyRock legs 😀
wow, thank you 🙂
I have my real estate license so if you have questions, email me! I am sooo happy you found The House. Wow girl, that’s amazing!!! 2 days after you get a realtor, you found the house!
You know this already I’m sure, but just b/c you’re preapproved means very little. You now have to apply for a mortgage and get underwritten. U/W is a beast and they will ask for everything from your 1st born’s blood to explaining why you have a $300 cash deposit in your checking account back in December and who did it come from. Pretty much anything and everything they can and will ask for. But you will weather the storm 🙂
After you open escrow, the home inspection process begins. Be ruthless. If it comes up on the inspection, get the sellers to pay for it. It’s a buyers market, let the sellers pay 🙂
“It’s always sad when something that seems so amazing ends up tarnished”– I am so sorry. Seriously, so sorry but hey, you are a strong woman and the world is your oyster and onto greener pastures!
🙂
thank you friend <3
Yay for finding a house- so exciting my friend! Best of wishes to you in that area 🙂
Your obsession with goat cheese is too funny- love it! 🙂
sorry to hear about the last day on the job being sooner than expected. When one door closes though, another one opens…like the new to your new house! 😉
Can’t wait to see pics of it!
Congrats on finding the house!!
OH CONGRATS! I can’t wait to see the rest of the house! I can’t wait until my man & I own a house… in, like, 10 years lol. (We’re 23 years old. Graduating college in a month… yeeeeeeeeah).
Yay! Congrats on finding a house that you love!!
Congrats! I bought my condo 1.5 years ago… my only advice is not to be afraid to negotiate and to go with your gut! 🙂
Congratulations! It seems like lots of bloggers are buying homes lately.
I can’t WAIT until the day I get to move in with my love (I’m still living at home). We’ll probably have to find a place together at some point even though he already owns property… something closer to his (and my future, hopefully) work.
I know exactly how you feel about when something amazing ends up tarnished. I just recently got turned down from my so called *dream* job..and i’ll never look at that company the same way again.
BUT…I know that this rejection will lead to newer, better opportunities! I’m just waiting to find my perfect job like you’ve found your new house! Congrats! And good luck on the job search as well!
thank you! sorry to hear you went through something similar :/ major bummer
we’re onto bigger and better things 🙂
Oh girl, I am bummed that you had an unexpected end to your part time job. It is never fun when something you want to keep good or positive ends up tarnished. Happy side though, I am super excited that you received positive bloggy news today and that the right house for the both of you is making itself known. Keep getting it girl! 🙂