Home buying update

I have purposely not updated my blog for a while now because the details of the ongoing homebuying saga would, no doubt, bore even the most intrepid reader. Anyone who's bought a home knows the tale: the fun of looking at your options, the thrill of finding something you love, the anxiety negotiation, and either the joy of finalizing the sale, or the disappointment of it falling through. If I had blogged while it was all going on, the entries would have sounded urgent and stressed, when, really, it's not life and death for crying out loud. It is a big decision, but recent events in the lives of people I know have helped me put it in perspective. So, here's the nutshell version, which is all it's worthy of receiving.

I made an offer on the end unit townhouse in Morrisville. The seller was basically unwilling to budge on the sale price, and even asked for a 60-day close, which complicates things needlessly. So I walked away. The seller came running after me, with the offer of a 30-day close. I took one more look at the place, and after much hand-wringing, ended up deciding I could do better.

Yesterday I knew I made the right decision, because I saw a house in North Raleigh and fell in love with it.


The curb appeal is sharp. When you walk in the front door, you instantly feel cheered by the brightness and the rich colors.


This place has everything I could want--hardwoods in the foyer, living, and dining rooms; 42" maple cabinets and dark gray countertops in the kitchen; smooth ceilings; decent-sized, fenced backyard (ideal for the dog I've been contemplating); two-car garage; and little touches like arched doorways, an attractive wallpaper border in the kitchen and breakfast area, and cabinets in the laundry room. There is nothing I would change, except eventually doing some landscaping in the backyard, which is currently just grass. The location is about 15 minutes from work, so that's a huge plus. The more I think about this place, the more excited I am about living there! I just made an offer, so I'm hoping to hear back from my realtor today. Keep your fingers crossed!