We are Homeowners!!! (Part 2)

The Journey of Buying a House

Continued

(Scroll down to read part 1 first.)

After our contract was accepted, we had to deal with the money side, or so we thought. We did have to deal with the money side, among other things as well. There was countless papers to be signed, documentation to provide, letters to write, a refrigerator to pick out, and money that was needed. Who knew it was such a process. In the meantime, we had to get a home inspection and do a walk through on the house. Since we were buying a new house we wanted to make sure everything was perfect (or as perfect as it could be) before we closed on the house. The builders were pretty much willing to fix anything before we closed on the house. That was a blessing. So after several times through the house we had our list. I now know what to look for in the process if we had to do it again. The first time, we were not so sure, and just so excited to be buying the house. Of course after you move-in, you are like, "man, I should have had them fix that." But oh well, all major things were done. Oh and did I mention that we were packing the apartment during this time and working full-time. I was reminded why I hate moving so much. We were set to close on June 13th. I was not sure if were going to make it by then. The bank part was very stressful and often gave me a headache. I just did not realize how much went into it, and it's harder when you do not understand everything. And it's even harder when no one you are working with is on the same page: banker, Realtor, builders, etc... However, thankfully on June 13th, Patrick and I officially closed on our house!!!! Can I get an Amen!!! We were so excited!!! It had been a process, and we were so thankful to finally call it our home. Closing actually went well. I was  very anxious because we had heard a lot of stories, but I think it went as smooth as it could have. Thank goodness!

The fun didn't stop there.. oh no, when you buy a new house it normally does not come with window treatments. Fun, fun... We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging window treatments in the OUR house. Let me say, a BIG thank you to Patrick's mom, and grandparents. If it weren't for them we would never have gotten them all up. It was a miracle. I did not like that part, it was stressful to me especially having to get the blinds cut at Lowe's. But, in the end everything turned out perfect and we had almost all the window treatments up. Woohoo!

Now, we had the house and apartment for a little over a month. We didn't have to be out of the apartment until the end of July. We had some time to finish getting everything packed up and everything moved. Seemed easy... however, it was a tedious task. We started taking boxes over there a little at a time. It ended up working out because we had time to unpack as we went, but it was a tiring process. I had a conference in June and was away for a few days. Bless Patrick's heart... he took boxes over there every night. Our cruise was also fast approaching so we had to take a break for a little vacation. And there was the debate over the furniture. We knew we wanted and needed new living room furniture (everything we had, had been given to us when we first got married). Luckily, Patrick's mom came to help us measure and debate on the perfect pieces for the living room. We are so pleased with how everything turned out. And if you come to our house, most of the accessories came from TJ Maxx... love that store.

I digress... when we returned from the cruise it was go time. We needed to finish getting everything moved. Thank goodness for my parents. They came over one night to help us finish packing the kitchen, and other odds and ends. I had no motivation for kitchen stuff. We were so thankful for their help. Then came the dilemma. We didn't have a lot of big furniture to move, but our bed is a beast. We had several family members and friends offer to help, but trying to coordinate everyone's schedule was near impossible. Patrick and I decided it would be best to hire some movers to finish moving the big stuff. And let me say that was the best decision we could have made. Have I mentioned how hot it has been here this summer. 

On July 15th, the movers came and finished getting everything. We had done it... we had gotten everything moved (almost). The apartment needed to be cleaned, but we didn't care. We wanted to be in our house. That Friday night was the first night in our house. Everyone asked how it was, and to be honest it was okay.. We were exhausted and Patrick was very sick with a cold/allergies. However, don't worry we have enjoyed every night in our house since. We are so thankful and so blessed. We spent the weekend unpacking and getting a few more items for the house. It was starting to feel like our home. 

We eventually got the apartment cleaned.. thanks again Mom and Dad for your help. Turning in the keys felt so good. We were glad to only have one home now. 

So, there you have it... that is how we became homeowners. It was definitely a journey, but we learned a lot and grew closer together. I have to say we are so blessed and so thankful for this house. God has truly blessed us. We can't wait to make many memories in this home. And for the record we are living here for a long, long, long time. :-)

And lastly, Patrick and I was to thank our parents and the rest of our family and friends who helped us during this process. We are so grateful for each of you, and appreciate all your help. We wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Thank you very much!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

-Joshua 24:15-

***Pictures to come soon.