Last June we had reason to believe that there was a possibility Gary might get a call because his name was on two lists who were looking for a pastor like him. Neither congregation had a parsonage, so we started toying with the idea of home-ownership, and what it would take, and what it would cost, and what it would be like. But as time passed and things here changed, neither congregation called him.
In October it became clear that Gary was going to have to find a job. The congregation hadn't decided that yet, but it was obvious to us as well as the district president. Gary was having abysmal luck with the job-hunting.
When someone at Direct Supply requested that his resumé be looked at and not thrown directly into the trash, we knew that the commute would be unreasonable. We knew that, if he got that job, we'd want to consider moving. So we began studying house prices and looking for rentals and revisiting the possibility of home-ownership. Everybody told us that it was a great time to buy, with low prices and low interest rates. Nevertheless it's still overwhelming given the financial situation we've been in for the last decade.
So we found a very good deal on a house that had been in foreclosure. The bank was needing to get rid of it. It was a nicer house than we thought we could possibly find on our budget. We put an offer on it Wednesday. Our realtor had been told by the seller's realtor that there was another offer on the table, but the bank would be countering. Our realtor told them to hold off until they saw our offer later in the day, and that was welcomed. So we offered full price, knowing that even at the asking price we'd be getting a good deal. And the bank accepted the other offer. We were very disappointed. Our realtor still can't figure out what happened, but it sounds like the seller's realtor might not have even gotten our offer to the seller. Our realtor is going to talk to the bank and the other realtor today in hopes of figuring out what went wrong. But in the meantime, we go back to the drawing table and start searching again.
It's hard, though, to want to bother coming up with an offer after what happened last week. If an offer like last week's was rejected, then why should we think any other offer we make will be acceptable? I know that's not reasonable to think, but when you try something new for the first time, and it gets completely screwed up in a way that stuns even a very experienced person, things seem pointless.
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We only bought one house. However, like many things in life, the deal is not done, until it is done. Once they accept, it is very very likely that everything will go through without a hitch. What happened to you sounds unusual, the realtor even thought so...it is unlikely it will happen again. And maybe, just maybe...there is a better deal out there waiting for you. Enjoy this part of things...it will really be your house and an investment for your future. And....you can stay in place for a loooong time, if you want. :)
ReplyDeleteWe put in a full price offer that was rejected in favor of another just before we found our house. Take heart & keep looking!
ReplyDeleteThen that was not the house God has planned for you, because if He wanted it to be yours, it would have worked out. He must have a different house in mind for your family.
ReplyDeleteBTW, don't be afraid to lowball someone who's been on the market for a long time....and there are a lot of them out there!
Susan, we have been through the house-buying process twice now and are sort of hoping we will only have to do it once more before we die. On our first house, I had some doubts and reservations (there were some features I had hoped for but didn't get) but it turned out to be the best house for us at the time (solid, low-maintenance) and we still look back on it with a lot of fondness and longing. Also, in spite of our ignorance and inexperience in home-buying we ended up with a great price. When we bought our second house I was so excited because we had looked at it in the interview process (it was in the same neighborhood as another staff member of the congregation) but I thought it would have already been sold by the time we decided to accept the job offer and move. But it turned out to still be on the market (at an even lower price) after having several other offers fall through. And after having looked at some other properties in the area that were in our price range but in dire need of repairs this one seemed so far superior for the price . . . but eventually we found out why perhaps it had been on the market so long . . . there were significant problems that perhaps more savvy buyers had seen . . . it turned out to be not as great a deal as we thought and in retrospect we realize several mistakes we made in the buying process that if we had done differently might have prevented us from buying this house. But here we are, and the Lord is providing.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you have my deep sympathy and empathy as you go through this process. Buying a house is just a totalizing time in your life--it is such a big decision with so much at stake--but as God has been at your side through everything you have faced so far, He will continue to be there with you in this as well, and as with all things He can work even the frustrations and setbacks for good. The right house will come along and things will fall into place (and then you can invite us all for a house-warming party!)
:-) God bless your family as you continue the search.
Unfortunately, that's real estate...and there will be other houses. There might even be this house.
ReplyDeleteGod gave you good sense. Use the 'frugality' and practicality gifts that God gave you and keep plugging along.
God will make it happen...just like the job.
Don't give up, it took us 4 tries before we bought our first house. Even when we sold the first time it took a few tries to get the right buyer and for things to actually go through. It is a great time to buy, interest rates and prices are so low, as difficult as it is try not to get discouraged.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating! House buying is such a time-consuming process. I pray you find another home soon that suits your needs and fits the budget!
ReplyDeleteYou've had a lot to deal with lately. It would be nice I'm sure just to relax and let life happen instead of deal with insurance companies, what to do with the wrecked car, and where to live.