We got back late last night from seeing more properties so this is my first chance to update the blog and you.
The 39.05 acre property was huge, way in the boonies, and the house was great. No basement tho. The current owner had recently plowed the whole 39 acres so it would be very ready to start planting. We started to get excited but then... as we drove away, we found out why it had been on the market since August: it's situated right next to the Waste Management, our local garbage service and a huge dump. Then we started finding other reasons: we'd have to fence in the entire 39 acres because there wasn't any fencing on it. There's no barn so we'd have to build that. The garden area they mentioned ... well, we couldn't find it. And, of course, no basement. I was starting to get really upset during the looong drive to the next place, a 2-acre home in a subdivision that allows almost anything. I kept wondering how I was going to tell Hubby that I just don't want to live next to a dump (unbeknownst to me, he was wondering the same thing).
Then we got to the 2 acre property. It's right next door (literally) to a property I had seen 4 times and was getting ready to just give up and offer on. But this house... it's triple the size, with a huge basement, a home-school room, large pantry, a hidey-hole for kids, 2 large master-suites upstairs, 3 full baths and a half-bath, and a wood fireplace. Huge family room in the basement and a pretty large living room upstairs. Large enough kitchen for me to do canning, dehydrating, and make cheese and yogurt. Partially fenced around perimeter, but there's a nice section in the immediate backyard that's fenced (we think they keep their dogs there because there's no grass, has dog poo, and lots of holes dug). There's also a huge workshop, with electricity, somewhat near the house and the 3-car garage. Basically the same price as the house next door.
We walked into this house, and immediately felt at home. Yes, we'll have to build a barn and do some fencing, but for now, we could have the goaties and chickens in the small fenced backyard. The price is manageable, the soil has never grown anything (at least, that's what it looks like) so it must be somewhat fertile. The Kid fell in love with house, probably because of the hidey-hole and the fact that he'd have his own bathroom in his bedroom. It's at the end of a cul-de-sac. 2 acres, well, subtracting the house it's probably 1.5 acres ... that's enough room to grow and raise what we need to, to be self-sufficient. Maybe even enough room for a labyrinth and meditation garden! And after Hubby retires, he can putter around in the huge workshop (as big as the house next to it) for 5, 7, 10 hours a day!
Our agent is gathering more information, then we're taking it to our mortgage broker. We expect to make an offer on it today. Again, keep your fingers crossed!
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The payment would be more affordable but still, a bit higher than our last house. We'd have to make adjustments, and perhaps still find a way to make money from it. I did a little research yesterday morning, and found a lot of people will pay for odd-vegetables, and for pickling cucumbers. I'm gonna grow them for myself, so why not add a few more plants and see if we could make a little extra money by advertising on Craigslist or something similar?! And since I'll be growing loofas for my own use, same thing... only I found a way to incorporate a loofa in an actual bar of soap. Perhaps I could sell those online, in addition to my books. Thinking thinking. Aw, my brain hurts!
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Before we house-hunted yesterday, we had errands to run. Hubby's boss' boss' husband passed away this week, so Hubby picked up a condolence card. He dropped that off for her, and also 2 stockings we'd decorated went to someone else at his company. They do this thing where they provide plain stockings, employees decorate and fill them, return them, then they are distribute them to returning Vets so they can bring gifts to their families (not return empty handed). We did a preschool girl and preschool boy. Hope they are enjoyed! We don't have much, but we have more than others. It's a time for giving!
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Kid didn't have time to finish his Science test yesterday. It was early when we left and dark by the time we got home so I told him he could finish it today, then do his Reading test. His grades aren't as good as I would like, but at least he's passing. We've had so much upheaval this year. Perhaps we'll get this house, get unpacked, get into a routine, and then he will be able to concentrate a little better. Hope hope.
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We painted ceramics last week as the last of our Christmas "shopping". They are supposed to be ready today. Since Hubby's still sleeping (yes, snoring behind me, fun), I'll probably leave in a few to pick them up, while the Kid finishes the first test. Later, we need to go pick up our new glasses (got a call that they are in). Our favorite health food store moved this week from 6 miles away to half a mile so I want to visit there. I also need to make some regular bread and some gluten-free snacks. And Hubby needs to drive to the agent's office (45 min away) to give an earnest-money check and sign paperwork. And the Kid needs to start/finish his Reading test. And we need to finish addressing Christmas cards (Hubby's side of the family - I did mine weeks ago) and get them in the mail. It's gonna be a busy day. All the while, thinking about this property and so intently wanting it.
Have a great Friday!
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