DDA Chapter 16

[tmfranlk]

Well, we've got one more day of presents coming this afternoon. I think that means I need to get myself into the shower and then go get the stuff to make lunch. Nothing too exciting, we're having taco soup, but still yummy!

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

[Tammi67]

Tia, that is awesome news! Phil's parents are VERY generous, to have bought all their childrnen homes. Good luck finding the perfect house!

 

[tink2020]

Tia, that's so exciting!!!!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Today is un decorating day along with laundry, it's my last day off this year. We'll be in Disney on my next one. We are considering this our "Test Trip", if all goes well there will most likely be a few more long weekend trips to The World.

We haven't scheduled un-decorating day yet.
Even though your packing plan is frightening, I hope you have a fabulous time! We want you to come to WDW in August so it is important for your test run to go well.

Elizabeth, I also mailed your pins with the Christmas packages. You should see them sometime soon. I'm making sure to tell you since you have so much fun with your postal deliveries.

Thanks! I will let you know when they get here! How much do I owe you?

Well, we've got one more day of presents coming this afternoon. I think that means I need to get myself into the shower and then go get the stuff to make lunch. Nothing too exciting, we're having taco soup, but still yummy!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Yay for a house! I hope you can find a perfect one!
Have fun today!

Robyn - Enjoy your time out of the house!

I did NOT sleep well. I think I got maybe 4 hours total. I go back to work tomorrow. There is a ton of laundry to do, we have no groceries, I need to run some errands (not that I can do much on Sunday, but there are a couple of things I can do today). DH has a friend in town and he told them we would come over at noon today. I really like these friends but losing the middle of my day is not a great idea. But the last time DH went over there I stayed home, so now he is mad. Great.

 

[tmfranlk]

Tia, that is awesome news! Phil's parents are VERY generous, to have bought all their childrnen homes. Good luck finding the perfect house!

They really are. The offer of a downpayment was made years ago, we just weren't in a position to take them up on it. But this, it just over the top generous. I'm trying to be very careful in my search to make sure we do things right and are responsible with their generosity. Okay, that's didn't make much sense, but I know you know what I mean.

 

[bear74]

And now, for my big news! From all of the info I have it looks to be pretty set so I don't think I can jinx it by telling.

Our best Christmas present of all? Phil's parents are buying us.....A HOUSE!

A house! Any house, anywhere we want to live. Okay, obviously within reason, but we're thinking 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, probably ranch style, hopefully at least a partially finished basement. Based on the timing and everything else, it will be in St. Louis. We'd love to move back east, but the timings just not right for a big move so we're happy with settling ourselves in here for now.

Long story short, in one way or another his parents have paid for most to all of his sister's and brother's houses. His sister's was a few years ago, his brothers was this past year. Now they have decided that it is our turn. With the housing market how it stands now they really want us to move kind of quickly on it. In fact, I think his mom's words were "talk to Tia about it and call me in a few days." So, I've been scouring realtor sites and seeing what's out there. I've also got a friend who is an agent so she's going to help us as well. I'm really happy with some of the choices and prices I am seeing in our area so that is really good news.

Right after New Year's we'll start hitting open houses, touring houses, etc. Terra's got a list of things she would like to have in a house. Me too of course! I'm also scouring Craigslist to keep an eye out for furniture deals. We may be light on furniture and decor for awhile, but I don't care. I just can't believe we'll actually have our own home. It's like a dream as I know we wouldn't be able to afford one on our own for a long time.

Now to hit you guys up for some help! Any suggestions to a first time home buyer of things to look for, ask about, check up on?

Tia,
Wow!!!! I am so excited for you. If you weren't homeschooling I would say schools is one important thing to look at.

 

[Tammi67]

Tia,
Wow!!!! I am so excited for you. If you weren't homeschooling I would say schools is one important thing to look at.

Good point. But even so, it still should be a priority. You never know, homeschooling might fall through and you'll need a good public school.

 

[Steffy]

Jennifer glad you & Kyle stood your ground about your trip!

Hope you all can make a PA DDA meet happen, sounds like fun!

Stephanie if you go to Disney on your Birthday you can get a gift card beings you have an AP

Yes, thanks!. I think going during my birthday is the ticket...

 

[Steffy]

And now, for my big news! From all of the info I have it looks to be pretty set so I don't think I can jinx it by telling.

Our best Christmas present of all? Phil's parents are buying us.....A HOUSE!

A house! Any house, anywhere we want to live. Okay, obviously within reason, but we're thinking 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, probably ranch style, hopefully at least a partially finished basement. Based on the timing and everything else, it will be in St. Louis. We'd love to move back east, but the timings just not right for a big move so we're happy with settling ourselves in here for now.

Long story short, in one way or another his parents have paid for most to all of his sister's and brother's houses. His sister's was a few years ago, his brothers was this past year. Now they have decided that it is our turn. With the housing market how it stands now they really want us to move kind of quickly on it. In fact, I think his mom's words were "talk to Tia about it and call me in a few days." So, I've been scouring realtor sites and seeing what's out there. I've also got a friend who is an agent so she's going to help us as well. I'm really happy with some of the choices and prices I am seeing in our area so that is really good news.

Right after New Year's we'll start hitting open houses, touring houses, etc. Terra's got a list of things she would like to have in a house. Me too of course! I'm also scouring Craigslist to keep an eye out for furniture deals. We may be light on furniture and decor for awhile, but I don't care. I just can't believe we'll actually have our own home. It's like a dream as I know we wouldn't be able to afford one on our own for a long time.

Now to hit you guys up for some help! Any suggestions to a first time home buyer of things to look for, ask about, check up on?

Tia, this is the best news!!!

I have two words of advice. Home Inspection. And not the one the listing realtor suggests. Find one that your friends suggest. And make sure the home inspection includes termite inspection even if it is extra.

 

[bear74]

don't forget yo have it inspected for mold

 

[Steffy]

Tammi, my DD says the Statue of Liberty is open, but you have to make your reservation at least 2 months in advance. She also liked the Big Red Bus tour. It stopped at places like Empire State and also included the ferry to Ellis Island. Just not to the lookout of the Statue of Libery.

My one friend (who has a table at Sardi's) loves the Milford Plaza. It's an old hotel, but it is right at Times Square.

Milford Plaza Specials

 

[Tammi67]

Thanks, Stephanie!

 

[my3princes]

And now, for my big news! From all of the info I have it looks to be pretty set so I don't think I can jinx it by telling.

Our best Christmas present of all? Phil's parents are buying us.....A HOUSE!

A house! Any house, anywhere we want to live. Okay, obviously within reason, but we're thinking 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, probably ranch style, hopefully at least a partially finished basement. Based on the timing and everything else, it will be in St. Louis. We'd love to move back east, but the timings just not right for a big move so we're happy with settling ourselves in here for now.

Long story short, in one way or another his parents have paid for most to all of his sister's and brother's houses. His sister's was a few years ago, his brothers was this past year. Now they have decided that it is our turn. With the housing market how it stands now they really want us to move kind of quickly on it. In fact, I think his mom's words were "talk to Tia about it and call me in a few days." So, I've been scouring realtor sites and seeing what's out there. I've also got a friend who is an agent so she's going to help us as well. I'm really happy with some of the choices and prices I am seeing in our area so that is really good news.

Right after New Year's we'll start hitting open houses, touring houses, etc. Terra's got a list of things she would like to have in a house. Me too of course! I'm also scouring Craigslist to keep an eye out for furniture deals. We may be light on furniture and decor for awhile, but I don't care. I just can't believe we'll actually have our own home. It's like a dream as I know we wouldn't be able to afford one on our own for a long time.

Now to hit you guys up for some help! Any suggestions to a first time home buyer of things to look for, ask about, check up on?

Wow. That's the most amazing generosity I've ever heard (for anyone I actually know) Have fun looking and make sure you know what things are important to you. Having lived in a cape and a ranch I certainly have strong feelings. I really like the open Great room concept. It is so family friendly. You can cook and still be with the rest of the family in the living area. I also like the bedrooms and laundry on the same floor. In our cape the laundry was in the basement and the bureaus were on the second floor. I HATED it. Also look for a large bathroom or at least one that is handicap friendly you never know when you will need to get a wheelchair or walker into the bathroom. We saw my Grandmother struggle with that in her home and my parents will have the same issue as their bathroom is too small. Make sure you have more cupboards than you can ever imagine needing. We designed our kitchen and we don't have even close to enough cupboard space 9 years later. Basements are essential around here. We have a walk out basement and it is so much nicer than bulk heads. Make sure there is heat in all rooms. For some unknown reason our master bath has no radiator. Imagine how cold it gets in the winter. As others suggested have an inspector come in and if you can be there when he does it. So many things could be wrong, sometimes the current homeowners aren't even aware. I would even look for newly built homes. I'm sure there are homes out there that were built just to be sold and you should be able to get amazing deals now, without getting anyones previous problems. I could go on and on, but you've already got a lot to think about. I'm sure Kristine and Bill will have amazing tips as I believe they are both realtors

 

[my3princes]

It's a Miracle...Chris is off his death bed and functioning normally. It was touch and go for awhile

We are working on clearing the Christmas debris. I haven't even thought of undecorating the inside. We are heading outside to work on that since it is 50 degrees today. It will be cooling off starting tomorrow and getting colder each day. I also need to get to the pharmacy as Nick is getting yet another cold sore.

 

[tinker1bell]

Tia,

Have the home checked for termites, mold---here they are high on radon checking too. How old is the roof? storm windows---good ones. On higher ground--hopefully no flooding issues. Good sewage system or how old is the septic system. If you have a well, how fast the water resets itself. How old is the hot water heater? Will they leave the appliances and how new are they?

Is there a rule about how high your grass gets before someone can complain? Will there be a homeowners association?

In our area, we are served by the State Police instead of local police. I consider that a factor in response issues.

Of course, taxes are important.

Make sure the home is inspected by someone well known. Get good names.

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Tia, that is awesome news! How exciting and generous! I couldn't even imaging not having a house payment!

I made Leighanna a countdown poster for our upcoming trip. I used my new Christmas present a Cricut to cut out all the shapes and characters.

Here are a couple of photos from Christmas morning.

And the one toy I told myself that Santa wouldn't bring! Leighanna was quite persistant with Santa on this one, and since she was in the Hospital we got it anyway. At least it was marked half off!

 

[bear74]

Ooh, I'll let you know what we do for that portion of Terra's party if we come up with anything good. I think we're still on the "Playhouse Disney", aka something from every show, idea. I told Terra we'd have to start the planning portion once we got back from CA since I know there will be some creative processes needed to inact her ideas.

I thought she was going to do a chocolate party this year?

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Tia, that is awesome news! Phil's parents are VERY generous, to have bought all their childrnen homes. Good luck finding the perfect house!

Great news Tia!

Im home from meeting wtih a friend and now just relaxing and awtching football...cowboys arent til 4, but its basically "do or die" today for them..if we win, we go to playoffs,,if not, season is over!

I was just talking to my brother and I think we are going to buy a Wii--we figure we will split it and both use it! i may be heading to the store in a few minutes!

 

[yellowfish78]

Congrats Tia! My only suggestion is to have fun looking and don't get too stressed out. Remember you can always paint so ignore colors on the wall. Is there a way to find out what houses have been on the market for a long time? You might even be able to get a better bargain that way too...

 

[PNO4TE]

Just wanted to stop in and say we are home. Well, Kristin and I are home. Bob is on the road again, on his way to PA. While we were in the Orlando Airport last night he got a call from one of his aunts telling him that his Mom was not doing well at all. By the time we got to Baltimore (on the flight from H E L L) she had slipped into a coma. She died this morning at 4:30.

So we drove home from BWI this morning, and repacked things for him. I will follow when we know more about the arrangements. I am hoping Kathrin does not try to come for the funeral. Financially I don't think it is a good idea for her, but additionally it is very difficult to get to Punxsutawney from anywhere. If she flies into Pittsburgh, it would still require a 3 hour drive from there. We have to see if Kristin can have any bereavement leave from work to go with me. If not, I will go alone.

We had a wonderful vacation until last night. I will report more when I have the chance. If there is anything I really need to know about, please PM me since I am not going back to read just yet.

Also, there is a package from Terry here. I assume it is another ornament and will take photos when I get it opened. Thanks muchly, Miss Terry!

I hope everyone is doing well. It is hard to believe I have been gone only a week. It feels like forever! Talk to you all later.