I don’t know about you guys, but I’m missing my friends and the everyday activities of life- big time. I mean, driving anywhere is super exciting these days. Remember when we used to get gas? That was awesome.
I did have the opportunity to reconnect with some people from my past and that’s been really interesting. There are so many differing views about the smartest and safest way to interact right now. Of course, no one wants to contribute to added illnesses or straining the healthcare system, but some are pretty determined to get back to “normal” life. And, I am, too. Not to sound like Veruca Salt, but I want normalcy and I want it now!
But, honestly, I have no idea how I’ll go about it. I’m just treading water like most of us are and I hope that really soon I can see my friends whenever I want to and my boys can hug their classmates and I can get groceries and not have to wipe them down with disinfectant (how much of a pain is that?).
We’ve been going around the table and saying something we’re grateful for every night at dinner and that’s been a fun way to talk about the positives. Sterling is thankful for windows. You know, I guess I never thought about it, but I’m thankful for windows, too.
We also started our Zoom ukulele lessons- Sterling lasted for just under one second, Bridger was super frustrated the whole time (I’m pretty sure he mumbled “This is BS” under his breath, only he didn’t say “BS” he said it for real), and I can now play Yellow Submarine. I’d say, overall, it was a hit.
My Zoom book club was fine, but since I didn’t read the book I didn’t have much to contribute, and it’s because of that that I’ve already started our next book by Dorothy Parker. She’s a stellar satirist and witty as hell and crazy-smart, taking on political leaders and advocating for civil rights before it was popular in the 30s and 40s. I’m eating her up the whole. She can really paint a picture of life during that period. If you’re looking for some good reading, check her out.
Realtorly Advice
Here’s some good news: things are starting to pick up!
Here’s some more good news: interest rates may go below 3% and save our housing market. It’s still a seller’s market and honestly, it’s been pretty busy through all of the nonsense, so if you’re buying now, low-balling is a joke, don’t waste anyone’s time.
We’re still pretty far away from a buyer’s market (houses need to be on the market for at least 6 months just to be an even market).
My advice, if you have some extra cash laying around, buy some real estate now. The interest rates are insanely good.
Week Six of The Home-Buying Process
Now that your offer’s been accepted, you have three moves to make ASAP:
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Drop off or wire your earnest money check. It will go towards your downpayment and/or the cash due at signing.
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Get a homeowner’s insurance policy and keep in mind that bundling may be the best option. If you bought a mountain home, you may have some difficulty finding insurance, but you will find it- it will likely cost more. Be sure the insurance company comes to your home and looks around so you can get a guaranteed rate and there aren’t any surprises. And, know that if your property in the mountains is fire mitigated, you’ll get better pricing.
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Find an inspector and schedule your general inspection. This is optional but I recommend it HIGHLY. They’ll let you know of any problematic issues and be able to suggest other inspections if necessary (structural, plumbing, electrical, etc.). While you’re having your house looked at, test for radon. Remember what happened to me (see blog 1)? Not fun. No one wants their dream house to kill them with cancer, so it’s important to do this. And, test your well, too. You may be in need of a storage tank and you don’t want to find that out the hard way.
So, there you have it. These tasks will get you started on the right foot in your new home.
Next week: the inspection objection (I like saying it because it rhymes, but I hate when it has to be done).
Until then, stay safe, be kind, wear your masks if you go out, and it’s always better with friends, so whether you see them in person or on your device, do it regularly- it can save your sanity.
