House Anxiety

I suppose everyone could compile a list of everything that went wrong when trying to purchase a house. Naturally, we are no exception.

Our agent just called and while the latest fiasco finally is being resolved, yet another hurdle has appeared. Keep in mind, we should be closing in six days. So, I just need to let out some steam (you can find a more interesting blog at this point if you're not prepared to endure the flashbacks of your own house purchasing days).

First problem: How much property is actually being sold - it dropped from 3/4 of an acre to 1/3 upon closer inspection. Just a little off....

Second problem: Where the property lines even are! This one was a dozy, let me tell you. The listing agent promised to flag the corners, but as it turned out, he "couldn't"... so we went to do it ourselves. And we found out why he "couldn't" - a huge chunk is taken over by the dirt road as part of an easement; the fences don't align with the original plotting; and there was a big chance of encroachment by the neighbors. (Luckily this one turned out OK in the end).

Third problem: The furnace doesn't work. Seller agrees to repair or replace.

Fourth problem: The inspection goes awry because the gas wasn't on (the bill wasn't paid), resulting in an incomplete inspection. That left us wondering if anything else was broken...like the stove, the water heater, and everything else attached to the gas. Not cheap stuff either.

Fifth problem: Seller can't find the water rights to the irrigation. Possibly doesn't have them...

Sixth problem: The gas was finally turned on so we went out to test the remaining gas related appliances...just kidding!!! The gas still isn't on... (We had to go out a third time a week later and finally it was on.)

Seventh problem: "Furnace will be fixed next week". I really lost count how many times we heard this saying. Our agent finally told them that was unacceptable (another week and we'd be closing - there were no more weeks!) and took over herself. That was a great phone call. She was so mad! As were we. She had two guys examine it in two days and both said to replace it. (And they couldn't do this in a month's time?!) So, now we have a new furnace. :)

Eighth problem: The original septic permit is missing. It needs to be redug up and examined but due to new regulations, the State has to approve it as well. And they're in the middle of moving to another building and don't care about deadlines.

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So. Now the septic will be done at 1:30 tomorrow we just heard. We have a copy of the water rights (a piece of paper saying the seller paid taxes on it - really not that helpful). The furnace is done. The other appliances are working. The land is smaller than we thought, but still plenty of room for a garden next year. The termites choose to eat someone else's house. The gas actually connects to the house. We're ready to love and care for a slightly worn down home!!!

Ninth problem: This was the latest and most recent hurdle. The appraiser was "on a power kick" when he did his bit and I'm directly quoting our agent on that (she really must be getting sick of us). The lender can't undersign until the things the appraiser listed are cleared up. And get this - it's the nicked up and weatherworn outside trim holding us up now. Not the broken window, or the broken tile in the bathroom which has to be completely redone, or the fire hazard fireplace that's completely corroded and flaking, but a patch of paint. Come on already!!! We're planning on fixing all of that stuff anyways. So, we're back to waiting, anxious for our agent to call and tell us things will be OK.