House Hunting - Part 2

This last weekend was a little better in terms of househunting. I think I've gotten a better grasp of the market after 8 houses on Saturday with the realtor, and 7 on my own (open houses) on Sunday. There are 4 near-in suburbs that look like a match in terms of value and commute time, and 2 others that may stretch the commute some, depending on location, but definitely are good in terms of value.

The original budget of $300K for an 1800-2000 s.f. 3 bed, 2 bath home in move-in condition will not hold. I think now that it's $325K. Not because $300K houses don't exist, but they may need $20K worth of work to make them like either a "move-in" house, or like new construction (which is hard to come by, although I did see one this weekend that was pretty close.)

So, I think we can find something. Now, as to timing, it will depend on the level of interest in the current house once it hits the market and has its first open house (2/12). That will tell us a lot in terms of pace on this end. Still don't know when the "househunting trip" will be, but perhaps the week of March 20? It will also depend on work schedules on both ends. Mine's certainly filling up, and tax season doesn't just stop because of a househunting trip...

Other family news - lots happening with the kids. College boy and his gf called a time out in their relationship. How long a time out remains to be seen. He's learning that these things are complicated. :) You have two parties negotiating for terms. Even if they aren't saying so, they are, between the lines. It's a rare thing when agreement comes easy between two people. When that happens, you want to keep it, make it last. :) So, they took a breather - peacefully - no tantrums. Personally, I don't think it's over. And for them, it's too early to say.

The modern, urban, (mostly) independent girl's life is chaotic as usual. Besides coming home this weekend for a birthday celebration Sunday, she found out this week that got hired on permanently, with benefits (yay!) at her retail job, right after she had a car accident that may have totalled her vehicle (no injuries, thankfully). Not her fault, either, but she's learning how to navigate through the world of rental cars and claim adjusters and reluctant other parties (drivers.) It could have been worse - a lot worse.

And in 2 days, I go home! :) I can hardly wait!