You read that right, I am a homeowner! It was a whirlwind process, but I am so excited and in love with my new house!! I cannot wait to share my journey of making this adorable house my own!
I bought a 1930 Craftsman style house in a historic neighborhood near downtown Raleigh. This house is full of original character and also some weird quirks (like an insanely creepy basement).
My home buying process was not easy to say the least, I ran into quite a few hiccups along the way, but my real estate agent and parents were super supportive and helpful getting me through the process. Here is a timeline of buying this house:
December 18, 2019- This was the first day I saw this house, and it was actually the first house I looked at and was my favorite from the get-go. I wanted to make an offer on it after seeing it, but the seller’s disclosures had some items that made me weary so I decided to see what else was out there.
December 29, 2019- I made an offer on a different house that was completely renovated and move in ready. Luckily, I was outbid on that house and did not get it. It was a cute house, but didn’t have nearly as much charm as the house I ended up with.
January 3, 2020- I went to look at a different house on the same street as my house, and it was awful. My dad was with me at this showing, so we decided to take him down the street to my house to get his opinion on the drainage issue listed in the disclosure. I loved the house even more the second time I saw it. My dad (an engineer) didn’t think the drainage issue was a big deal so I decided to make an offer.
January 4, 2020- I made an official offer on my house!
January 6, 2020- After some back and forth with the seller, my offer was accepted and I was under contract!! My original closing date was set for February 6, 2020.
January 7, 2020- I had my first general inspection, which showed quite a few (not totally unexpected) issues. This prompted us to get some additional inspections.
January 16, 2020 – A general contractor came in to give us some cost estimates on repairs that we could use to negotiate with the seller. During this whole time I was working with my bank on getting my loan.
January 24, 2020- My original lender came back and told us that my loan would not be approved unless the foundation was fixed. This was where the most stressful part of the process started.
January 28, 2020- We went back to the seller and asked for them to make the necessary repair and take some money off of the purchase price to counteract the rest of the repairs I would need to make after closing. He luckily accepted and immediately got to work getting the repair setup.
January 31, 2020- I officially decided to change lenders. At this point we knew closing would be pushed a little because of the repair, and I was so unhappy with my original lender’s response times and customer service that I knew I needed to find someone else. My new lender was amazing and quick and was such a great experience.
February 4, 2020- I tried to transfer the appraisal from the first lender to the second so I wouldn’t have to pay for more than 1. Unfortunately, the appraiser the original lender used was not reputable and could not be accepted by my new lender, so I had to get a second appraisal. Luckily the second appraiser didn’t find any red flags and appraised the house higher than I was buying it for!
February 12, 2020- My loan was approved!!
February 14, 2020- I had my final walk through and closed on my house! It made for a pretty great Valentine’s day!
It was a whirlwind process, but I am so lucky to have found such a great house! I am also amazed that after all of the issues with my original lender, my closing was only delayed a week. I knew I wanted this house from the first time I saw it, and all the delays were probably a blessing in disguise. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with y’all!
Casey says
Congratulations Clare! Such a cute house, I’m sure you’ll make even cuter!
Sissy says
So pretty. Best of luck!