Featured, Miscellany

How to Buy a House … in 4-5 Months

November 7, 2011

About 18 months ago, we came close to buying a new house about a half-mile from where we live now. But, after a crazy, seven-day period, that purchase fell apart when we got a much-bigger-than-expected bill from the tax man.

Well … here we go again. Only this time, it’s a done deal. All signed. First check has been written. Plans are being made. It’s gonna happen. But not for several months, actually. All we have now is a piece of vacant land with an amazing view of the western skyline.

new-house

That’s ours. And sometime around the end of February or beginning of March, we should have a very nice, fairly large, four-bedroom house on that piece of earth. Anytime you build from scratch, delays are possible. That’s especially true since this is scheduled to happen over the winter. We’ve been told, for example, that they can’t pour concrete if the temperature dips below 30 degrees.

I’ll have a real office and not have to work in a cramped, former walk-in pantry like I do now. We’ll have a bigger kitchen and laundry room. Bigger bedrooms. More space. Nicer floors. A bigger back patio (with an outdoor fireplace, even).

But do you want to know the main attraction for me? That amazing view. You see that mountain in the distance in the photo above? Here’s that same mountain when the sun is setting.

Western Skyline

Sigh…. I really can’t wait to sit on the patio with that as the backdrop all summer long.

The new place is about two miles northwest of where we live now. I’m sure I’ll be driving over there all winter long to watch the house get built. And no doubt I’ll be posting some updates here, too. Just to give you a preview of what to expect when you come visit.

5 Comments

  • Reply Barry Schwartz November 7, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Congrats, very very exciting!

  • Reply Phil R November 7, 2011 at 8:40 am

    I am guessing you will be filling your gas tank up more due to this. =)

  • Reply Matt November 7, 2011 at 9:06 am

    Thx Barry – we’re both excited. And the kids, too, for that matter.

    Phil – I dunno. I may never want to leave the new house. 🙂

  • Reply Mike Wilton November 7, 2011 at 9:36 am

    First off congrats, but man am I jealous of that view. Gorgeous sunset. I’d be curious to hear your experience in the end in terms of how the build goes, what kind of troubles you run into, etc. I can imagine something like this could get pretty scary at times.

  • Reply Ruud Hein November 7, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Very happy for you and very happy for that view you’ll have. Impressive.

    Any snow there in winter?

    Are you “all on your own” or are there houses close by? Everything is driving only or can you walk to a store etc.?

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