Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Our Brand New House



I saw this house online last week and went to see it with the realtor, without Dave, who didn't feel well enough to tag along. This is a new build and has only been on the market since December. After viewing several other models in this subdivision I knew this one was it.
Then I read the small print.
There is a mandatory $300 a year HOA fee, to which I knew Dave would object.
The lot next door was a small pie shape that may or may not ever have a house built on it. If it did, I didn't think Dave would be happy about that. The empty space is a break from being too close to neighbors, and if you knew how Dave loves his space, you'd agree he wouldn't be happy with a house this close.
And Dave insisted that any new house would have to be impressive and while I was totally impressed, my desires are so different from his, since I am looking for a house I could manage by myself, should that day arrive. This one is small enough that I believe I could.
So as much as I thought this would be the perfect house for me, I didn't think I could entice Dave.
Wrong!
We were going to view a couple of homes yesterday at 1pm but we got to the area early enough for a drive by of this house. We parked, opened the back gate and peered into the windows. He likey!
After walking around the whole perimeter, and gazing though all the windows, he announced,
"I would write an offer on this one!"
Gulp.
So I swiftly grabbed him, got in the car and tore off to the realty office. We had to see one more property, since we had the appointment, but it was totally a blur since I was so focused on his consent over this house.
We did the paper work and submitted a cash offer $7900 less than the list price and today we got the counter, which accepted our offer and let us know we would be leasing or buying the tiny buried propane tank that runs the gas fireplace. We close on January 28th.
Gulp.
I didn't sleep more than two hours last night. Even with the glass of wine I had to calm down.




Here's the entry foyer, no carpet on the stairs, yay!! And the bonus room upstairs is MY NEW STUDIO! It faces west, has BEIGE carpet and walls (the whole house is beige!)  and needs better work lights, but it is all mine. I will have to replace that carpet asap as thread, pins and in the future, painting supplies don't work with it.
There is a large unfinished HVAC room off my studio which has a big space for storage. I have my own thermostatic controls in the studio.




There is a wonderfully large laundry/mud room off the garage and a big walk in pantry off the kitchen.




Gasp. I can't believe the molding on the dining room walls and the crown molding in every room. And I will have granite and stainless steel like all the folks on House Hunters want. I have to buy a new refrigerator soon. O my.


The gas fireplace in the great room is compact and elegant, and there are no sliding glass doors in the place. Hardwood floors and even an electric outlet in the floor. All the rooms have cable hook ups, discreetly placed near the floor outlets. This photo was taken before the fencing was built, and we can't see our neighbors house now that the fence is up.



The Master bedroom ensuite is huge, as is the master closet. I am handing that all to Dave who feels that the master closet is large enough for his bed, and perhaps it is. What a guy. There are two full baths, and as one enters the house the two other bedrooms are to the left, with the second bath between. One of those will be the library/guest room and the other will be my bedroom.

The best part, we think, is that the dogs have a fully fenced yard to run in. The fence is now stained a dark chocolate color, and there is a concrete patio, so easy to maintain.
The back of the house faces South, so flowers will thrive, as well as a few veggies. I will wait and see on the gardening...We do have a built in sprinkler system, garage door openers and did I forget to say I will finally have a dishwasher again?
I am in heaven.
Our country house is about to be listed and the photographers are coming Friday for interior shots. I collected a bunch of exterior shots and posted them here.




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51 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:02 PM

    Here's hoping for a buyer who will appreciate all the hard work you've put into the old house! I moved to a newer house a few years ago and the lack of maintenance is so liberating! More time to fondle fabric and splash with paint! All the best - Merran

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  2. That was fast! Congratulations!

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  3. Anonymous4:13 PM

    Wow.. that was quick! Your new house is beautiful! ---Becky in Indiana

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  4. Wow, Melody. You and Dave move FAST! Where is the new house? It looks terrific for your needs. Congratulations.

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  5. Wow, that was remarkably fast. You knew what you wanted and were able to locate just the right house in such a short amount of time. Glad you will have a dishwasher again; more time for sewing, etc. So happy for you and Dave. I know you will Melody-ize your new home and can't wait to see what you do with it! All the best, bj

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  6. Lol! You crack me up! Has it even been a week since your decision to move? I'm soooo happy for you! The house looks wonderful with every single thing you wanted. Congratulations!

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  7. So happy for you, Dave, and the kids. It looks wonderful. I know you will miss the beauty of your country house, but you will be glad to not have the responsibility for keeping it up. You really grew that place and I hope the new owners appreciate the love, care, and time you invested. Congratulations to you both.

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  8. Anonymous5:58 PM

    So happy for you all! It looks great.

    Joan in Missouri

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  9. Wow, there is no moss gathering on you or Dave Melody! Congrats on this amazing change of lifestyle. May you get the right people to take over your old nest.

    Enjoy picking out colours for the new place. Can't see how you transform it.

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  10. Anonymous7:18 PM

    Wow - can't believe that you have settlement so soon! We relocated to SC from IL and had sold pour house and so had lots of $$$ but they made us wait almost six weeks! Good luck with the move. You're lucky to have beige walls..... We have blood red ones! ;-D

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  11. Looks beautiful! It will be nice to move into something brand new!

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  12. Lovely! Good for you guys!

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  13. Can't wait to see what colors you paint the rooms in the new house--I'm guessing that beige won't last long! All best wishes on your move.

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  14. What a cute house! Another option rather than pulling up your studio carpeting would be to lay down a large scrap sheet of linoleum on top of the spots of carpeting where you'll be sewing and painting. That way you still will have an area with the soft carpet for your relaxing chair if need be. Congratulations! I can't wait to see it as you paint the walls some luscious colors.

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  15. Wonderful! Congratulations and best wishes. Barbara

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  16. Wonderful! Congratulations and best wishes. Barbara

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  17. When it's right, it's right and you just have to ride the wave, even though it may be scary fast. I think you & Dave have made a wonderful decision on a beautiful home. All the best as you embark on a this new adventure. Cherry

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  19. Boy do you guys MOVE once you have made up your mind. I will miss seeing the garden develop each season but can see this new house is just grand. You have the storage and work spaces and the beauty of it all being "new". I am 27 years in this house and am torn between updating and just moving into something new for the next 20 years. Fingers crossed that there is a couple looking for a country house next week!!!

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  20. How wonderful! Congratulations! Your new house looks just like the beauties on House Hunters or the "afters" on Love it or List It. Enjoy! And best of all a fenced in yard for Chumley and Tony!

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  21. That was quick, but I guess if you find the right one...!

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  22. I missed one post and I'm shocked to learn you are moving and have already bought a house. It sounds like a practical move. Low maintenance is so important. Packing is the pits! Best wishes as you go through this.

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  23. Wow, that was fast. Seems it was meant to be. Best of luck to you and Dave in your new home.

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  24. We should be placing bets on how many days the beige lasts!!! I'm so glad it's come together for you so easily. In 37 years of marriage we've moved home 4 times, and never needed to look at more than four houses for each move - we have friends who've looked at a hundred and 37 each time - I swear I do not exaggerate ... well, maybe a teensy bit! Now for a new owner for your place - the first person through the door ought to go for it - and offer $7900 MORE than your asking price! They'll still have a bargain! Good luck with the packing, and may Dave feel better very soon.

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  25. That was so incredibly fast! But it looks wonderful for you. I would be sad to leave all your wonderful plants. Good luck in creating a low-maintenance backyard!

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  26. Yikes, that was fast!!! Looks great, good luck with the sale of your house.

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  27. Wow, that was fast! I think it's beautiful! It seems to have everything. Congrats!

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  28. You remind me of me... once we make up our minds to do something, it gets done! Fingers crossed yours sells quickly to some very lucky family!

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  29. Judith Putnam8:31 AM

    Love the new house. I hope the sale of your country home and the packing and moving all go smoothly. Soon you'll be settled in the new place and creating more beautiful art.

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  30. Congratulations, Melody! That you found such a wonderful house so quickly is amazing to me. I can't wait to see how you transform all that beige into MELODYville. I hope your "old" house sells quickly and that your move has minimal challenges. Best to you, Dave and the pups.

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  31. Yay! It looks wonderful and so perfect for you guys! Love the stone on the outside! I hope I get to see it this spring!

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  32. Anonymous9:40 AM

    A brand new house and grounds--what a delight it will be for you, like a blank canvas to work your magic on! I see future gardenmania blogs as you transform this space.

    Joan in Missouri

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  33. Anonymous9:42 AM

    Wow. Congratulations!! Amazing that not only you found "the house" right away but that you closing so quickly. Best and hoping all runs smoothly.

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  34. What a wonderful house and I'm so glad you are both in agreement. I am hoping for photos as you make it your very own. It's got all the amenities I would want but nothing that is going to take a ton of upkeep. Lovely, and enjoy!

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  35. Anonymous10:49 AM

    Congratulations! The HOA fees of $300 a year is not bad at all. Make sure to read your CCRs and go to a HOA meeting once in awhile. You will find it enlightening and thus, empowering. This move should lighten the load on your shoulders....just think the dogs can just be let out in the back to cavort all they want!

    Beth in Henderson, NV

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  36. You two get things done in an amazingly short time frame! Good luck selling your current home as quickly.

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  37. Congratulations on your new house! It's beautiful, but I can't wait too see how what it looks like after you put your own creative stamp on it! Is it in the Chattanooga area?

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  38. Anonymous11:36 AM

    Wow, the paint must still be tacky on the last improvements of the Palmer house! Congratulations. Now the work will start! You have a lot of stuff to move. vj

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  39. I think you were quicker than we were! We looked at two places, gave up on the useless agent that wasn't working with or for us, I drove past another place, asked about it and got a new agent, made an offer the very same day as we looked at the place and now we are living here!
    Your new place looks lovely, though a bit beige ;-) I am sure that will change. Great space, great yard!

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  40. That was quick! I missed reading posts yesterday and couldn't believe when the one for today and realised you were off!!
    Looks a lovely place and hope you and Dave will be very happy there.

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  41. Anonymous6:18 PM

    Beautiful home. congratulations! I wouldn't mine living in that house. I hope you home sells quickly. I can't wait to see your fixing this house to your liking. Work and fun ahead.. Roberta

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  42. wow wow wow!!! that was fast, how glorious you found such a lovely house that suits both of you!!!!! hurrah!!! fingers crossed you sell your lovely mexican chalet fast :-)

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  43. Anonymous10:04 AM

    Wow- so excited for you!!

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  44. Wow that was fast to find such a gem! I hope you have lots of friends to help you move. The fun part will be watching how you make the beige palace your own. Those walls need some color! Congratulations!

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  45. The beige in the new house will be very short lived. Looking forward to wathching your artistic and gardening adventures develop. Enjoy!!

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  46. Wow, talk about quick I'm stunned. Love your new home, love the layout, the design and what a studio. I could live in that house, it would fit me perfectly. Congrats on such a gem. Can't wait to see the studio set up. That would be a dream come true for me to have a studio that large.

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  47. Wow, talk about quick I'm stunned. Love your new home, love the layout, the design and what a studio. I could live in that house, it would fit me perfectly. Congrats on such a gem. Can't wait to see the studio set up. That would be a dream come true for me to have a studio that large.

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  48. Love your new house - hope you will be very happy there. if I could move to Usa I would happily buy your old house :-)

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  49. Way to start the year, Melody! Congratulations for being owning this wonderful house. Have you moved in already? I’ll look forward to seeing you settled in your new home. Have a great day! =) Calvin @
    CityBlockTeam.com

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