We Have A Closing Date!!!! PR #24

After what seems like an eternity of waiting and delay upon delay in trying to get our construction loan opened...we will be closing on our loan on May 7th!!! The appraisal process really held us up...what is normally a 2-week process stretched out to 8 weeks exactly from the day that we submitted our building estimates to today, when our loan officer called and said he had the letter of commitment in his hands. It seems like the appraiser our bank prefers to use had a serious surgery, then got buried under a sea of refinancing appraisals, and I think put us on the "back-burner" for a bit. Thankfully, our loan officer put some pressure on him to get our paperwork finished, or I don't know where we'd be now...still waiting, I suppose.

I dislike having to be the "squeaky wheel," so situations like these put me in a quandry. Although the waiting was difficult and even maddening, at times, God has been faithful to give us the grace to persevere.

Our well contractor called today to check on our status, and we felt comfortable to give him the go-ahead. This afternoon he moved his rig into place and may even dig the well TOMORROW!!! We'll know early tomorrow morning what his plans are. It's raining right now - don't know if that's a deterrent, or not.

As always,
Stay tuned,
Kris

Time Marches On...

and it seems like our loan process is stuck in quicksand!!! Our brief glimmer of hope resulting from the completion of the appraisal has vanished into thin air as we once again are waiting for "someone"... "somewhere" to get their butt in gear and FINISH OUR PAPERWORK!!!!!!!!!!!

Adding insult to injury is the recent string of beautiful weather we've had...by our estimations we could possibly be in the framing process RIGHT NOW...instead of being...STUCK!!!

To the people sitting in their offices processing the droves of mortgage refinancings while neglecting our loan...PLEASE GET OUR PAPERWORK DONE! Those people who are refinancing already HAVE a home...we DO NOT!

Tomorrow is Monday and if I don't get some satisfaction...all I can say is..."No More Mrs. Nice Gal!"

HEADS ARE GONNA ROLL!!!!!!!!!!

(Just kidding...well, maybe not. Anyway, I feel better now. Can't vouch for tomorrow, though.)

Stay tuned,
Kris

The Appraisal is FINALLY Done!!! PR #23

April 21, 2009...Our loan officer finally called today to let us know he had received our completed appraisal. Although he thought the appraised value was "conservative," it was still right on target and in line with our estimated costs to build. As soon as the settlement company has the paperwork prepared, (he thought sometime today), we should be able to set a closing date, and really start things rolling.

The next thing to be done is to have the well drilled and capped. Then our excavator will return to dig the trenches for the footers. We'll have the foundation and the ground floor walls poured, then framing can begin. Once the house is water-tight, we'll get to work installing the radiant heating system, the electrical, and the plumbing systems. We'll install the fiberglass insulation, then the framers will return to install and finish the drywall. Somewhere in there we also have to arrange for the sewer system installation and the outdoor wood furnace delivery and set-up. Oh...and in amongst it all I think we need some inspections...LOTS of those, I believe. And then we'll paint the walls, stain the doors, paint the trim, lay the flooring, install the trim...and MOVE IN!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Yes...we're crazy.

We know this.

Yes...it's a lot of work.

We know that, too.

We honestly enjoy it and are looking forward to watching the process unfold and doing all we can to make this dream a reality. And, then, RESTING.

For a long...long...time.

Stay tuned,
Kris

The Land It Is A'Changin'

Thought I'd post before and after photos looking up the driveway to illustrate how much work we've done so far. Some clearing has already been done in this photo...we've cleared a path up the hill. (Use the bent tree left of center as your point of reference.)
Before...October 2008:
After...April 5, 2009:
Work has begun on the road and MUCH brush has been cut and burned. We're anxious to see just how much regrowth we have this spring.

Stay tuned,
Kris

And So It Begins...PR#22

Sunday, April 5, 2009...Work begins on the driveway. A very rainy Friday and threatening Saturday postponed work until today...but what a gorgeous day it was! Hard to believe we're to get snow again this week.

At the excavators' suggestion, we are relocating the final approach of the drive. Our original plan would've made our home, well...unapproachable. (Except by sky cables!) Way too steep. Our new route will, by necessity, cut through the triangular stand of trees I had beautiful plans for...alas, now gone. I guess I should know by now not to make any plans.

Maneuvering machinery through some tight spaces.

It takes us hours to fell, cut, and move trees that this nifty machine can push over like dry grass.

We sat and watched the excavators for a few hours...I think the kids were as excited as we were to finally see some progress being made.

Camped out inside the perimeter of the future garage.

Working on the (more approachable) approach to the homesite.

Whew, it's warm today...time for a cold drink!

Our last glimpses up the hill as we leave for the day...the work will continue for a few hours, though.

We decided to leave one tree standing...does it look strange there all by itself? Perhaps I'll plant some other things there around the turn to our home.

Farther down the drive, looking up. It's been widened and smoothed out...awaiting shale.

From the same position as above, only looking down. Already the grade has been improved...still steep, but better.

Looking up from the bottom...in a few days, after 50 loads of shale...we'll be driving up there instead of walking!

Things are starting to get interesting...FINALLY!

Stay tuned,
Kris