New House of Potential

Just what this blog has been missing....a house to renovate. Today we signed the papers to become owners of a house again. It is an old house with potential, but hopefully a little less potential than the last one. Brian posted a picture of it on facebook today and someone commented that it looks a lot like our house in Iowa. And, it kind of does. It definitely has a similar feel inside, which we have been missing since leaving Iowa. When we were looking at houses, we gravitated towards the bungalow style and could not get ourselves to buy a house built after about 1940. This was actually the second house we found. The first was near 30th and Sheridan, so the neighborhood was wonderful. But, the house needed a fair amount of fixing up, starting with adding a shower somewhere. We had signed a purchase agreement, but then Brian's mom called to tell us about this house that she had heard about from someone who regularly visits their church from Lincoln. The people were getting ready to sell so they can retire and move back to North Dakota. They were willing to sell it to us as a for sale by owner without having to fix it up any more to list it with a realtor. So, we think we got a good deal and the sellers were wonderful to work with. Needless to say, the owner of the house near Sheridan wasn't happy about us changing our minds and we did lose some money, but this house cost less and is quite close to Brian's practice and Clara's school.

I am looking forward to having a DISHWASHER!! And, also a separate dining room where all of us can sit and eat around the table! And, an extra toilet to use! And, less commuting around town!

I will miss our current house. After living in it for three years, we've gotten used to its quirks and I've even finally managed to get the awkward kitchen optimized. Living in a small house has been good for us to keep our stuff pared down and I'm going to do my best to keep with that philosophy even in a bigger house. Renting has been nice, too, since you just call the management company and they get the problem fixed. Now we'll be back to relying on the handy husband. =) This house is the only house Clara remembers and she is not too sure about moving, mostly because she thinks we'll leave some of her stuff behind. And, it's the only house Nora's ever known. I'm sure we'll still make the trip up to North Lincoln to check in on the house once in awhile.

Moving is a pain, but my parents are here to help and Brian's parents are coming on Sunday to help with moving the big stuff. And, friends will help then, too. I'm looking forward to settling in and making the house a home that is easily shared with friends. So, come on by for a visit!