It's On Like Donkey Kong!

So, after what felt like a very long process, I am finally able to say that we have been approved for a loan on the Walnut! For those that are curious, the home is built by Shea Homes and is in the Fiddyment Farm development in West Roseville. We had to go through a pre-qualification, which led to some work that needed to be done on our part, that finally led to a loan application and another week of waiting. We didn't want to make any announcements, or really get excited about anything, but last Friday we got word that we had been completely approved. The whole thing took about a month from start to finish. All along I had a feeling that it would be okay, but there was that part of me that just didn't want to get my hopes up. So, as my coworker suggested, I remained cautiously optimistic. It paid off!

I am going to try to visit the homesite every week to take pics of the progress. We went a couple of weekends ago and took some after they had framed the foundation and dug the trenches for piping and whatnot, but then JB lost his phone. My intention is to use snapfish to create a coffee table book of the whole thing once it's done. I am not sure how much longer we have to wait to go in and start selecting options and whatnot. We were able to visit the design center in the beginning to get an idea of what the upgrades would cost and work within our budget. Luckily a lot of stuff comes standard, so we don't have to pay as much for certain things that we want.

It's so funny because once you tell people you are buying a new home, they all want to give you their suggestions and tell you to try to get as much out of the builder as possible for free. Just as much as I am not a salesperson, I am also not a very good negotiator. If I ask once and they say no, I don't push the issue. JB is the same way. But when you tell people this, they just try to give you even more ways to try to get stuff for free. I do appreciate some of the good heads up tips I have been getting from people, and every time someone tells me to ask for something for free, I just go, "Oh yeah, I should ask about that next time we are in there." and move on with the conversation. Luckily I know quite a few people who have been in this situation recently so they have given me good advice as far as picking options and what to ask about.

The home is set to be finished and close escrow by late November/early December. I am hoping it's earlier rather than later for tax purposes. It would be nice to get that tax credit and pay off a student loan. :) I will be posting updates as they come, so stay tuned!