Structural Stuff

The face-to-face meeting with the sellers went very well. They seem to genuinely want to make the necessary repairs. The decision was made to hire an independent third-party structural engineer to officially diagnose the proper repair, and we won't buy the house until that engineer confirms the house is then safe to occupy. We feel as if we can't lose at this point. If the repairs are made, we buy. Otherwise, we don't.

The sellers do have some things going for them. Even though they are up there in years, they have a lot of energy. He's an old hillbilly who most definitely still has his wit, and she is a lovable grandmother-type. And, a big bonus considering the current structural issues, they have a realtor who has done a lot of work rehabbing houses, so they know people. I am as convinced as ever that they did not realize there was a structural problem in the house, and he expressed sincere regret that he discontinued the termite contract years ago.

I'm excited. We love the neighborhood. We think the house is gorgeous on the outside, and has enormous potential on the inside. It has plenty of room to grow into as (hopefully) our family's number increases*. We can kinda/sorta start thinking about remodelling the kitchen and other fun stuff like that, because there is much reason for optimism. We can let ourselves dream a little bit about Tobe playing in the yard. We can start to visualize where the next chapter of our life will be written. Good stuff all around.

*Hopefully our family's number doesn't increase until we are "ready", cause I'm not sure we could handle another little Toby just this minute! He may look cute and charming, and he is, but he is also much. That's right, I said he is much. Just much. Yep.