God is so Good

I couldn't sleep this morning, I was filled with praise and awe with all God can do in such a small amount of time. We went house hunting in Florence yesterday with our new realtor (you'll see him in the upper corner of the link) who is great! We emailed him our wish list, he did a search, emailed us the search, and using Remax's home finder, we chose our favorites, organized them by stars and comments, and then he chose ones for us to see. It went extremely well, and he was so easy to work with. He had a funeral at 2, and was quiet about the fact that he was the interim pastor for the church and was actually performing the funeral! We felt bad for keeping him, but he was so nice! Because we found a few houses worth making offers, he came back after the funeral and showed us a few more homes. None compared to one, which after the break for the funeral, we were able to pray and be certain of the home. Oh, and call Abbie b/c of the details about the house I didn't like.

This is the link for the house we put an offer in: don't worry about the price: its new construction that has been on the market for 6 months and we hope to use Jeff's strategy and negotiate negotiate, negotiate until they realize its in their best interest to sell us the house. It is more house than we thought we could afford, but it is something we could live our entire lives in, have sick parents live with us, have kids gallore, etc! And the price is right b/c they skimped a little on light and bath fixtures, carpet, and landscaping, all which we can improve over time and have the house appreciate in value. But they did do quite a bit right. Once we develop the pics, I'll post them (I forgot my digital and really didn't think we'd find something the first day, doubting Thomas, I know.)

Here's my tour of the home in case you can't access the link:
Location: desireable neighborhood (no HOA!) in South Florence (we thought we'd like West better, but the houses weren't as nice and were at least $10 more per square foot.)
Curb appeal: nice all brick home, slight orange tint to brick, but Abbie promises to help me pick out a fountain for the center bed and plant roses and ivy. Also I've always wanted a nice tree like the one in the front yard. Since the picture was taken, they have embellished the outside with nicer trim and details around the windows, garage, and entry. I measured the space for a bench on the tiny front porch.
Entry: you enter to the foyer, the living room and dining are open, Kris's study and our master are to the right, the kitchen, breakfast nook, and laundry to the left, and the kids/guest rooms (2) and bath are further to the left. There is a bonus over the garage that is to be storage and craft/sewing/scrapbooking room!
The kitchen is a little small, but easy to clean with black granite countertops and stainless appliances. The breakfast nook is lovely, overlooking Bella's yard and deck. The lots behind us aren't developed yet, and I'm praying Jim will allow Abbie to talk him into moving behind us!!!! We can fence in our yards so together they look like half of Laura's lot, and since Jim is closer to Kingstree, you never know! Also, there is a ravine and woods close by, so maybe: keep praying! I truly believe anything can happen!!
OK, so for what truly sold me on the house: the master bath. It is actually huge and w/c accessible with all the wish list items as well! Shower with seat and seperate w/p tub, room around the commode for w/c transfers, 2 seperate areas for the sinks, and one with a roll under vanity as well! I couldn't have designed it better. Of course, they skimped on the towel rods, but who cares. (Emily, make sure you pick them and the ligt fixtures out yourself)
So we should hear more about our negotiations in a few days, and if it doesn't work out, I'm sure there will be another house that will fit our needs just as well, since we have such a loving provider. Have a blessed Sunday!