Offer accepted!

We finally came to an agreement on the house yesterday. The owners finally settled for 10K over our asking price and 20K under their original asking price. Compared to other homes in the area, it was way overpriced when we looked at price per square foot. Either way, we got it for less than I thought we could, so we're pretty happy. Our realtor is very agressive so it worked out in our favor. When we purchased our current house with him, he actually ended up making an offer to the sellers for less than we had decided on, but they accepted, so it really worked in our favor.

Anyway, the sellers won't be able to sign the offer until Sunday, so our option period will start Monday. We will have to do all the normal house buying stuff like getting the inspector and appraiser, but we are going to have to really forge ahead on getting some remodel plans in the works.

I am pretty sure everyone thinks we are crazy, including our realtor! But, this idea is just so crazy that it's going to work. The lot is so gorgeous - I will post some pics when I get a chance - that no matter what we will make it work. We want to add up to 1500 sq. ft. or as much as we can afford. In order to figure that out we really need to have some plans made up and some contractors look at them. So, this brings us to our next major hurdle. Finding an architect to draw up some official plans. We have spoken with one who we had mixed feelings about, and so now we are on the hunt for more. We just have to call them and set up some meetings, and I really think this is going to be quite the process. Thankfully they have their portfolios online so we can see right away if we like their style.

We have a meeting this morning with another contractor and his architect so it will be interesting to hear what they have to say. Paul really wants to make sure we are able to put the plans out for bids by contractors, so it may be best to find an architect who is not directly associated with a contractor.

This really is going to be an experience. I told Paul that if we make it through this without getting a divorce that we're in it for the long haul for sure! Just so you know, we both laughed!

I'll keep updating as we progress along!