Today has been full of frustration and disappointment on the "home front". We began the day by accepting the homeowner's offer and signing papers to 'seal' the contract. Assuming we were under contract, we began looking through the pictures we had taken, measuring out where we planned to place furniture, etc. Shortly thereafter, our realtor called with the bad news; the seller had retracted her offer. We made two additional counter offers, the final one offering the amount she had originally asked for, but she refused and has now withdrawn her home from the market.
We had loved the home and it's location and had easily imagined our family there from the first time we walked through it. So this news was somewhat discouraging. But we had seen several other houses we had also really liked, so we decided to put an offer on our second choice. Moments later we received the call: our second choice was already under contract (after 3 offers!). Not to be discouraged, we moved on to our third....also under contract after 3 offers. Apparently we know a good deal when we see one! Our fourth choice was - you guessed it - under contract. (Interestingly, three of these four had been on the market for several weeks - some even months - before we saw them last weekend! So we hadn't felt much pressure to make any immediate offers, and didn't realize they were such hot properties!)
At this point, I broke down in despair. We had returned home from Maine feeling blessed that we'd been able to view so many great options, all of which were in our price range, and all of which we felt would be great places for our family to live (and we are fairly particular, so this is saying something!) We have really felt impressed that buying a home rather than renting would be a wise investment, as we were able to get an outstanding interest rate, some great prices on homes (cheaper than rent!), and we were hoping to cash in on the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit.
My patient and loving husband held me as I sobbed and, as we stood there in the kitchen in one another's arms, I suddenly realized: Wherever we are together, that is home. If we didn't find the perfect home - or any home at all, for that matter, as long as we have each other, we will be happy wherever we are. We have spent the last several years in old and crowded apartments, but these have been some of the best days of our lives. Our children don't notice the cinderblock walls or the tacky carpet; they remember the time we spend together and love we share. Perhaps we aren't building equity or itemizing deductions....but we are making memories which are more precious and will last far longer than anything money can buy.
(Match Day, March 18th, 2010)
Our search for homes is far from over. We still have several more properties on our list which, though slightly less desirable than our first four, would suit our family just fine for a few years. And I am sure we will be happy wherever we end up. But fortunately, I am learning to let go of the stress and disappointment and, instead, expend my energy on "being together" as a family.
(Post edit: This song has been running through my head since I wrote this. If you aren't familiar with it, click the link below to listen; it's a beautiful song!)
"Home can be a heav’n on earth
When we are filled with love, Bringing happiness and joy, Rich blessings from above— Warmth and kindness, charity, Safety and security— Making home a part of heaven, Where we want to be.
Drawing fam’ly near each week, We’ll keep love burning bright. Serving Him with cheerful hearts, We’ll grow in truth and light. Parents teach and lead the way, Children honor and obey, Reaching for our home in heaven, Where we want to stay.
Praying daily in our home, We’ll feel His love divine; Searching scriptures faithfully, We’ll nourish heart and mind. Singing hymns of thanks, we’ll say, “Father, help us find the way Leading to our home in heaven, Where we long to stay.”
Text: Carolyn Hamilton Klopfer, b. 1936. © 1985 IRI
Music: W. Herbert Klopfer, b. 1936. © 1985 IRI
