We did it! After what seemed like a million and one signatures, Jon and I are happily homeowners once again! We really couldn't have asked for a better settlement. At their request, we met with the sellers (one daughter and one son of the trust) before we settled and it really was so good to meet them and learn more about the history of the house.
They told us that their father graduated from the Naval Academy (which is just about 10 miles down the road) in 1942, married their mother right after graduation and then was shipped off to the war. Their parents bought the house brand new in 1961 and lived there ever since. Military habits must die hard; there are meticulous notes on every little thing on the house and at least three locks on every outside door! The pride of ownership really does shine through and gives Jon and I peace of mind to know that the house was so well taken care of all these years.
Though I was ecstatic about buying the house, I couldn't help but feel sad for the sellers. They grew up in this house and are now well into their sixties and it was obvious how hard it was for them to let go. I can completely empathize with them because it was so difficult for me to sell our condo after living there for just three years! We exchanged numbers with them and I plan on getting their addresses so that I can send them a little update on their beloved house once we get settled in. Our realtor overheard them saying how nice we are and how happy they are that the house is going to us so that makes me feel a little bit better.
After settlement, we drove back to the house to drop off a load of boxes and Jon surprised me by carrying me over the threshold! It was adorable. We're celebrating our new home by hosting a small New Year's Eve party tomorrow night with some of our local friends. We don't have our t.v. and any furniture moved in yet so we told everyone to think of it as camping and bring their folding chairs and air mattresses! That pretty much guarantees that it's going to be a good night!
