Checking In....

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe holiday. I know that I have been MIA, who knew how tiresome it was to complete the moving process. It didn't help that I only was able to take off the day of closing during the actual moving process. So my weekends and evenings were consumed with getting things set up. Oh well, that's life; no complaints, I am glad to be gainfully employed. Things have since calm down and I was able to take a REST day a week later...trust me it was much needed both mentally and physically.

As for the house.. thanks to my brother, brother in-law, and a friend everything was moved in a day. One of my sisters came with them and helped me start unpacking. After they left, my mom came and spent a week with me. Let me tell you that woman had me wore out, but I can't tell you how much help she was. She is definitely the reason has was able to get things done so quickly. I just love and appreciate my family and friends being there for me, rather it was physically or spiritually. I still have some more wall decor to add, as well as curtains, and rugs but all in all this definitely now feels like HOME....MY HOME!

Here are a few pics of the progress...

 The SOLD sign is gone!

Family Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Thank you to everyone for all of your well wishes. It really means a lot to be apart of such and warm and friendly eCommunity. Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day! I will return soon.

I am a HOMEOWNER!!!!!!!!

If feels so good to finally say....I AM A HOMEOWNER!!!!!! Settlement was a breeze, it took less than an hour! I got everything moved in on Saturday. Now for the fun of unpacking.

I got my blinds and ceiling fans installed, and had my refrigerator delivered on Friday. I wanted to get those items completed before we starting moving in my things.

As of yesterday I have DirecTV...now if I can find time to explore and determine how I like them. First impression...I think I am going to love them, as soon as learn the channels.

I just wanted to give an update, I will come back and provide more soon. Thanks everyone for the well wishes! Talk to you soon.

Almost Closing time...

Well, I can't believe it's less than 10 before settlement time. Where has the time gone? This week has been really busy. My final walkthrough was on Tuesday, overall everything went well. There were a few areas that needed to be touched up. My PM was on top of it all, we met on Thursday and everything looked good. Kudos to my PM! He is probably happier than I am that this day has come. :)

I am packed and ready to go! Hoping to get some things moved Friday night. Most of will be done Saturday, hopefully early before the rain starts. Well I am going to attempt to get some shut eye... Not sure how successful I will be.

Thanks everyone for being a sounding board. Because of you, this process was a little less stressful!

I am truly blessed beyond measures! God gets all the glory.

Updates...

Well it has been confirmed that Ryan Home did meet the code requirement with the dishwasher. Since it is not hard wired then a wall switch is not required. So glad to hear that news. My inspector even contacted a county code inspector to confirm.
I have my final walkthrough on Tuesday. OMG where has the time gone? Next Saturday this time, I should be really exhausted.... In MY home!!!!! Thank God for his blessings!
Cable... Well no progress. In fact, I will have phone and Internet through the local phone company. Of course fios is also not an option at this time. For TV, a couple of friends have almost convinced me to give satellite service a try. Maybe I am more afraid of change than I thought.
Well that's the latest, packing is 80% completed. I guess this will be the long five days of my life!

Inspection went well

Friday I had my third party inspection. Overall the inspector was very excited about what Ryan home had done.

Here are the changes he suggested:

Needs Repair
Exterior
1. Gaps noted in the brick siding between the garage and front porch. Gaps need to be sealed.
Gap noted between shingles and vinyl siding at the left side bay window needs to be sealed.
2. Window screen missing for the side den window. Window screen needs to be replaced.
3. Recommend sealing gap over the front entry door.
Front entry door is loose in frame when closed. Recommend adjusting catch plate to allow for proper closure of the front door.

Electrical
4. Recommend placing smoke detectors on the same circuit so they all sound when one is set off.
5. Missing switch cover plate for the attic light needs to be replaced.

Heating
6. Insulation on lineset to furnace in attic needs to extend to wall of unit and be sealed. Standing water noted in the drain pan.
Heating - Fireplace
7. Gas logs were not operating at time of inspection. Gas logs need to be repaired. PM says the lines needed to be bled, they are now working.

Interior
8. Hinges are loose on the swivel kitchen cabinet door beside the stove. Hinges need to be tightened.
9. Damaged drywall noted in the water heater closet needs to be repaired.
10. Window springs are loose and noisy in the rear dining room window. Window needs to be repaired.

Appliances
11. Dishwasher should have a wall switch for use as a disconnect. - PM says the dishwasher is not hardwired and is plugged in the back. So the switch is not required. I'm waiting for the inspector to confirm.

PM says none of the requests are major issues and all should be corrected this week. Except the dishwasher switch. On the cable issue from my previous post, I'm still making phone calls. I hope to have a positive update soon. Fingers crossed.

This can not be happening...

I was trying to be ahead of schedule, so I starting calling my utility companies last week to begin setting up services.  I had my cable/internet/phone scheduled to be moved 2 days after closing. (Sunday activation). Well, I received a call from my cable company today explaining that service is unavailable at my new home at this time. They hope to have that end of my community wired by the end of the year. Of course my sales rep, and PM are blaming the cable company. My frustration is I had my house wired for cable and opted not have any traditional phone wiring. That would have been an optimal time to say hey we aren't sure or we need to make sure cable is an option.

As of now the cable company is saying it could be a minimum of 60 days. Which reminds me, the plan I chose with Guardian requires a home phone... Hmmmm. Not very happy about this!

Stay tuned, still have some more calls to make for this issue.

We are rolling right along....

Got word from my LO, that she was sending everything in for final underwriting on Friday. Praying everything continues to work out without a hitch.

I went by on Friday, my PM was busy going through all of the units doing his thing. So I was able to wander around on my own. We are very close to having everything completed, PM is working now to get all inspections passed. While also going through and touching up any nicks they see.

Here are a few pictures ...I'm so excited.

Door Painted, landscaping done

Hardwood Floors

Gas logs, won't be using them for a while

Wish me luck we keeping the floor shining

Dishwasher

Microwave and Stove, guess I really need to be shopping for a refrigerator now.

Carpet upstairs

Stairway, I have to get mentally prepared to tackle these everyday!

View from the rear

Neighbors (lol)...It seem like its a thousand of them greeting you has you enter/exit the community.

It's getting harder each time to leave, I am so ready to begin moving. In the meantime, it's PACKING, PACKING, PACKING! Did I say how much I hate PACKING? Well, it has to get done, so might as well get to it!

Did someone say mail?

OMG, I don't think I have ever been so excited to see a mailbox. The little things that makes me happy these days.

Well, everything is coming along, all of the sinks, showers/tub, toilets have been installed. Should have carpet and hardwood floors installed by the end of the week. And also should begin landscaping this week.

What do you know, tomorrow begins my 30 day count day to closing. Super excited about that. :) I really do need to get a move on with this packing. One box down a million to go.

Updates

I stopped by today and had my sales rep escort me through the house. (I like her and all, but did she really need to follow me around? oh well)  It's starting to come together really nice, in my opinion that is.

I'm glad my PM suggested I upgrade to wider driveway.

Light fixtures are in.

I am in love with the bay window. (As of now my unit is only one they approved.)

I love all of the cabinets.

I was busy talking with my rep, I neglected to take pictures of upstairs. I just might have to make another trip over. :) I want to go back with my other camera, I had my small point and shoot, so the pics look a little dark.

Electrical  and Guardian work completed, plumbing should be done by end of week. Flooring will be done next week.

As fast as things are moving, I am starting to wonder why my settlement date is not until Aug 12th. I guess there is more to be done than I realize. As of today, I have officially notified my property manager of my intent to vacate by Aug 15th. I guess this is really happening. Anyone want to help me begin packing?

Best news of all, I locked in at 4.375 on Monday, just before the rates started to rise again.

Settlement date scheduled...

Drum roll please....... August 12th is the date! OMG, I'm so excited. It time begin making preparations for the move.

Pre-Settlement Demonstration is scheduled

My pre-settlement demonstration is scheduled for August 9th. I'm still waiting for the closing date. I'm told its usually within 3-5 days. This means its time to begin making preparations, as I mentioned before, I won't be able to take time off from work in August and maybe September. So I'll have to strategically plan my moving.

Next on the agenda, lock in on interest rates. Looks like rates have been constant for the last week. Thinking about making that move soon. My loan officer is sending me daily updates as along as I send an email to request rates.

What did I miss while on vacation?

**Added pictures.

After being away for a week, I was anxious to see what had transpired. First thing I saw were the shingles on the roof.

There were doors galore in the garage.

And boxes of Cabinets galore.

And yes, WALLS! I can no longer look through the frames.

I had one of my friends with me, so here is a shot with me in it.

And a shot from the next street.

A week is a long time....

I am out of town visiting my my family for a week. What was I thinking? Well, I had a wedding to attend on the 11th, my birthday is on the 16th, and Father's day is on the 19th. So I decided to make this week all about family. 

With that being said....that is a long time to go without being able to ride by and see what has changed daily or at least every other day. Needless to say, I cant wait to see the progress when I return Monday morning.

When I left on Saturday, the front was bricked, and the drywall had begun. 

When I return, the drywall should be completed, the roof should be completed, and should have siding. I am sooooo excited!

My PM said he should have my closing date by today, so I sent him an email as he suggested. Waiting to hear from him.

Pre-Drywall Meeting Went Well

Today was the pre-drywall meeting. Everything went well. The items I mentioned in the previous post have been taken care of as well as some additional items the PM found. I was very pleased with the attention to detail my PM is showing.

The workers we busy laying bricks on the front. (pictures to come later).

I guess there had to be one downfall. I still don't have a closing date. My PM said he should have an exact date no later than Thursday of next week. But we are looking at around the first couple of weeks in August. (The month I'm not allowed to take vacation). I'll find a way!
As for rest of the week and next we should have brick,siding, roof, and dry-wall completed. Also, inspections including Energy Star will be done this week.

I'll post pictures tomorrow, I am too tired tonight.

Pre-Drywall Meeting Today

Today is my pry-drywall meeting. I expect to go pretty smoothly, I had my inspector go out on Monday and he was really pleased with the everything. He only had few things that needed to be fixed. 
1.There was a small tear on the wrapping of the insulation.
2. Third wall stud is bowed between the second floor front bedrooms. Stud needs to be replaced to prevent bow in drywall. 
3. Small hole in the sheathing along left side wall in the second floor
4. Roof decking is covered with felt paper but is torn, so it needs to be re-installed  prior to installing shingles.

Ironically, my PM showed up during the inspection and was marking some the of same issues. So hopefully those have been corrected by out 3:30 meeting. 

Pictures

 While I was inside, I took a few pictures....

View from the next street over

Garage

View from front door

Family room

Master Bedroom

PM Update and Meeting w/ Guardian #2

Got a an update from my PM today (after I sent an email)... here is the scoop:

• Windows/Doors being delivered tomorrow and should be installed by Saturday HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical/Guardian Wiring should all be completed by Monday/Tuesday
• Pre-Drywall Inspections next week 
• Pre-Drywall meeting Wednesday @ 3:30.

Things are starting to move quickly.

The Guardian meeting did not take long at all...it sure was HOT in there. The rep was good at offering advice but allowing me to make the final decision. Let's hope I chose the right locations.

Meeting #2 w/ Guardian today

I haven't been by since Sunday, so I am excited to see what progress has been made. I'll let you know after my 5:30 meeting. I'm also nervous...how I am supposed to know exactly where I want my cable/data outlets this soon...decisions decisions.


SN: my PM is officially a slacker, I see that I have to stay on top of him. Holidays doesn't equal no update. He could have at least called the next day. Of course you know, he got a nice little email first thing this morning.

Not much happened...

I rode by Sunday morning, I was disappointed... nothing much changed from Thursday. I'm sure the rain had a little to do with the lack of progress.
With today being a holiday, it will probably be no work done.

Good news, I am meeting Guardian on Wednesday, so there should be alot of work going on over the next couple of days.

Almost Under Roof

I know... I said I was going to wait until Friday to ride by...but since I was out, I decide to take a peek.
Well... we are almost under roof. Considering they just started the framing last Friday and are simultaneously working on 5 units, I think we are doing pretty good.
Of course I have pictures, lol.

 Side view

 Front View

Front view 

The other unit

We had thunderstorms and rain last night and will continue today. So I'm not sure how much if any work will get done today. 

Things are moving fast..

I couldn't resist, I rode by for the 3rd consecutive day... they added the upstairs framing and building wrap. These workers are getting it in.

Let the framing begin...

So I didn't go by for about a week (that won't happen again). To my surprise, on Friday morning, the concrete had been poured and the workers were beginning to put up the frame.

When I returned on Sunday, the first floor had been framed. Can you say EXCITED? lol

So naturally, I had to stop by again today....the first floor has a ceiling. YIPPEE!

And building wrap....

I'd say that's great progress from Friday to Monday. I'm just a little bit excited...OK, very excited!

PM update for Monday, the framing should be completed by early next week if not the end of this week. (Workers will take of for Memorial Day)

Call from PM...

So ....my PM called with an update, he said they will lay underground plumbing and pour concrete this week. And should have the framing up next week. Yeah...let the party begin!

BTW, he did acknowledge that he received my email and that he was planning to begin calling everyone for this building this week. lol

A little progress...I think

Its been a little over two week since I have spoken to my PM. So i sent a friendly reminder via email requesting an update. Hopefully I'll hear from him soon.

In the mean time, I rode by and something has been happening. Good news, the rain my be gone for a week a least. 

Well... there is more than dirt now.

The Bay Window and Fireplace is correct! Yeah!

Meeting w/ Guardian

Had my meeting with Guardian on Monday. It lasted about one and a half hours. I got the surround sound in the family room with ceiling speakers...this was a big item on my WANT list. Also, got the basic security system with an extra key pad upstairs.

Glad that is over!

Is that Dirt?

Yes it is dirt!!! Rode through on Friday and saw that the dirt has been added and leveled. Hopefully things will move quickly from here.

Floors all selected!

I must say, I was kind of dreading this meeting. But once I started looking at the different options I actually enjoyed the experience.

Doorway, Powder Room, and Kitchen floor with Kitchen Counter Top and Cabinets, and Family/Dinning Room Hardwood

Doorway, Powder Room, Kitchen floor up close

Carpet for Stairway and Upstairs (I upgraded carpet and padding)

Almond Tile with white tub/shower

Bathroom floor and Cabinets

Bathroom Cabinet, tub/shower tile, floor, and carpet in hallway