Hey Y'all,
Welp, the worst thing that can happen to a home seller happened today - just days away from the closing table we learned that our buyer failed to qualify for the loan. Apparently there is a semi-new rule that has to do with tax returns and reaching qualified income level for several years in a row, and in 2011 our buyer claimed an $18,000 loss on an internet start-up, which dropped him well below where he needed to be. Though he pre-qualified and was pre-approved, some of this stuff just doesn't get flushed out until the final underwriting stage, which is why we got this far thinking everything was going to go smoothly. Their agent has been working feverishly all day trying to come up with an alternative either through that lender or another. Apparently there isn't a solution to be found.
So, back to square one we go. The house will be listed again by Friday.
Devastated seems too strong a word, but disappointed is too weak. We realize this is not life or death, of course. We have our health, David has a job, we are not desperate to get Audrey out of a horrible school (yet). BUT, we also had 2/3 of our stuff packed in boxes. We've lost the peak season. And, let's not forget that we're under contract on a home we love and the clock is ticking there. We could lose it if we don't find a buyer soon. Not to mention we have no idea what to do about Audrey's preschool and where to start her now.
On top of all that, we have to get this place ready to show again...and fast. Instead of packing the final things, I spent today hauling boxes to the garage to try and make the place presentable again. Tonight, I rehung pictures in the kitchen in an attempt to add some life and ambiance back. Not at all what I expected to be doing and incredibly frustrating to say the least.
Do we know God has a plan? Yes. Do we trust He wants the best for us? Yes. Do we understand why we've had nothing but smooth sailing and green lights and door after door opened only to have it all fall apart here at the very end? NOT AT ALL. But, one of my favorite quotes by Max Lucado sums it up very well: "God owes no one anything. No reasons. No explanations. Nothing. If He gave them, we couldn't understand them. God is God. He knows what He is doing. When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." - Max Lucado
So tonight, we're trusting His heart. Crying and moping and pitching a holy fit (all three of which I've done quite a bit of today) isn't going to get us anywhere. We're gonna pick up and move on and, hopefully, have a new offer by next week. :)
Thank you for your support and prayers up to this point and we ask that you please continue them. We'll keep you posted.
Love,
David and Heather (and Audrey and Luke)
So there you have it. I've heard all the cliches: "It's all gonna work out", "When God closes one door, He opens a window", etc. Truly, the best thing I've heard from several friends and family is something to the effect of: "Hey, that really sucks. I'm so sorry and I'm praying for you."
The house is on the market again and we have been crazy busy trying to get it show-ready. Now all we need is a qualified buyer to make a great offer within the next two weeks, at most. No problem, right?
Really, we're doing okay today. As I said in the email, moping and crying and pitching fits isn't going to help a thing, so we're moving on. In an effort to focus on the blessings in our life instead of this crazy fiasco, here is a TT list (first one in quite a while!):
1. A visit from my Mom. She's been in Maryland taking care of her parents since the end of June, but came over today. We had a great time and a delicious lunch and it was great to see her.
2. Our realtor. He's a christian guy who has years of experience and it's wonderful to have him in our corner, especially this last week. If you're in our area and in need of an agent, please let me know.
3. The show The Closer. David and I have watched it for years and its series finale is next Monday. We'll miss Chief Deputy Brenda Lee Johnson!
4. Cooler temps. We played outside before AND after dinner tonight. Thank the Lord and hurry up, Fall!
5. Good customer service. In this case, I'm referring to a recent trip to Kohl's where I bought a rug. It rang up the wrong price and when I told the lady, she said, "No problem!" and simply put in the price I told her the sign said. Then, shooting for the moon, I asked if I could use a coupon that expired the day before. Her reply was "Absolutely!" Wow. Now if they would just quit being so pushy about their credit cards, they'd be perfect!
Have a great weekend and keep praying for us, please! We'll keep you posted.
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