First Post

This is the new blog to document a new adventure in our lives. Today marks the day that we were able to secure a piece of land for the house we want to build. We have driven through this neighborhood a million times over the past 9 years and talked of how fun it would be to live here. Even before kids, I envisioned myself walking my kids to the school in the neighborhood, swimming with the neighbors at the pool, and riding bikes to the grocery store.

I must back track a few weeks to get the blog up to speed on what has been progressing. After returning from vacation in Florida and visiting Seaside for an evening, some questions were answered. We have gone back and forth on where to live in Northwest Arkansas. After being in Seaside, I was reminded how much I love "planned communities". Harber Meadows was where we wanted to be. We decided to move forward with finding out if we really could make this house a reality. We met with the bank and after figuring out some finances and getting educated, we began meeting with builders. Our main objective was to meet a few and get a feel for builder fees. We met with 5 and I think it is safe to say that we have narrowed it down to 2 builders. Honestly, between the two of them, it will come down to price.

The lot we like is one of the few lots left in Harber Meadows. We attached ourselves to this particular one b/c of the closeness to the existing phases and the potential for a nice, big backyard. Since this neighborhood is a "Planned Community", many of the lots leave no room for a yard. I understand their desire for people to get out and play in the common areas, but while I'm fixing dinner, I want my girls to be able to play in our yard. The lot is skinny and deep, so the challenge has been finding a house plan that fits on the lot. We went with our draftsman and friend, Robert Fuchs, to measure and we think it will fit. He will have the plan to us tonight and that question will be answered.

On June 10, 2009, our 9th wedding anniversary, John and I decided to contact our realtor and prepare to make an offer. We knew we were low balling them, but we had to start somewhere. They rejected our first offer. No counter at all. Come to find out the lot was listed for $5,000 more than what we thought it was, so our low ball was more of a low ball than we thought. We came back with another offer. Today, they came to us with their counter offer.

Before I tell the outcome of the counter, I must add the prayers that were cried out during these few days. I have been praying for months about where we should live and where our girls should go to school. I have prayed continuously for a great teacher for Emma this year along with a great friend for her too. When all of these offers were going back and forth, I went to the Lord and prayed more. I prayed that if God wanted Emma to go to this school in Harber Meadows district that the number they counter must be under our "walk away number". If it was above, then we were to walk away for now. I had such a peace about this. Amazing peace that does not come to me by my own flesh. It was God.

Back to the counter offer. We had our "walk away number" in our heads. The number they came back with was $100 less than that number. Is that an answer from God? I think so. We have not accepted the offer, but once we hear from Rob, we will make the decision.

Now, this doesn't mean we are starting to build tomorrow. We MUST sell our house first and with this market, we are not sure how long that will take.

If it all works out, we are hoping to close quickly because this will enable us to try to transfer Emma to Young Elementary for kindergarten. We must have proof of ownership of the lot before we can try to move her.

I'm hoping that this blog with help me remember this adventure and document the milestones along the way. Building a house is something I have dreamed about since I was little. I guess you could say it is in my bones. I know it will be hard, but I also think it is going to be a heck of a lot of fun.