Thanks for all your encouraging comments about my plans to purchase a mobile home. I have to say it's a lot more fun going through this process when I have friends like you to cheer me on. What wonderful people you all are!
So, the title of my post today introduces the subject at hand. You'll remember in my last post I told you there were some maintenance issues to work out before the deal was closed. The biggest problem was the roof. My home inspector told me there was quite a bit of damage, probably from hail, and he would recommend the roof be replaced. The seller had already discounted the home considerably, so there was no wiggle room for him to replace at his cost. However, since the damage appeared to be caused by hail, his home insurance would most likely cover it, after the $500 deductible. I was willing to pay the deductible to get a new roof. Because, as you probably know, the foundation and the roof are the two most important features of a home. Well, the insurance company dragged their feet, we extended the contract a week to give them more time, but after a week they wanted more time to get an insurance adjuster out to the site, and I started to feel funny about the whole thing. If I gave them another week, who's to say they wouldn't still need more time. I just started to feel like this home was going to be more trouble than it was worth, so I terminated the contract. My realtor was about to list a newer mobile home in a nearby 55+ park for about the same price. I was intrigued, so he set up an appointment for the next day, and after I saw it I knew God had a whole other plan for me. I mean, this home is so much better in every way than the other one was. And it had a brand new roof and skylights -- just completed the day before. So, I made an offer on this sweet place.
The owners had some cosmetic changes they wanted to make to the interior, but I suggested they forego them so that I could do the work myself in my own style in exchange for a lower selling price. They were happy to oblige, so I ended up getting this home for the same price as the other one. And, the really good news is that the home appraised well.
It's so easy when things aren't going right to question what God is up to. Especially when we've already invested money along the way (home inspection fee, application for the park fee) -- it starts to add up and we wonder why God would allow us to go that far if He really cares about us. But, that's the wrong way to look at it. God is always at work, moving the pieces, getting things lined up. And it's not just about me. There's a seller involved, a realtor, a loan officer, an inspector, and on and on. He's concerned about each one of those individuals, as much as He is about me. So, I don't question His wisdom, nor do I question spending money to get to where I am today. I'm saving money on the lot rent on this second home, on repairs I would have had to make on the other home, not to mention the amount of time it would take to bring the other home up to the standards of this one. Truly, God is wise. And God is good. All. the. time.
Today I spent a little time looking at photos of the cottage in Oregon. It's a darling place, and I'm satisfied with the work I put into it. I could look back with regret at having left it, but here's the thing: it's only a house. Really. It's just a house. I believe strongly that life is so much more than material things, and that possessions don't bring happiness. What matters is relationships. The number one relationship in my life is Jesus Christ. I would not be where I am today if not for His sacrifice. I was a mess before He rescued me. That was way back in 1973, and a lot has happened since then. Some good things. Some not so good things. No matter, though, because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes. Circumstances change, but He never changes. That's why I have confidence that as I continue this journey -- this life changing journey -- He will not let me fail. I may stumble, I may even fall. But He will not let me stay down. He will always lift me up. He will always see me through. I know this from the Bible, and I know this experientially.
Many of you have told me you're praying for me. I can't tell you what that means to me. Prayer is powerful when we're praying to the One who holds everything together. He hears us, He responds to us. He is infinitely interested in each one of us, and He never gets bored with us. Isn't that amazing? I think it is. To think that our Creator is excited to spend time with us? Wow! Thank you, Lord!
My closing date is next Friday, June 5, and I take possession on June 10. Then the fun begins. I've been pinning ideas for updates I want to make on the home. It's pretty dated -- think 90's Hollywood lights in the bathrooms, mauve and blue countertops in the kitchen (and baths). Thankfully, it has descent wood cabinets throughout, and they can be painted. I know how to do that. And countertops? Well, there's a plethora of things that can be done to them, from painting them -- to full replacement.
I'm happy that most of the VOG walls have been redone.
The VOG still remains in the kitchen and bathrooms. So, one of the first things I'll do is remove the battens, smooth them over with drywall compound, and paint over the oh-so-lovely vinyl wall covering.
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| The oh-so-lovely VOG in the kitchen. |
There's a charming little enclosed patio just off the entrance that I can't wait to get my hands on.
The paving needs some work, but picture this with loads of flowers in containers, and some climbing roses or other flowers.
I think just adding pea gravel to the existing pavers would do the trick. Look at the patio "floor" in this photo. It's basically the same pavers as the ones in my home with pea gravel added.
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So, what do you say? Want to join me on this adventure? We'll stop for breaks along the way, drink some iced tea or lemonade, and soak up some Colorado sunshine. It'll be fun.
Hugs,
