In SEARCH of a home...

After 6 months of fighting buyers for a home in the prized Stevenson Ranch area of LA...we FINALLY were not outbid and got a home. We bid on 6 other homes in the area and were outbid every time due to great deals and severely limited supply of homes on the market. The 7th house (above) we got because the rental tenants occupying it refused to show it to anyone. Therefore, knowing the area and the houses in the neighborhood, we placed a bid, sight unseen. Much to our surprise, the seller accepted our offer, really because it was her only offer. We waited for 4 months (while still making offers) and finally the bank approved the short sale with escrow closing in 20 days. We really scrambled to close in the 20 days, as we would have been fined $100 a day past the 20th day. Needless to say, we are very happy with our purchase and are currently remodeling the insides, as there was mold and damage throughout. Backyard will remain undeveloped until we catch up financially. Megan started Kindergarten this year in a renowned elementary school here. Emma starts preschool 2 days a week in September. Chad gave himself Carpal Tunnel in his hands from painting the house to save a buck. However, he is really enjoying his job building satellites for outer space. Brandy is building a larger than expect practice in Bakersfield where she works 3 - 4 days a month. She is also going to be a professor at Cal State Bakersfield in the fall teaching Domestic Violence in Psychology. She also juggles Room Mom duties and a secretarial board position for the MOMS Club of Stevenson Ranch. We do miss our friends and home in San Diego, but we have great tenants that are taking good care of our house there.