I have spent the last 4 Saturday's going to open houses around
Sydney. I have seen 2 bedroom flats, 1 bedroom flats, dirty old flats,
bright and shiney new flats that are way beyond my budget, flats that
have made me laugh, flats that have made me wonder...flats of all sorts I
guess. I was starting to get frustrated after the last field trip. I
was not finding anything I was keen on. Either it was way beyond my
budget, not upto par, too far of a commute or the place just did not do
anything for me.
Coming into househunting, my brother kept telling
me that I had to decide on a location first. He said once I have
decided, it will be much easier. I was not listening to him. I wanted to
drive around Sydney and see what was available and how much places
cost. Too much and too far was what I found. Sydney happens to be the
21st most expensive city in the world..way more than New York City.
Hence the value of my old place in DC is relatively smaller than places
in Sydney and of course the USD is just getting weaker and weaker
against a strong AUD!
Anyway.
My brother sent me another
listing last Monday. Somehow I missed the open house that they had the
Saturday before. I called the realtor and left a message. He immediately
returned my call which was good. At least he was interested in trying
to sell the property, unlike others out there who come across wanting
you to beg them to sell the property. I told him that I wanted to view
the property but was only available that night after work. I already had
plans for the rest of the week. He was agreeable. He even offered for
me to meet him at his work, which was just around the corner from mine,
so that he can drive me to the property.
So we met and we went to
the property. I knew I was in love. She is not the most perfect unit but
I felt that she was perfect for me. I could honestly imagine myself
cooking in the kitchen (once I did a bit of updating!), hanging out in
the lounge, having brunch in the balcony and sleeping in my to-die-for
bed in the bedroom. There was a bit of work to be done but it was purely
cosmetic.
Otherwise, I knew she was mine if God meant for her to be
mine.
I whispered a little prayer to God.
I had never bought
a property in Sydney so I was not sure of the procedure. I asked the
realtor whether I am suppose to go home and ring him up with an offer
the following day. He of course told me that I can make an offer right
then if I was comfortable which he can bring up to the seller.
I
knew what I wanted to offer. Not what they were asking but what I wanted
to pay. It was a little bit less than what they were anticipating I am
sure but at the same time, I was going beyond my budget. I made an offer
right then and there. I said that if the place is meant for me, then
the sellers will give it to me. If however, they are getting a better
from someone else, I knew that something else would come along.
The realtor said that he will do the best he can and get back to me that evening.
On
my way home, I called two of the most important people in my life, my
mum and my brother. I think that both of them nearly had a heart attack
when I told them that I had made an offer on a place. I guess they felt I
was being impulsive. Did I feel that? Maybe a bit. Did I feel good I
made an offer? Heck YEH!
The realtor did call me back later that
night. They agreed at my price. The husband and wife had to discuss it
but eventually made the decision. I was ecstatic.
I said my little prayer of thanks and started to get really excited.
We
are now in the process of putting the paperwork together to close early
February, just in time for my birthday. My brother has seen the place
and has given his seal of approval, including trying to figure out the
best place for the tele(???). My parents are going to see it for the
first time tomorrow and I am confident that they too will see it for
what its worth.
Purchasing her was definitely a whirlwind romance,
but as I have seen from family and friends, and have experienced first
hand, when it comes to blessings from God, as long as prayers are
involved, you just know when it is right for you.
...and yes, my brother was right. Once you know where you want to live, it becomes much easier.
My new abode is walking distance from work, amongst other things! Yey!
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