June 2009 - OUR NEW HOUSE!

Built - 2002
Location - Provo on a conner lot
Square Footage - 2094
Bedrooms - 4
Bathrooms - 3
Living room - 2
Basement - finished basement with a living room, a bedroom, bathroom, and a laundry room.
Kitchen - 1
Garage - 2 car garage
Backyard - big backyard
Frontyard - good size frontyard









So we had been looking to buy a house for 2 years on and off. We weren't too picky on the location as long as it's in Utah County. Every Saturday we would spend about 4 - 5 hrs house hunting. It was difficult because our whole weekend was spent looking at homes and the process just seemed slow and hard. And, we both wanted different things in the house which made it even more difficult to find one. But we both wanted a house that would fit our budget which was 2K.

Danny - He wanted a basement with a big family room for all his toys (hoping to buy). He also wanted a big backyard. And, he wanted a garage because he hates it when I make him go scrape my windows in the winter. He wanted a master bedroom and a master bathroom, a nice kitchen with appliances.

Vika - Because I grew up in a big family, I wanted lots of bedrooms and bathrooms. At least one living room and the kitchen must be closed. I don't like the open kitchen where you can see my dishes piling up from the living room :). I didn't care for the basement and little backyard for me was fine. But top on my list was a side garage and a fairly new house. I don't like the typical garage where it's on the front of the house where it becomes the focus of the house. And I love having a master bedroom and a master bath. And I didn't really worry if the house comes with kitchen appliances or not. And I would prefer something close around Provo or Orem but wasn't a big deal if it's in Spanish Fork or Springville.

With our lists, we went to job hunting every Saturday. Couple of times we found a house that we liked but it only had some of the things on our list or it had everything on our lists but it was above our budget. It was a tough experience but so worth it because we learned so much. I remembered the day we looked at the house. Initially, Danny loved the house because of the big backyard. I actually liked another house in Orem because it was newer with rocks and stones on the outside but little backyard. We debated and I won so we put an offer in that night on that house but if it doesn't work out we then would put an offer on Danny's house. That night, we kept talking bout the two houses that we like and we both felt like it will work itself out. MOnday, we found out that we are 2nd on the list for the house in Orem. So, we immediately put an offer on the house in Provo (the one that Danny liked).

May 11, 2009 - (10am)We put an offer on the house, the seller didn't like our offer and suggested another amount. Then we put in a counter offer, the seller still didn't like it but suggested another amount. Later on in the evening, we put in a counter offer. I told Tema our agent and Danny that this would be our last offer and if the seller doesn't like it then we are walking out of this.

May 12, 2009 - The seller accepted our offer. We started with the closing documents such as checking credit scores, employment, background, and such.

May 20, 2009 - We got the appraisal done on the house by Kenny Hardy. Fortunate for us the appraisal came in under our offer so the seller was forced to either let us buy the house at that value or find another seller who is willig to pay the difference. The seller contacted us asking if we can pay our own closing cost?

May 24, 2009 - We put another counter offer on the house asking the seller to pay half of our closing cost and settle for the appraisal value. They accepted that offer.

May 29, 2009 - We got our home inspection done today by my friend and co-worker Kris.

June 9, 2009 - We found out from our loan officer that our loan was approved but with some conditions.

June 11, 2009 - We faxed all the requested documents to our loan officer. These documetns were rent history, letter from our insurance showing that we paid on time, letter from Provo Utility showing that we paid our utility on time, copies of all our checks from our banks showing that they went through without bouncing.

June 12, 2009 - We had to do a Field Review. It's basically another appraisal for the bank to prove that the earlier appraisal was legit.

June 15, 2009 - Got word from our loan officer that we are waiting on the underwriter for when we can close.

June 22, 2009 - We went in to our bank and made the check for our closing tomorrow. Trust me, I almost fainted when I saw the amount. We have been working so hard to save for when we buy a home.



June 23, 2009 - We closed on our home and we were so excited. Finally a long process has finally come to an end. But we found out that we can't move into the house until we the bank receives the closing documents and records with the city the next day.~This is us right in front of the title company before we walk in to close.~

June 24, 2009 - We found out that we still can't move into the house because the bank didn't do their jobs. We were so frustrated.

June 25, 2009 - Danny and his friends moved our stuff into the house while I was at work. Big Thanks to Sipa, Jeff, Leki, Wayne, and Ti. Candace, Kaylene, Malik, and I packed almost all night long.

June 26th, 2009 - Danny, Malik, and I finished moving all our stuff in and I spent 6 hrs cleaning our apartment and checking us out.

It was a long tough process. It was emotional and frustrating and the same time. A big thank you to our Agent Tema Hunkin for helping us. We really love our new home. It came with all the kitchen appliances and the garage is on the side and Danny gets to enjoy his big backyard. As we looked back we know everything happened for a reason and we learned and grew from everything we were able to face. We are just so happy to finally settle into a house. All our hardwork, fasting, and prayers have been paid off.