So I did find the place which I wanted to buy. The price was right; the timing right and so comes to the financed part. Well everyone knows that a few years my dog - could have gotten a mortgage; however things are very much different these days.
I am of course self-employed. Sure I earn a decent income; but in order to get a loan; I have to provide more documentation then most. Tax returns from years past; statements from every bank account, stock account; I even had to have an accountant count the pennies in my piggy bank (well almost).
Moreover- being self-employed; I can't just use my gross income as my "salary". No all those lovely deductions for using my car and home as part of my business; get deducted form what I actually make. So in fact; on paper; I make less.
So after all the math I realize; yes I must sell my home before actually closing on the new place. Could I rent it out? Sure - but the ben counter at the bank say I must have more equity in it than I do and put so many restrictions - selling was really the only option.
The seller of the property I want to buy; agrees. But I only have 30 days in which to sell my current place. Possible in this market? Sure.... Maybe...
and so it begins....
Stage 1) De-clutter. I always thought of myself as a fairly neat and clean person. But few homes in normal condition pass the "de-clutter" test, my home was no different. So I box up all those nick-nacks. The shot glasses from the Hardrock Cafes in Europe I visited, the extra DVD's, the fridge magnets, and all the extra crap on my desk.
Boxed away; and off to storage.
Stage 2) De-personalize. Well I can say I failed some of this - I did pack-up the photos of Grandma and Grandpa, and removed some of the photos of friends but I have LOTS of artwork hanging on the walls. LOTS. I SHOULD have removed many of these paintings; but where to put them? There was no place and I already had a storage unit full with stuff. Of course I thought they would look good (of course I did; they are mine).
Stage 3) FIX IT. You know all those little things... New caulk around the tub and shower, that door knob that sticks, the kitchen shelf that is loose and the door the cat scratched up. DONE.
Stage 4) CLEAN. Thank goodness for my Maid company. They did an extra good job and I set them up weekly instead of bi-weekly. Well that should help.
now we are ready to go ON the market...
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