I hope I can look back and laugh at this one day :(

I am so stressed out right now I just need to get this on paper and get it out of my system. Back in May we went under contract with Richmond American Homes in Saratoga Springs Utah. Buying a new home was actually a crazy idea for us, mainly because I am technically self employed as a realtor and therefore need 2 years of taxes filed to attain a home loan. We weren’t planning on buying another home for 2-3 more years. But something pulled me to that community and something about it just felt right (when I say something I mean the spirit). After being told no a couple of times, first that we couldn’t build the home we wanted with the structural features we wanted, but shortly after, a lot came available that did allow those things and we moved forward. Then we were told no when we informed Richmond about our tax situation, only to be called back later and told that it was cleared with managers and they would allow us to get our taxes done first of the year before purchasing. We were excited! We chose the Helena model with a sunroom and reserved lot #28 in the Ironwood community. We paid our $7200 in deposits. We spent 9 hours in total at the design center, and countless hours daydreaming of the completion of the home. Our excitement has been peaked all summer, we have driven down almost every day to see the progress on the home with our kids. We have sat in the unfinished living room and envisioned what our futures would look like there as a family. We have met several of our would-be neighbors and have looked forward to future friendships. I have worked myself to the bone to make sure I have enough income to qualify for the home. We have met with tax planners and have pre-paid taxes so that it wouldn’t affect our ability to purchase the home. We have worked towards improving our credit so that we could get a good rate. We have listed our home to make sure we have a hefty down payment, even though we could buy it without selling too. We have done everything in our power to do our part to make sure that nothing could change the bright future we have dreamed of for over 6 months!

A couple of months ago we were told that the home was being pushed to December for completion instead of the original goal of February/March. The building superintendent Danny informed us that his superior was told to get everything done before the end of the year if possible. This sparked some concern in us, as we were initially told a 10 month build time. I reached out to our agent multiple times to get the reassurance that our agreement or situation would be honored and that we would still be allowed to purchase the home after taxes were done. She did reassure us on several occasions that it “would all work out”, “it will be fine”, and “Your home has been taken off the end of years closings I promise”. Our worries all but disappeared.

Friday I got a call from our Richmond agent. She stated that there were some issues, and things were not communicated to the higher ups about our agreement regarding the tax return situation. They asked that we get preapproved through their lender, for peace of mind. They wanted to see if their lender could close us in December so they can hit their quotas and sell the years inventory, but if not, they at least wanted to be assured we would in fact qualify for the loan come end of January. This was slightly irritating as we thought this had been addressed but we agreed to get it done. The loan officer was very nice. He was surprised that Richmond was making us get approved through him, and ultimately informed our agent that our file looked good and while he could not close us in December, we were solid for loan approval come January.

I spoke with my agent today. It was my understanding Friday that we just needed to get approved to either see if we could close in December or at the very least we would qualify for the loan come end of January. I told her we had fulfilled the requirement and asked if we could move forward. Instead of giving me any reassurance at all, she basically told me she wont know anything until tomorrow when her manager returns from Colorado, at which point they will discuss with the division president and let me know. WHAT?! Instead of saying, oh yes you did what we asked and I’m sure it will work out. She basically told me for over 20 minutes that she has no idea, and that its possible they pull this house out from under us. So I’m stressed, and I’m pissed off, and I’m worried, and I’m preparing for total heartbreak.

 I cant tell you how hard this is for me. This year I have dealt with anxiety and a little depression. When I was at my lowest, or on the verge of an anxiety attack when it was all just too much, I would drive out to the new house and just sit there, dreaming about a beautiful future there with deep rooted memories of get togethers, breakfasts, firsts, lasts, bed time stories, good conversations….all the love! I know this might sound ridiculous because its just a house. But this house became more than that for me this year. It was a safe place, hope for a better future, and my American dream. I will survive if I get bad news tomorrow. But I am praying, and hoping, and trying to keep faith that it will all work out and that we will be able to call 1853 S Centennial Blvd home for many years to come.

Part of me wants to believe it will all work out. If the Lord brings you to it, he will pull you through it. I cant ignore the promptings and personal experiences I have had relating to this home and neighborhood. Maybe I just need to remember that and have faith.

There are much harder things to deal with in this life than a house. I know that. But right now its all I can see.

Maybe I need to learn something from this. I will let you know when I figure it out, and I am sure I will be better for it. Trying to keep a positive attitude. If you have any advice or warm thoughts, I am all ears! And prayers are also very welcome!