Part 1: In The Doldrums

Part 2: Things Are Looking Up?

Part 3: Our Plan, Currently

Months later... the new new plan!

Aimless No More!!

Thanks to the Bellini.
What's a Bellini, you ask? It's a mixed drink involving peach Schnapps, rum, and champagne. I rarely drink, but when we hang out in Vancouver, we often visit Yaletown Milestone's, who make the best Bellini I've ever had. Nothing compares, in my opinion.

It so happens that on Tuesdays, Milestone's discounts their Bellinis -- "Bellini Tuesday". In late July, I whined to Bruce offhandedly that my birthday was a Bellini Tuesdsay this year (5 August). He said... "let's go," and he was completely serious...

So we took yet another trip up north, this time taking the car. Vancouver was great, as always, but that was beside the point. Part of this trip involved discussing our future and where we'd be moving... which I didn't think would be the easiest of discussions.

On a weekend side-trip to Whistler, we met several people from the Seattle area. We knew we liked the communities just north of Seattle, but we'd given up on anything that close to a city due to pricing. That was the problem with Mass: I felt the need to be closer to a city. I haven't become a rural girl yet.

Big Surprise!
We were pleasantly surprised! People from the towns of Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood and surrounding areas -- 20 minutes from downtown Seattle -- said that we could get a house for $275K! How cool is that! We made a decision to stop by that area on the way back down to CA.

Did It Meet Standards?
The areas look liveable as we remembered from a previous visit. We picked up some local housing information... and the others were right -- you can buy a nice looking house, cheaply! (My guess is that people are wanting to live in the fancy, newly developed McMansions and are moving out of older houses.)

The Big Discovery
The full day we spent in the area, we hit a AAA office to get local maps. The person there said, why not go to the real estate office across the street? We figured we could talk to someone, at least, without committing yet.

We spent a nice time with Bernice Whitney, who listened to our needs and wants, and printed out a list of potential area houses. We picked a handful to visit. There was one house in the list that didn't have anything special about it in the listing, yet Bruce had "sticky fingers" and couldn't throw away the printout.

Bernice kindly showed us to six houses. The first house -- that auspicious one that just had something about it -- was immaculate. End of a cul-de-sac, newly painted, remarkably clean inside. Layout we like, easy access to the freeway but you can't hear cars, perfectly manicured backyard... hopefully soon we'll have a site with pictures. The rest of the houses were fine, but nothing held up to that particular house.

We drove back to the bay area with that house constantly on our minds. We decided... when fate drops something into your lap, take action! So we followed up.

We Took Action.
The first chance we could when we got back -- Monday -- we hit Bruce's bank for mortgage approval. Was a tad nerve-wracking since we mostly live on investment income for now (wish they'd look more at amount of investments than current income...). Meanwhile, we talked more with Bernice, got more info on that one house, including the fact that no one has bid on it yet -- but we don't know why. No apparent problems! And hopefully there aren't any problems, since Bruce is already thinking of where to put our furniture.

Today -- Thursday the 21st -- we got mortgage approval! So... even though we just drove back from Seattle last Fri and Sat, we're leaving Sunday to once again drive up there, for the week. Checking out the house more thoroughly and such. Wish us luck!

Not So Fast...
Don't cry your eyes out yet; we aren't moving right when we buy the house. (Or a house. Need to restrain commitment at this point.) We have a few loose ends here to clean up, and about the time that'll be done, the holidays will come around. The plan is... mid to end of January. After all, we're not paying rent right now (but mentally paying, by sharing a house). On the other hand, we may be traveling between here and Seattle a lot before the end of the year, so local folks, make your dinner dates with us now...

So Why Seattle??
Again, the low cost of houses so close to the city is one of the biggest attractions. Last time I spent much time up there, I complained endlessly about the traffic. But the good thing about this neighborhood -- there are at least two community colleges within 10 miles, as well as several biotech companies -- so I shouldn't have much work commute. It's also close to all of the stores that I'm used to from here... and the number of multi-use trails in the area is amazing!

So that's our current plan. We'll keep everyone posted about whether or not we actually buy this house. It seems quite likely at this point, but I'm trying not to get too attached.

And just think, the trip was inspired by the desire for a Bellini. Which led to our finding the house. Hey, if you're ever in Vancouver, go to Milestone's at Helmcken and Hamilton, and hassle Ryan, Dave, and Chris for us.