Some moves you choose and prepare for. And some are handed to you whether you are ready or not.
My last blog post ended shortly before closing on our new home, after weeks of grinding through inspections, negotiations, paperwork, and the weight of my dad’s declining health.
It felt like the hardest part was behind us. But as it turns out, that was only the conclusion of “Act II” in the part-suspense/part-drama/part-comedy that has been our house-hunting and buying saga.
Today, I bring you the plot twists in “Act III.”
The Last Big Hurdle Before Closing
Just when I thought we were finally approaching the finish line, another surprise landed in my inbox. A few days before closing, the lender informed us that the seller’s credit amount cannot exceed the closing costs. The news stopped me cold. Those monies were supposed to offset the costs for repairs required after the inspection report—and those expenses were not insignificant.
We were counting on those funds.
Suddenly, we had a decision to make, and none of the available options—buy down the rate or put money into escrow—were ideal.
Our real estate agent suggested asking the sellers to reduce the credit and adjust the purchase price instead. I felt uneasy pushing for more changes this late in the process, but I trusted her. The timing made my stomach twist. Any change could have triggered a full appraisal, something we had waived and that would have delayed closing. And the sellers were not known for lightning-fast responses.
We had until Monday morning to get everything signed. Going into the weekend with one signature still missing was… tense.
Somehow, it worked out, but I don’t think I fully exhaled until the documents were in.
The Home Warranty Headache I Didn’t See Coming
Because the home has two HVAC systems and a handful of unknowns, we were encouraged to consider a home warranty. We did our research, got multiple quotes, and chose a company that seemed reputable.
We paid for it and were told we’d hear from them soon. “Hear from them” was an understatement. Within minutes, we were flooded with calls and emails from someone demanding more information. Something felt off immediately, so we pulled the plug.
They charged our card anyway.
Cue the calls to corporate, the back-and-forth emails, and the promise that our refund would arrive by check in a few weeks.
My suggestion to anyone reading this is: If the seller does not provide a home warranty, think carefully (maybe twice or three times) before purchasing your own.
Closing Day: The Calm Before the Storm
People warned me that closing day would be stressful, but ironically, it was the easiest part of this entire journey. Papers, signatures, smiles, keys. For a brief moment, it felt peaceful. Manageable. Real.
However, we weren’t prepared for the week that followed.
A Week of Chaos and Coordination
I had everything scheduled with precision:
- Three days of painting
- An overlapping day of paving
- Three full days of carpet installation
- A cleaner, scheduled the day before move-in
It looked perfect on paper. In reality, however, it tested every ounce of mental strength I had left.
The Painter
The painter originally promised to have three workers finish the job before the carpet installation. Only two showed up. That alone pushed the entire timeline back. On day three, they were still on the top floor. Because the job was taking longer than estimated, he tried to charge more—even though he was responsible for under-resourcing it.
We pushed back. He stayed late that evening but still didn’t finish. He promised to return the next night, but didn’t. Instead, he called my husband asking for more money again.
By the time he finally wrapped up, we had eight separate messages from him within 12 hours and an unannounced appearance at the house while the carpet installer was working. I was ready to hand him his check, but I needed to inspect the work first.
We eventually paid him, but the whole experience was far more stressful than it needed to be.
The HVAC Scare
When I arrived at the house on Tuesday morning to meet the carpet installer, the inside felt like a freezer. I checked the thermostat: 48 degrees! I bumped it up to 68. Nothing happened.
The installer noticed immediately. We tried the upstairs unit, too, and experienced the same thing. No heat.
Two HVAC systems. Neither responded.
My husband talked me through troubleshooting over the phone. Nothing helped. The installer explained he couldn’t install carpet in that cold. He even brought a space heater to warm the materials, which bought us a little time but not much.
Then I called Marc, our handyman. Not only did he walk me through things on the phone, but he drove over within the hour and somehow got both systems running again. I was grateful. And exhausted.
Carpet and Cleaning
The carpet installer was professional, patient, and steady, even when he ran into issues involving gas lines and fireplaces he could not legally move. The job took longer than expected, but he never once complained.
Cleaning was another challenge. Our cleaning lady arrived at 4 a.m. the day before move-in and spent three hours in the master bathroom alone. After seven hours, she simply had to stop. There was still a mountain of work left.
My agent found someone else who came that evening and picked up where she left off, returning a few days later to prep Dad’s quarters. Without her, I am not sure how we would have kept things on track.
The Move
Even with all the prep work accomplished, our moving day ran long. Although quick and efficient the entire time, the movers required more time than estimated to complete the job. A separate crew handled the gym equipment. By the time everything was inside, we were spent.
But we made it.
A New Beginning, One Step at a Time
Nathan’s and my part of the move is complete. Dad, who is still sorting through decades of belongings, is next. He’s in no hurry, which is understandable, and he’s considering an auction. His timing will depend on his comfort and his health.
What matters most is that the path ahead is finally clear. We extended the asphalt leading to the house so he can drive straight to his quarters. He has a safe, accessible place waiting for him. And he’ll be closer to doctors, support, and us.
A Moment to Acknowledge the People Who Helped
Through all the stress and nonstop decisions, a few people played a huge role in holding things together through this transition. They deserve some recognition.
- Angela, our real estate agent.
She guided us through every curve in this process with patience, persistence, and a level of calm I am not sure I could have mustered. She navigated difficult conversations, managed tight deadlines, and handled more than a few of my emotional moments along the way. Her steady presence kept us moving forward when everything felt uncertain. - Marc, our handyman.
He showed up without hesitation more than once when we were in over our heads. From troubleshooting the HVAC systems to talking me through other technical difficulties over the phone, Marc was the kind of dependable help you are grateful to have in your corner. - Nathan, my husband.
He rode every twist, turn, delay, and unexpected problem right alongside me. He was the one working late nights, listening when I needed to vent, and reminding me we were doing all of this for a reason. I could not have carried this without him. - My team, friends, family, and neighbors.
They checked in and offered support in all the ways that matter. Their messages, encouragement, pizza nights, and reminders that I was not doing this alone made a bigger impact than they probably know.
Closing This Chapter with Gratitude
This has been one of the most complicated transitions of my life, and we still have a long road ahead with Dad’s move. However, we have weathered the most challenging part.
I’m grateful for our new home and a place where Dad can heal and rest. And I appreciate the people who helped us get here.
Our new chapter, bittersweet for many reasons yet also full of hope, awaits. And we are stepping into it with profound thankfulness.
