We bought our new house today

We were up and at 'em early this morning and, twenty-six loads of washing through the machine and out on the line later, we were surprised to see the Chapman man arrive to put a For Sale sign outside. We raced out to tell him the house was under contract but he went ahead anyway. Jonathan (our real estate man) explained later that's so that they can take names of enquirers in case our sale should fall through.

At about 9am we went out to see a house at Winmalee. It was the house we tried to see last weekend but couldn't because the real estate guy was late and the tenant said we couldn't go in. The house is listed with two agents so we contacted the other one. As we arrived at the door the agent told us the tenant was at home and therefore we weren't allowed to open any cupboards. I baulked at that and went straight back to the car. It feels intrusive enough when the house is empty but it's very inhibiting when they are there. Karen, who was with us, said she would have done the same.
Ian and Jamie had a look and said it was very big so we decided to go back later today when the agents were holding an Open House.

Meanwhile we went back home and checked the real estate websites for houses - yes the link we sent you was a joke - can you imagine ANYONE paying so much money for so much kitch? I predict that one will be on the market for some time. Karen and I were in hoots of laughter over that one.

Then it was out to take the kids to their sport. All three of them had 12:30pm starts!!!

I took Ishbel out to her soccer match where she was playing against the team Jonathan's son is in. We said hello and he mentioned our appointment for 1:45 that afternoon. Good job we met - we were under the impression it was TOMORROW at 1:45 we were seeing him.
Got on the phone (thank goodness for mobiles) to Ian and Karen to let them know of the new time and we all rendez-voused (?) at the house at the right time.

This is the house Jonathan had shown me earlier in the week. Ex Defence and in good condition. We are the only people who have seen it so far. Ian and Karen liked it too but we still had to go back to the other house for Karen and I to look at.

The tenants were still at home - during an Open House - I couldn't believe it! They'd made no attempt to tidy up, a little girl of all of five was watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show movie at full volume, Dad was tinkering about in the garage and Mum was putting wet washing on a drying horse in the family room. I didn't like that at all. And I didn't like the house.

Our choice was easy then and we went back to Springwood to sign the paperwork for Macquarie Road with Jonathan and to put a holding deposit on the Winmalee house.

Macquarie Road was finally put on the Chapman website today. The photographer has done a terrific job - see HERE - and we wonder why we are selling and whose house have WE been living in all this time?

We haven't got any pictures for our next house, it's not been advertised at all yet. As I said we are the first and only people to be taken to see it but here is a Google Earth image and if you put 4 Red Crowned Court, Winmalee, NSW 2777 in the search field in Google Earth you will be able to have a look around. It's very close to Winmalee Primary School, Winmalee Shopping Centre and a 10-15 minute walk for Jamie to Winmalee High School.


As I think I said before, the settlement date is September 8th.