I'm looking to develop a prayer team for the sale of our house - anyone interested?

[Sharon in SC]

I've written a letter to friends and family and thought I'd extend the invitation to my cyberfriends as well to join me in *daily* prayer over the sale of our old house. As you know, on 6/2/06 we embarked on a journey that only the Lord fully appreciated at the time. At 4am that morning of the day we had to make a decision whether or not to put an offer on our new house, the Lord woke me up, sent me to the Concordance of my Bible, and took me to Psalms 107. He said, "He calmed the storm with a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed, they were glad when it grew calm and He drew them to their desired haven." It is upon that promise that I have stood for more than a year and a half as we have weathered the storm that only God knew was coming. We have labored intensively turning the new house in that "haven" of rest and prepping the old house for the market.

God has been faithful to guide us, and direct us, counsel us, and watch over us and for that I am most thankful. After Christmas we decided to switch gears from work on the new house to getting the old house ready for the market. Since the summer of 2006, my prayer has been, "Lord, send the right buyer at the right time for the right price." We never imagined we would be carrying both homes for this length of time (but, again, God knew...) and truly need to see this house sold! More recently, I have added an adjunct to my prayer request - in a season where the real estate market is slowed, I have prayed (for more than 6 months now), "Father, may your glory be revealed in the sale of this house." Specifically, I am looking for the Lord to sell this house so expediently that there will be no denying that God, the Creator of the ends of this earth,, is in control! Well, when you couple my initial prayer request (right buyer, etc) with the more recent one (quick enough sell to reveal God's power) - the fact is this house needs to go on the market when the intended buyers are positioned to make the purchase. Plain and simple.

Dh and I feel that it is at least possible that the house will be ready to show by the end of May at the latest. Would any of you consider standing in the gap with us on this in prayer? We need physical, mental, and emotional strength to press on because we're exhausted. We need wisdom to make good decisions regarding what needs to be done to the house and what doesn't. We need the Lord's help to keep our eyes on Him with regards to the financial aspect of all this, trusting Him to cover all the bases. We need the Lord to position the buyers so that they'll be ready when the time is right. In short, we need this house to sell in God's timing that will be perfect for us and the buyers.

Thank you for caring enough to consider this request. It is my desire that all who choose to be a part of this endeavor be blessed by the joy that comes from the opportunity to participate in a prayer event that I believe will reflect God's power and grace. I look forward to hearing from all that decide they'd like to walk this out with us!

[JFS in IL]

Now, we Catholics will tell you to simply bury a small statue of St. Joseph upside-down in the front yard. He does not like being upside-down, and will ensure your house sells fast. In return, after the closing, you do have to dig him up and clean him off and place him on a shelf in your new home. I am not kidding!

[Sharon in SC]

Now, we Catholics will tell you to simply bury a small statue of St. Joseph upside-down in the front yard. He does not like being upside-down, and will ensure your house sells fast. In return, after the closing, you do have to dig him up and clean him off and place him on a shelf in your new home. I am not kidding!

I have heard of this practice but never new *why* - "he doesn't like being upside down....". Thanks for sharing this aspect of your faith with me! :)

[Kari C in SC]

I will pray for you. We both have been on a long house road. My house is rented in Florida. In one month we have had to spend $1800 on various repairs. Our tenants say they are trying to get approved to buy it. I have been praying they can get to that point every single day. I will gladly add a prayer that your right buyer will come to you as well.

[Sharon in SC]

Kari, let's just consider this a joint prayer request, then. As I have yours, you have mine! May the Lord's Kingdom purposes be established in this area of each of our lives....

I will pray for you. We both have been on a long house road. My house is rented in Florida. In one month we have had to spend $1800 on various repairs. Our tenants say they are trying to get approved to buy it. I have been praying they can get to that point every single day. I will gladly add a prayer that your right buyer will come to you as well.

[Tarheel Heather]

As well as ours!! Our value dropped 15,000. The house values went up so fast so quickly in our old neighborhood. They say it is leveling out, and our "village" is going through it's foreclosure cycle :glare:. The 5 yr ARM's are coming do for a lot people. Oh well, we got a new realtor, so we are hoping he can work some miracle!

In the meantime we are trying to fix up our new house, arghh!!

[Sharon in SC]

As well as ours!! Our value dropped 15,000. The house values went up so fast so quickly in our old neighborhood. They say it is leveling out, and our "village" is going through it's foreclosure cycle :glare:. The 5 yr ARM's are coming do for a lot people. Oh well, we got a new realtor, so we are hoping he can work some miracle!

In the meantime we are trying to fix up our new house, arghh!!

Heather, I feel much of your pain. ;-} OK, so this prayer request is currently running for Sharon in SC, Kari in SC, and Tarheel Heather.....I am so very thankful that I know of One Who *is* in the miracle working business!!:hurray:

[Rich with Kids]

Now, we Catholics will tell you to simply bury a small statue of St. Joseph upside-down in the front yard. He does not like being upside-down, and will ensure your house sells fast. In return, after the closing, you do have to dig him up and clean him off and place him on a shelf in your new home. I am not kidding!
I gotta tell ya...St. Joe didn't work for us. It took me two yrs. to sell my house. Maybe it's because I'm Baptist and he was waiting for me to convert. :D

Meant to tell you I'll be praying for you. I know how stressful it is. After dh and I married, we had three house payments!

[Sharon in SC]

Meant to tell you I'll be praying for you. I know how stressful it is. After dh and I married, we had three house payments!

Oh, my. You *can* empathize! Thank you for your willingness to pray over this with us.

[Sharon in SC]

Just a bit of an update on our prayer request and an opportunity for Tarheel Heather, Kari in SC, and any others with a house to sell to do that same.....

Thank you to all who are praying with us over the sale of the old house. Just a quick update to say that we're still on schedule to start showing it by the end of May. There's still much to be done but I feel it remains a reasonable goal. We will be meeting with a real estate agent the start of next week to begin the process of pricing it which is one of the more crucial aspects of a good sale. Please agree with us that we have the wisdom of the Lord in that.

Many thanks as we wait with anticipation and expectation at what the Lord is going to do on each of our behalfs in the sale of our homes as we look for His glory to be revealed in the process of it all!

[Michelle in MO]

We've been in a very similar situation, and I understand completely!

I'll make my post short by encouraging you that your house will sell! And, I will definitely pray for that sale! We carried two mortgages for a while due to a situation that happened about 4 years ago. It was very unpleasant!

Yes, consider me part of your prayer team! :)

[Sharon in SC]

Yes, consider me part of your prayer team! :)

I am blessed by your post! Yes, we've carried two homes most unexpectedly for 19 months and counting. It will be tremendous relief when we are only the owners of ONE home. ;-}

[DIY-DY]

...Psalms 107. He said, "He calmed the storm with a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed, they were glad when it grew calm and He drew them to their desired haven." It is upon that promise that I have stood for more than a year and a half as we have weathered the storm that only God knew was coming. We have labored intensively turning the new house in that "haven" of rest and prepping the old house for the market.[QUOTE]

You've been in my prayers along the way, Sharon,

[QUOTE]Would any of you consider standing in the gap with us on this in prayer?

and I would be honored to kick it up a notch on this end.

[Lisa at Home]

But I'm going to add you to my prayer list now.

I have experienced the Lord's faithfullness in this area, and I have working faith for it.

When the Lord spoke to us to move back home (12 hours away) a few years ago, we were very concerned about the sale of our home. We lived in an ecconomically depressed area with no jobs. People were fleeing to go to larger cities.

But, we knew we were being obedient. Our home sold in less than 90 days, and I believe it was nothing short of a miracle.

You don't need a whole market to sell a house. You need one, just one, only one, buyer. Call it a divine appointment, if you will.

God Bless,

~Lisa

[Sharon in SC]

You don't need a whole market to sell a house. You need one, just one, only one, buyer. Call it a divine appointment, if you will.

God Bless,

~Lisa

I will and I do (call it a divine appointment) and one on which I am counting. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your testimony. It *is* an encouragement to me.

[Sharon in SC]

THank you, DY!

[Diane in CO]

HI Sharon!

I got your post and the link to this thread...I will definitely keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you get ready to put your house on the market.

I do believe God has everything in hand, sometimes its just hard for me to be patient ;)

God bless you through this process!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Just a bit of an update on our prayer request and an opportunity for Tarheel Heather, Kari in SC, and any others with a house to sell to do that same.....

Thank you to all who are praying with us over the sale of the old house. Just a quick update to say that we're still on schedule to start showing it by the end of May.

Many thanks as we wait with anticipation and expectation at what the Lord is going to do for each of us in the sale of our homes as we look for His glory to be revealed in the process of it all!

OK, everyone - it's showtime! (Literally!). :-D The sign went in the yard yesterday (link: http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?sby=2&sdir=1&zp=29212&ml=3&mnp=23&mxp=22&bd=4&bth=5&typ=1&sid=7d95257111b44e35aa900b7cdca4d04d&lid=1099987725&lsn=4&srcnt=16#Photo). I simply can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do on my behalf and on behalf of all others who have a home on the market just now. Thanks again for your prayer support. I'll keep you posted!

[Sharon in SC]

Hi, all. I am taking this moment to give you an update on the prayer request over the selling of the old house. Long story short - it has been shown a grand total of 2 times in two weeks of being on the market. :-) HOWEVER, we are not discouraged. Our real estate agent indicates this is par for the course for the market just now. One house closed last week that had not been shown for weeks, then had one showing followed by a contract and two more waiting in the wings. More than that, though, I want to share what I've experienced in my prayer time over this house....

For two years now, while we've been working at the new house, I've petitioned the Lord over the sale of this home. What I've experienced since the sign went in the yard two weeks ago, though, is this - I no sooner begin to make the request and I sense so fully the Lord saying, "You don't need to ask any longer. The work is done. I want you to begin to thank Me and praise Me for it." So, I've begun to thank Him and praise Him rather than *ask* Him for His glory to be revealed!
:-)

[love2read]

Adding prayers right now.

[Lisa at Home]

And praise, and ask.

God Bless,

~Lisa

[Debbi in Texas]

Is it too late to join the prayer team and to add our house to the list? We have been in Texas almost 13 months, and we really need to sell our house in Arkansas.

Thanks everyone.

[Sharon in SC]

Is it too late to join the prayer team and to add our house to the list? We have been in Texas almost 13 months, and we really need to sell our house in Arkansas.

Thanks everyone.

Absolutely not (too late)! Let's see if we can generate a current roster. It is my understanding that we have these board members with a house on the market:

Sharon in SC
Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home for sale in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Diane in CO
Brigitte
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)

Have I missed anyone?

Ladies, be sure to update us as you are able. Meanwhile, we stand in the gap for one another trusting and believing for God's Kingdom purposes to be established in each real estate need!

[Tarheel Heather]

Hi, all. I am taking this moment to give you an update on the prayer request over the selling of the old house. Long story short - it has been shown a grand total of 2 times in two weeks of being on the market. :-) HOWEVER, we are not discouraged. Our real estate agent indicates this is par for the course for the market just now. One house closed last week that had not been shown for weeks, then had one showing followed by a contract and two more waiting in the wings. More than that, though, I want to share what I've experienced in my prayer time over this house....

For two years now, while we've been working at the new house, I've petitioned the Lord over the sale of this home. What I've experienced since the sign went in the yard two weeks ago, though, is this - I no sooner begin to make the request and I sense so fully the Lord saying, "You don't need to ask any longer. The work is done. I want you to begin to thank Me and praise Me for it." So, I've begun to thank Him and praise Him rather than *ask* Him for His glory to be revealed!
:-)


Thank you Sharon, I needed to hear that as well!

[Sharon in SC]

Thank you, Lisa!

[Brigitte]

Absolutely not (too late)! Let's see if we can generate a current roster. It is my understanding that we have these board members with a house on the market:

Sharon in SC
Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home for sale in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Diane in CO

Have I missed anyone?

Ladies, be sure to update us as you are able. Meanwhile, we stand in the gap for one another trusting and believing for God's Kingdom purposes to be established in each real estate need!

Add me! We have a townhouse that we are trying to sell. We got an offer this weekend, but it was insultingly low and that is not where this market is. We close on the place we are buying on Friday (well we assume we are closing on Friday, nothing is ever really certain).

[Claire in NM]

I know that when your house does sel, it will be according to His timing. I am especially sure of this since the sale of your house is really out of your control.

And that's the great thing about it. We can fix all the minor problems and make our houses look as pretty as possible, and even then, it is out of hands.Pretty neat, if you think about it.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

In the meantime, I will be praying for the sale of your home. Please update us periodically.

Thank you,

Claire in NM

[Sharon in SC]

Gotcha! (List updated)

[Sharon in SC]

Thank you, Claire.

[Sharon in SC]

Weekly update on the sale of the house - it's only been shown 3 times thus far but "no worries, Mate"! :-P (See last update regarding impressions during prayer time). One piece of encouraging news we received this week is that one of the clients who has seen the house, while she is not ready to commit to a house just yet, ranked our home a 9 out of a scale of 0-10 where none of the other 6 homes she saw rated better than a 7. I'll take encouragement anywhere I can get it for now. :-) Just wanted to share.....

[Diane in CO]

Sharon,

Glad to hear that you are getting positive responses on the house. Don't worry too much about the lack of showings....all it takes is God's Will and 1 family ;)

You are in my prayers (as well as the other ladies you mentioned in your post), please keep us posted as to when your showings take place so that I can say an extra prayer on that day.

I am having another showing tomorrow between 10:45am-12:45pm...it will be our 16th showing so far.....lots of traffic on this end, but no bites. Our neighbor who has the roosters (as part of 4H and they will be gone in 2 months, but not soon enough!) has been putting the roosters in the coop during our showings. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as DH starts grad school in another state on 8/15 and we would really like to be with him when he goes!

God Bless!

Diane

[DIY-DY]

Weekly update on the sale of the house - it's only been shown 3 times thus far but "no worries, Mate"! :-P (See last update regarding impressions during prayer time). One piece of encouraging news we received this week is that one of the clients who has seen the house, while she is not ready to commit to a house just yet, ranked our home a 9 out of a scale of 0-10 where none of the other 6 homes she saw rated better than a 7. I'll take encouragement anywhere I can get it for now. :-) Just wanted to share.....

I love and appreciate your updates, Sharon. Thanks! Keep leaning on His guidance, and you guys are going to come out fine. {{hugs}} and prayers,
Dy

[Sharon in SC]

....all it takes is God's Will and 1 family

This is so true. Let's trust and believe that your "one family" presents themselves in plenty of time for your family to relocate *together*!! I'll pray over your showing tomorrow.

Thanks for the encouraging words. Blessings, Sharon

[Sharon in SC]

Thanks, Dy, for your words of blessing. It's good to hear from you, my friend! :-D

[Sharon in SC]

Having a home on the market is like expecting a baby - you know the anticipated event is coming, you just don't know *when*.

[Diane in CO]

Update:

Well we had two showing this evening and one scheduled for tomorrow...please keep us in your prayers that one of these prospective buyers loves the house ;) They ate the cookies I left out....does that count for anything :D I think it would be really interesting to do a study on this....I definitely find that those who are most interested eat the cookies (we get good feedback on these) and those that don't like it at all never eat the cookies.

So, lots of showings on this end (I love my agent...she is wonderful), but no bites so far! We are about 1 1/2 months out before DH leaves for NM....this is our target date for sale....let's see if it actually happens:glare:

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Still praying, here, Diane. thanks for the update. It only takes on person..... :-D

[Kari C in SC]

We have tenants in our Florida house. They are trying to buy it. They have a few credit issues, but have applied for an FHA loan. We are supposed to hear if they are approved on Friday. We would appreciate prayers that their loan is approved for what they need and then we can move forward with a contract. Thanks!

[Kari C in SC]

Update:

Well we had two showing this evening and one scheduled for tomorrow...please keep us in your prayers that one of these prospective buyers loves the house ;) They ate the cookies I left out....does that count for anything :D I think it would be really interesting to do a study on this....I definitely find that those who are most interested eat the cookies (we get good feedback on these) and those that don't like it at all never eat the cookies.

So, lots of showings on this end (I love my agent...she is wonderful), but no bites so far! We are about 1 1/2 months out before DH leaves for NM....this is our target date for sale....let's see if it actually happens:glare:

Diane

Praying here! Eating the cookies means they spent a bit of time looking around. It can be a very good sign.

[Sharon in SC]

We are supposed to hear if they are approved on Friday.

Terrific! Trusing,with you, for the Lord's express will be established in these proceedings!!

[Diane in CO]

We have tenants in our Florida house. They are trying to buy it. They have a few credit issues, but have applied for an FHA loan. We are supposed to hear if they are approved on Friday. We would appreciate prayers that their loan is approved for what they need and then we can move forward with a contract. Thanks!


Praying for you that it all goes smoothly! Please keep us posted :001_smile:

Diane

[Kari C in SC]

Well, my tenants didn't get approved. The loan guy was sort of baffled when the finance company came back saying they had several new collections on their credit report. He said he had one other company to hear from, but he didn't think it sounded good. I am just so down. I still have to tell my dh and I really don't want to. He has been sick all week and I really don't think he wants/needs to hear this on top of that. Ugh! I feel like we have been on this house market thing forever and I just so want it to be done. I keep trying to trust that there is a good reason for all of this and I will find out someday. I just wish it were sooner rather than later. Anyway, thanks for being here to listen.

[Sharon in SC]

I just wish it were sooner rather than later.

I truly do feel. your. pain. We've carried two homes, now (most unexpectedly), for 22 months and counting. Though the last home has only been on the market for less than one month, I am so ready for it to go "bye bye". :ack2:

I meant to ask - is your house still on the market or have y'all just been expecting the renters would be able to one day make purchase?

In any case, let us continue to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for God who promises is faithful! I have a Thomas Kinkade coffee mug that I'm using daily because it has on it this verse: "I wait on the Lord, in His word do I hope."

standing in the gap with you,
sHaron

[Brigitte]

I know where you are coming from too. We had one offer on our place for 76% of asking. Um, no, we are not that desperate! The young woman looked at it 4 times. It turns out she offered what she had been preapproved for. Poor thing, she is never going to find anything that cheap in this area.

The one good thing about our place not selling yet (if there can truly be anything good about it) is that dh can live there while he teaches at the local univ. without having to find a place to stay.

[Diane in CO]

I just got a call from my agent that we received an offer for our house... we are pretty excited. He offered us 180,000 (we paid $185,000 for this house 7 years ago...but unfortunately it was a boom market here then and the previous owners made out like bandits....they bought the house for 127,000 and sold it three years later to us for 185,000:confused:)

We have countered with an offer of 185,000 and they have till tomorrow at 6:00pm to accept/reject/counter. This offer would leave us free and clear (not owing anything and would give us about $3,000 for moving costs....about right now that sounds like heaven)

He wants to close and take possession of the house on July 22, 2008. We have had approx 20 showings on this house (I lost count) and this is the first offer we have had.

Thank you for all of your prayers thus far! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we go through this process!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Oh, Diane, I'm grinning from ear to ear for you!!! (Pic me doing "The Dance" from Evan Almighty!) :party:

For now, I live vicariously through you! :D Do keep us posted as things progress along. I am confident that God's Kingdom purposes *are* being established.

I just got a call from my agent that we received an offer for our house... we are pretty excited. He offered us 180,000 (we paid $185,000 for this house 7 years ago...but unfortunately it was a boom market here then and the previous owners made out like bandits....they bought the house for 127,000 and sold it three years later to us for 185,000:confused:)

We have countered with an offer of 185,000 and they have till tomorrow at 6:00pm to accept/reject/counter. This offer would leave us free and clear (not owing anything and would give us about $3,000 for moving costs....about right now that sounds like heaven)

He wants to close and take possession of the house on July 22, 2008. We have had approx 20 showings on this house (I lost count) and this is the first offer we have had.

Thank you for all of your prayers thus far! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we go through this process!

Diane

[Brigitte]

Yay!!! Keep that vibe coming!

[Kari C in SC]

Our house is not still on the market. We took it off when we signed a lease with the renters. They told us from the start that they wanted to buy it, but had to work on a few things. Turns out they still have work on a few things. I am not sure they will get them cleared up before their lease ends. They have till the end of January 2009. Then I think we will put it back on the market unless the market gets worse. I don't even want to think about that tonight.

[Kari C in SC]

I just got a call from my agent that we received an offer for our house... we are pretty excited. He offered us 180,000 (we paid $185,000 for this house 7 years ago...but unfortunately it was a boom market here then and the previous owners made out like bandits....they bought the house for 127,000 and sold it three years later to us for 185,000:confused:)

We have countered with an offer of 185,000 and they have till tomorrow at 6:00pm to accept/reject/counter. This offer would leave us free and clear (not owing anything and would give us about $3,000 for moving costs....about right now that sounds like heaven)

He wants to close and take possession of the house on July 22, 2008. We have had approx 20 showings on this house (I lost count) and this is the first offer we have had.

Thank you for all of your prayers thus far! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we go through this process!

Diane

:thumbup::party::hurray: WOOHOO! I am so happy for you. You are giving the rest of us hope!

[Sharon in SC]

Gotcha. OK, well then, we just need to pray that sometime between now and the start of '09 that the Lord enables these folks to make the purchase. Meanwhile, we'll be thankful that you have their rent $ coming in.... :-}

[Sharon in SC]

Current roster - It is my understanding that we have these board members with a house on the market:

Have I missed anyone?

Ladies, be sure to update us as you are able. Meanwhile, we stand in the gap for one another trusting and believing for God's Kingdom purposes to be established in each real estate need!

Sharon in SC
Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home for sale in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Diane in CO (offer on the table)
Brigitte
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)

[Diane in CO]

Thank you for all of the prayer and good vibes! I will be having my happy dance tomorrow if they accept our counter offer :D I am continuing to keep everyone on our prayer list in my thoughts as well! We still have a ways to go (the dreaded inspection, confirmation of his financing...worry that financing won't go through :D) but I really feel God's presence in this situation and pray that this continues to go smoothly!

The funny thing about this one is that there was no second showing, I thought that of course their would be a second showing (and a third showing, 4th etc)
but I guess this person wants to buy a house NOW!

Well...I am Cool with that ;)

I will continue to keep everyone posted as to what is going on....this is the first time we have ever sold a house, so I am on pins and needles!

God Bless

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

I will be having my happy dance tomorrow if they accept our counter offer :D

Diane, I have been thinking of y'all today and wondering if your counter was accepted......

[Diane in CO]

Sharon,

Thank you for your thoughts :001_smile: The buyer countered our offer with another offer ($2,500 less) we have accepted, and are officially in the process of selling our house :D

I spoke too soon about the second showing...it appears he wants to do another walk through tomorrow, or as it was explained to my agent a "pre-inspection" of the house :glare: It appears that he is a little "nit-picky" (he has already questioned specifics about lot lines on our property :001_huh:)

I am praying that this week goes smoothly! We have our friend who has worked as a handyman/construction person who will be coming to our house to get a few items taken care of that I can't do myself (DH is in Spain, and won't be home till Friday). We are praying that they don't schedule an inspection prior to Thursday, or else we will get dinged on a few items...nothing major, but stuff that inspector would make note of.

Any showings for your place recently?

Please keep me posted!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Sharon,

we have accepted, and are officially in the process of selling our house :D

Any showings for your place recently?

Please keep me posted!

Diane

:cheers2: I will continue to pray over the proceedings at your place! Meanwhile, we have indication to believe that an offer may be forthcoming on our place. I'll be sure to let you guys know, if indeed, that materializes.

[newbie]

Sharon and Diane,

Congrats and here is hoping everything runs super smooth>

Blessings,
Jet

[Diane in CO]

:cheers2: I will continue to pray over the proceedings at your place! Meanwhile, we have indication to believe that an offer may be forthcoming on our place. I'll be sure to let you guys know, if indeed, that materializes.


Thank you! We need all the prayers we can get :001_smile:

You are in my prayers that the offer does indeed materialize and that you are offered what you are asking and that it is a smooth transaction!

That is so cool that you might have an offer so soon after putting your house on the market....YOU ROCK!:D

[Sharon in SC]

That is so cool that you might have an offer so soon after putting your house on the market....YOU ROCK!:D

Today marks 4 weeks (that we put it on the market). I am thankful that we have a "nibble" at least. :)

[Diane in CO]

Today marks 4 weeks (that we put it on the market). I am thankful that we have a "nibble" at least. :)

Only 4 weeks...and a good possibility for a contract? In this market,that is AWESOME! Wishing you the best!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Well, it turns out the offer was a low ball ($40K less than asking price). :-{ I remain encouraged, nonetheless, that we had any activity at all after 4 short weeks in this market. All it takes is the *right* buyer, yes? :-)

[newbie]

Sharon,

It will happen. Summer isn't over yet.

Jet

[True Blue]

Sharon, did you counter back with a more reasonable price? Sometimes buyers are just getting a feel for the seller's limits. I hope you get a decent offer soon.

[Diane in CO]

Sharon, did you counter back with a more reasonable price? Sometimes buyers are just getting a feel for the seller's limits. I hope you get a decent offer soon.

:iagree: Sometimes they are just trying to "get a steal". If you counter, it helps them to know the exact ball park your are looking at. Let us know how it turns out!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Sharon, did you counter back with a more reasonable price? Sometimes buyers are just getting a feel for the seller's limits. I hope you get a decent offer soon.

We toyed with countering but decided it was more important to us to send the strong message that we're not in this to play games as our time is too valuable. With this understanding, our realtor felt the best way to accomplish that objective would be to respond (through her) to their REA with, "We're just too far apart. Should your client decide he'd like to make an offer more in keeping with what they're asking, they'd be more than happy to take a new offer under consideration." Right now, the gas alone to meet the REA to dicker over a lowball offer is not worth it. :-{

We truck along....

[Diane in CO]

"We're just too far apart. Should your client decide he'd like to make an offer more in keeping with what they're asking, they'd be more than happy to take a new offer under consideration."

Very nicely stated.... a lot better than the $@#* I would have felt like saying ;)

"Keep truckin along" someone will come and offer a reasonable price...it is such a gorgeous house!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Very nicely stated.... a lot better than the $@#* I would have felt like saying ;)

"Keep truckin along" someone will come and offer a reasonable price...it is such a gorgeous house!

Diane

Well, the saga continues! While my REA was on the phone with the lowball offerer's REA yet again today (he was arguing about the 20 yo roof), her phone beeped an incoming call. It was another REA who indicated that he'd shown the house today and the lady wants to write up an offer sometime tonight if they can swing it before one member of the party leaves town for the holiday (otherwise, it will be a couple of days when everyone finishes celebrating the 4th). "But as for me, I will always have HOPE"!!!! :)

[Tarheel Heather]

Sharon,

That is great news!:001_smile:

[Diane in CO]

Well, the saga continues! While my REA was on the phone with the lowball offerer's REA yet again today (he was arguing about the 20 yo roof), her phone beeped an incoming call. It was another REA who indicated that he'd shown the house today and the lady wants to write up an offer sometime tonight if they can swing it before one member of the party leaves town for the holiday (otherwise, it will be a couple of days when everyone finishes celebrating the 4th). "But as for me, I will always have HOPE"!!!! :)


Whoo Hoo! That would be wonderful!!!! Keeping you in my prayers this weekend.

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Whoo Hoo! That would be wonderful!!!! Keeping you in my prayers this weekend.

Diane

Yes, it would. Yes, it would. Nothing came in last night so I assume it will be after the holiday....

[Kari C in SC]

Well, the saga continues! While my REA was on the phone with the lowball offerer's REA yet again today (he was arguing about the 20 yo roof), her phone beeped an incoming call. It was another REA who indicated that he'd shown the house today and the lady wants to write up an offer sometime tonight if they can swing it before one member of the party leaves town for the holiday (otherwise, it will be a couple of days when everyone finishes celebrating the 4th). "But as for me, I will always have HOPE"!!!! :)

That is good news! I am praying for you to hear very soon! Right now, we are on our way to Florida. We spoke with our tenants about letting us help them find the best way to get financed. They seemed very open to this. I am bring a friend of mine with us to meet them. She is a realtor and is going to try to help them find a credit clean up service and then FHA financing. We are still a long way from getting this done, but for right now at least it is a step towards something.

[Diane in CO]

That is good news! I am praying for you to hear very soon! Right now, we are on our way to Florida. We spoke with our tenants about letting us help them find the best way to get financed. They seemed very open to this. I am bring a friend of mine with us to meet them. She is a realtor and is going to try to help them find a credit clean up service and then FHA financing. We are still a long way from getting this done, but for right now at least it is a step towards something.


I will keep you in my prayers that they will be able to get financed! If this does not work out though, have you thought about other possible alternative? (Continue to rent or see if another buyer could get financing?)

Wishing you well in this process!

diane

[newbie]

Yes, it would. Yes, it would. Nothing came in last night so I assume it will be after the holiday....

I cant stand when Holidays mix with real estate. Never fails. I am praying everything works smoothly. I know how difficult this part is.

Jet

[Diane in CO]

Hi Friends!

We received a phone call that the appraiser is coming tomorrow between 10:00am -11:00am MST. Please send prayers our way that the appraisal comes in at the necessary amount (buyer has VA loan and per agent they can be sticklers).

I believe we will be having the inspection on Tuesday but have not heard exactly what time this will take place.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers during the "the most crucial part of the process".

We are working our fannies off over here today (my mom and I)to make sure that everything continues to "shine". So far I've mowed/edged the lawn, did some retouch paint outside and inside, replaced the light in the oven, trimmed the bushes, and will be putting some new contact paper down on the inside of one of our cabinets. ;) DH comes home from Spain tonight so I will be putting him here to work as well in the next day or two :D

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Hi Friends!

We received a phone call that the appraiser is coming tomorrow between 10:00am -11:00am MST. Please send prayers our way that the appraisal comes in at the necessary amount (buyer has VA loan and per agent they can be sticklers).

I believe we will be having the inspection on Tuesday but have not heard exactly what time this will take place.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers during the "the most crucial part of the process".

We are working our fannies off over here today (my mom and I)to make sure that everything continues to "shine". So far I've mowed/edged the lawn, did some retouch paint outside and inside, replaced the light in the oven, trimmed the bushes, and will be putting some new contact paper down on the inside of one of our cabinets. ;) DH comes home from Spain tonight so I will be putting him here to work as well in the next day or two :D

Diane

We trust that everything is under the fingerprint of God, Diane!

[Diane in CO]

We trust that everything is under the fingerprint of God, Diane!

Thank you! I believe this as well...although its difficult for me to just relax right now and let all of this stuff take place. I feel like I should be doing something ....must be the leftover reaction to getting the house ready for a showing so many times :D

Our appraisal has been officially scheduled for this Wednesday from 12pm-3pm...I believe this is the last official hoop we have to jump through (although I haven't heard anything back re the appraiser...so there may be additional stuff from that we will have to deal with )

I know it is still early the day after a holiday weekend, however I wanted to check-in and see if you have received an offer yet? Please keep us posted!

Keeping you in my prayers that it is a good offer!

Diane

[HeatherH]

Praying for you both, ladies. I'm calling back yesterday's showing - they spent 1.5 hours here, I"m interested as to what they say -

[Kari C in SC]

Praying for you both, ladies. I'm calling back yesterday's showing - they spent 1.5 hours here, I"m interested as to what they say -

I hope that is a good sign! They HAD to be doing something in there for an 1.5 hours. Hopefully, they were measuring and planning where to put their furniture.

[Diane in CO]

Praying for you both, ladies. I'm calling back yesterday's showing - they spent 1.5 hours here, I"m interested as to what they say -

Whoo Hoo! That is a VERY good sign! Praying for an offer for you!

Diane

[HeatherH]

I called their realtor - she said they're crunching numbers, away on vacation for two days, since they need to do updates, and should bring an offer in a day or two - it most certainly WON'T be for our asking price. . . .

I'm now TOTALLY freaked out about a low offer - but hey! After last week's "let-me-offer-you-90K-less" offer, can it GET worse???

Pray for my PEACE while I wait, ladies - dh is in Chattanooga, which is probably a GOOD thing, since he won't have to put up with me :D

[Diane in CO]

[quote=HeatherH;354588
Pray for my PEACE while I wait, ladies - dh is in Chattanooga, which is probably a GOOD thing, since he won't have to put up with me :D[/quote]

Prayers coming your way.....waiting is the hardest part of the process!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Our appraisal has been officially scheduled for this Wednesday from 12pm-3pm...I believe this is the last official hoop we have to jump through (although I haven't heard anything back re the appraiser...so there may be additional stuff from that we will have to deal with )

I know it is still early the day after a holiday weekend, however I wanted to check-in and see if you have received an offer yet? Please keep us posted!

Keeping you in my prayers that it is a good offer!

Diane

Thank you, Diane for your prayers as you have had mine. I was just thinking of you this evening and trusting this hoop jumping time for you is running smoothly! ;-)

[Sharon in SC]

Pray for my PEACE while I wait, ladies - dh is in Chattanooga, which is probably a GOOD thing, since he won't have to put up with me :D

One verse I have stood on constantly through all of this is - "I wait on the *Lord*; in *His* Word do I hope." I pray you are able to rest in His promises, trusting that His Kingdom purposes *are* being established in your life right now!

[Sharon in SC]

Fun update. (Diane, thanks for checking in today asking for this!) Remember when I said we would, together, watch the glory of the Lord revealed in the selling of our homes. I am very excited to hear of all the activity going on and believe we're seeing it unfold. (For those ladies who have yet to see increased activity, know that you are not forgotten. I am convinced, as we place our trust in Him, His kingdom purposes *are* being established in *every* set of circumstances!!!!).

Here is my personal update - as of this evening we have reason to believe that it is very possible we have two parties working on writing up an offer.

Party #1 is the folks I mentioned who had seen the house the day before the 4th. They'd hoped to have an offer to present prior to the holiday but the REA was leaving town and they were unable to pull it together. Their REA told our REA today that they called her upset declaring, "We're afraid that house is going to move before we can get our offer in!" Didn't hear anything by this evening, though.....

Party #2 - my neighbor called me this afternoon to say that the house was a happening place to be today. She noticed an REA there with a white haired gentleman and that they were there a good length of time. (We know, through our REA that they were there at least 45 mins or so). The REA showing the house later called ours to say that this gentleman has declared (about the house), "This is the one." He just wants his sister to see it to give him her opinion of it. My REA, at that point, let them know that there is another offer that has been a few days in coming and for him to work up his offer ASAP to get the ball rolling. (Incidentally, after this gentleman left, another lady came by, took a flyer out of the box, and then proceeded to walk around the house peeking in all the windows.....)

Finally, remember the "low ball" fella of last week (offered $40K less than our asking) who, as late as last Thurs had his REA on the phone still trying to convince her that his offer was a reasonable one? Well, he was back out at the house on Saturday!

Tonight my prayer is that Lord's power reigns in the hearts and minds of everyone involved in this journey.....

Thank you for your prayers. As always, you've have mine. We'll be in touch! :-)

[Diane in CO]

Sharon,

I am over here grinning ear to ear, LOL. Wow lady, you must have some pretty powerful prayers going on over there:D

So glad to hear of the possible multiple offers, please keep us posted! I, for one, am on the edge of my seat!

Diane

[Kari C in SC]

Sharon,

I am so excited to hear all of this news. We drove 8 hours from Florida to South Carolina today. Several times throughout my drive, my mind wandered to thinking and praying for all of us trying to sell. I just got in the door, put my little one in bed and came to check in and see if there was news!

I don't have exciting news. We met with our tenants with my friend that is a realtor. The wife tenant seemed very willing to listen and try to do whatever they needed to fix their credit and get a loan. The husband tenant started talking about how my house was going to be 30 years old next year and that was no "young" house. My realtor friend quickly jumped in and stated that the price we are asking is actually a really good price for the area. The tenant went on to say that the last sales price was considerably less. That would be when we bought it 9 years ago. The market went up crazy, then down some and now it is still above what we paid for it. My realtor informed him that what I paid for it had absolutely no meaning to the current market value. After this, my tenant sorta backed off and went into a "I should have bought 7 or 8 years ago" thing. I didn't think any of this was a good sign. I don't know what to tell the guy. I didn't make the prices on houses there. I just happened to buy my house before the prices went up. That is why we chose to sell our house and move to SC - so we could take the equity and buy this house free and clear. If he wants a cheaper house, he is looking in the wrong place. I guess only time will tell what they decide to do. It is going to be a long 7 months till their lease is up, I think.

[Sharon in SC]

Aw, Kari. I'm sorry for your discouraging experience. Try not to worry too much about the male tenant's disposition. The fact of the matter is, if your home is priced fairly, all it will take is for him to "shop around" for him to determine that as fact in his mind. It sounds like to me he's just struggling with his own discouragement that he's not in the position he wants to be in terms of home ownership.

Meanwhile, I'll share with you here what I shared with HeatherH on another thread - one verse that has truly *carried* me through all of this is: "I will put my trust in the Lord, in His Word do I hope." Try not to stare at the circumstances but on the Creator of the ends of this earth Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He guards you as the apple of His eye and will not forsake your needs, dear friend!

Standing in the gap with you, Sharon

[newbie]

Fun update. (Diane, thanks for checking in today asking for this!) Remember when I said we would, together, watch the glory of the Lord revealed in the selling of our homes. I am very excited to hear of all the activity going on and believe we're seeing it unfold. (For those ladies who have yet to see increased activity, know that you are not forgotten. I am convinced, as we place our trust in Him, His kingdom purposes *are* being established in *every* set of circumstances!!!!).

Here is my personal update - as of this evening we have reason to believe that it is very possible we have two parties working on writing up an offer.

Party #1 is the folks I mentioned who had seen the house the day before the 4th. They'd hoped to have an offer to present prior to the holiday but the REA was leaving town and they were unable to pull it together. Their REA told our REA today that they called her upset declaring, "We're afraid that house is going to move before we can get our offer in!" Didn't hear anything by this evening, though.....

Party #2 - my neighbor called me this afternoon to say that the house was a happening place to be today. She noticed an REA there with a white haired gentleman and that they were there a good length of time. (We know, through our REA that they were there at least 45 mins or so). The REA showing the house later called ours to say that this gentleman has declared (about the house), "This is the one." He just wants his sister to see it to give him her opinion of it. My REA, at that point, let them know that there is another offer that has been a few days in coming and for him to work up his offer ASAP to get the ball rolling. (Incidentally, after this gentleman left, another lady came by, took a flyer out of the box, and then proceeded to walk around the house peeking in all the windows.....)

Finally, remember the "low ball" fella of last week (offered $40K less than our asking) who, as late as last Thurs had his REA on the phone still trying to convince her that his offer was a reasonable one? Well, he was back out at the house on Saturday!

Tonight my prayer is that Lord's power reigns in the hearts and minds of everyone involved in this journey.....

Thank you for your prayers. As always, you've have mine. We'll be in touch! :-)

Sharon,
I am so glad to hear that things are going your way, I think its because you send out such great support.
Thank you for lifting our spirits.

Jet

[Brigitte]

Sharon in SC
Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home for sale in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Diane in CO (offer on the table)
Brigitte
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)

Ours is a townhouse for sale in Asheville, NC. We are facing renting it again, if nothing comes up in the next month or so.

I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Maintaining two houses is a real stressor for families - one none of us needs.

[Sharon in SC]

Maintaining two houses is a real stressor for families - one none of us needs.

You said it!:ack2:

[Sharon in SC]

Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home under lease in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Brigitte (townhouse in Asheville, NC; needs to sell within the month to avoid renting!)
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)
kacifl's daughter (who was attacked) (condo to sell in Georgia as do two other single women neighbors)

Contracts pending:
Diane in CO (offer on the table, inspection done, awaiting closing)
Sharon in SC (closing date set for 7/25; pray that, best case, roof *and* A/C passes inspection and the rest of the home checks out terrific!)


Updated (see quoted material for latest)

[Sharon in SC]

Sharon,
I am so glad to hear that things are going your way, I think its because you send out such great support.
Thank you for lifting our spirits.

Jet

Jet, your post here leaves *me* feeling encouraged! BTW, how are you guys doing with getting your home ready to be rented?

[newbie]

Its not happening yet. My dh had heart tests last wk. and waiting for results before diving in to the cleaning out of the house. We are at the basic throw everything out stage.

We have to get it rented. Fortunately here rentals are in huge demand. It is hard to find nice homes for rent. Than we are having troubles with renters at another house we own.

What makes me mad is I said sell, sell everything two yrs. ago. And we missed the boat. Three houses later we are drowning.

But on a beautiful note. Your cheeriness makes me feel much better and I think we can get it done.

Sorry to be a downer.
Jet

[Sharon in SC]

Its not happening yet. My dh had heart tests last wk. and waiting for results before diving in to the cleaning out of the house. We are at the basic throw everything out stage.

We have to get it rented. Fortunately here rentals are in huge demand. It is hard to find nice homes for rent. Than we are having troubles with renters at another house we own.

What makes me mad is I said sell, sell everything two yrs. ago. And we missed the boat. Three houses later we are drowning.

But on a beautiful note. Your cheeriness makes me feel much better and I think we can get it done.

Sorry to be a downer.
Jet

Oh, my, no. Do not apologize. I truly do understand everything from the real estate woes to the health issues. We are, unfortunately, all too familiar with ruling out health problems. That process is never fun - particularly the element of waiting upon test results! :-{

On the issue of needing to get your house ready and being yet unable to do so I can share this - when we bought our new to us home two years ago, we thought we'd be out of the old in a month or so. As the months, and now *years* ticked by all I knew to keep telling myself was that we were doing our very level best and we *had* to trust the rest to the Lord. I view our resources as His and, therefore, He would enable us to be good stewards of it, one way or another. Try not to fret about what you're not yet getting done. Keep swimming. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and rest assured that your steps *are* ordered of the Lord. He is faithful and trustworthy. He will make all of this work for your good!

Many blessings to you this day! Sharon

[newbie]

Sharon,

Thank you again for your wonderful words of encouragement and praise. I got my floaties on.

Keep me updated, so I can hold on to hope.

Abundant Blessings,
Jet

[Sharon in SC]

Well, the first offer (of possibly two) came in last night. While it is $3700 yet away from our absolute bottom price as it stands right now, this party was not aware that they may be facing a multiple offer situation so I will assume this is not their "best" offer. Meanwhile, the second party was at the house last evening (gentleman showing it to his sister). Provided the sister did not totally squash his inspiration on the house and in light of the message our REA left for his last night to the effect we have an offer on the table and if he is serious about making an offer "now is the time with his highest and best", I'm eager to see what develops this morning. :-) Should the gentleman make an offer, my REA would in turn contact the first party to say, we have a multiple offer situation so bring your highest and best.....

In any case, I continue to rejoice in the Lord's Word to me that "the work is done and I'm just to thank Him for it." For now, my prayer is that the Lord would have His way in all of the proceedings. Thanks to all for standing in the gap with me!

[DIY-DY]

What exciting news - and I can hardly wait to see how the day develops!

[Diane in CO]

Good News Sharon!

I am praying for you this morning that the second offer comes in at (or close to) your asking price!

Blessings!

Diane

[Diane in CO]

"the work is done and I'm just to thank Him for it."

Sharon,

I just had to let you know that this really spoke to me this morning and actually made me tear up!

I really appreciate all of the people on the prayer team and especially you for your words of wisdom and encouragement!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Thanks, guys, for the encouraging words. We have word that the second offer should come through around noon today. At that point, party #1 will be informed that they are in a multiple offer situation and asked if they want to change any of the conditions of their present offer. I'll keep you posted!

[Sharon in SC]

It is my desire that all who choose to be a part of this endeavor be blessed by the joy that comes from the opportunity to participate in a prayer event that I believe will reflect God's power and grace.

Dear, dear prayer partners. I trust that since I am typing this testimony (rather than trying to verbalize it) I can do it without weeping because every time I've tried to voice this to anyone today I've not been able to finish without weeping tears. of. joy!

In short - we have a contract....:party::cheers2::party:
This contract contains immeasureably more than anything that we could have hoped or imagined!
1) A contract at all in a "buyer's market" only 5 weeks from date of listing is remarkable
2) A contract that evolved through a multiple offer situation prompted the "right buyer" to offer his best
3) A desire for a quick closing - JULY 25th (2.5 weeks from now)
4) $10K in earnest $. (I'd say he's earnest, what about you?) :001_smile:
5) He's paying CASH. CASH. What this means for us is that there will be no bank looking to do a loan questioning the price on the house (a price that makes this home sell for more $/sq ft than any home in the history of the neighborhood!). (I feel the need to clarify this - there has been at least one other home to sell for this amount/sq ft but it was vinyl or masonite -we have all brick on a cul de sac-with a pool. Our REA says the pool skews the numbers??? In any case, our home is more than fairly priced....).
6) He's paying cash in the amount of our asking price, to the penny.

(This contract is pending a roof inspection (said roof is 20 years old so this is totally understandable and expected). The only other stipulation in the contract is for a $450 home warranty (particularly for the 20 yo HVAC unit). We were going to do this no matter who bought.)


Ladies, when my REA asked me if I was sitting down and proceeded to tell me the terms of this offer, I couldn't help but weep and praise God. If we had put this home on the market two years ago when we first bought, we'd have hoped for $30K LESS than the price on this home now, at best. As it is, the two years more in our possession has, essentially, provided for the overage of our unexpected upgrades to the new place. That overage is the figure that I've carried in my mind we should try to stay close to while making upgrade decisions. That overage is the very figure over and above what we *planned* to get out of our home that our REA recommended we sell our home at 5 weeks ago when she listed it. That overage is the very thing we signed a contract for today. I serve a living God who is mighty and powerful and I praise him!

My prayer all along is that His glory would be revealed in the sale of this home. My prayer is answered today. My REA told me just yesterday she expected us to settle for around $8K less than asking. I pray she understands and appreciates the magnitude of what she's witnessed, today, and that seeds have been planted in her life! :D

I will adjust our current homes for sale list to reflect that Diane and I have current contracts so we can pray for those to proceed without flaw. For the rest of the homes, we wait with anticipation and expectation to see what else the Lord has up his sleeve!!!!! :hurray::thumbup:

Thank you all for standing in the gap with me!

[Diane in CO]

:grouphug: Sharon! :party::party::party:

Ok, I think that about says it :D

Diane

[HeatherH]

Oh, Sharon . . . . . . :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

i just came here to post my own anxieties, waiting for an offer - and instead you remind me how good our God is, and how my only trust and hope is in Him.

Thank you - and all praise to our Lord!!!1

[Sharon in SC]

Oh, Sharon . . . . . . :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

i just came here to post my own anxieties, waiting for an offer - and instead you remind me how good our God is, and how my only trust and hope is in Him.

Thank you - and all praise to our Lord!!!1

Heather, :grouphug:. "I put my trust in the Lord. In His word do I hope!" May Kingdom purposes be established in *your* home sale on earth as they stand in heaven. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

[DIY-DY]

:party:

And now, you can get down to the business of enjoying your Home, moving forward, and being a single-home family again! YAY!!

Thank you for allowing those of us far away to join in praying for this sale, and for the others listed here. How humbling.

Dy

[Kari C in SC]

:grouphug: :lol: :hurray: :party: :thumbup:

Sharon,

I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU! As you know, I have been having a rough time right now. More stuff has happened since my trip to Florida - not house related - just enough to push me close to the edge. I have been coming here to look for updates and found it to be a really inspiring part of my day. I thank you so much for being you and helping us all see God in this. Congrats!

[Sharon in SC]

:grouphug: :lol: :hurray: :party: :thumbup:

Sharon,

I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU! As you know, I have been having a rough time right now. More stuff has happened since my trip to Florida - not house related - just enough to push me close to the edge. I have been coming here to look for updates and found it to be a really inspiring part of my day. I thank you so much for being you and helping us all see God in this. Congrats!

Kari, :grouphug: Don't ever lose sight of the fact that we truly do serve a living God who is always on His throne effecting His kingdom purposes in *your* life! :grouphug:

[TraceyS/FL]

:grouphug: Sharon! :party::party::party:

Ok, I think that about says it :D



:iagree:

We were those buyers - only we pushed for a 7 day close because we had to leave town.

[HeatherH]

Keep praying, ladies -

Just got a sweet note in the mail from the buyer who came through Sunday.

They're not going to offer a contract.

Bleh. That about states my mood right now. This is FOUR times we've had potential contracts that have not materialized. Double Bleh.

We did get a call for a showing in the next few days - waiting for the Realtor to get back with me on that.

God is good, and He is in control. Say it with me. . . . .

[Sharon in SC]

God is good, and He is in control. Say it with me. . . . .

:grouphug: Heather. God *is* good and He *is* in control. Truly. No measure of disappointment or heartache erases the fact that He is on His throne actively at work on *your* behalf to bring the *right* buyer at the *right* time for the *right* price. His word says He will not forsake those who are on their knees. You have committed the sale of this home to Him and He is so very trustworthy. Four potential buyers means that was four people who were about to try to buy the wrong house. :)

Meanwhile, *cling* to His word. For me, I have survived by standing on promises (especially during those times when I could not hear Him speaking at all) that I know He gave me through the course of my journey. (i.e. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for God who promises is faithful and I put my trust in the Lord, in His word do I hope; He calmed the storm with a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed, they were glad when it grew calm and He drew them to their desired haven).

If you have yet to have a scripture quicken in your spirit regarding the sale of your home, *ask* Him for that anchor. Ask Him to speak to you through His word so that you can be rooted more firmly in Him as you continue to ride the wave of trying to sell your home.

I care for you, dear friend, and continue to trust and believe for His kingdom purposes to be established! May the glory of the Lord be revealed in the sale of *your* home!!!!!

Blessings,
Sharon

[Sharon in SC]

Dear, dear prayer partners. I trust that since I am typing this testimony (rather than trying to verbalize it) I can do it without weeping because every time I've tried to voice this to anyone today I've not been able to finish without weeping tears. of. joy!

In short - we have a contract....:party::cheers2::party:
This contract contains immeasureably more than anything that we could have hoped or imagined!
1) A contract at all in a "buyer's market" only 5 weeks from date of listing is remarkable
2) A contract that evolved through a multiple offer situation prompted the "right buyer" to offer his best
3) A desire for a quick closing - JULY 25th (2.5 weeks from now)
4) $10K in earnest $. (I'd say he's earnest, what about you?) :001_smile:
5) He's paying CASH. CASH. What this means for us is that there will be no bank looking to do a loan questioning the price on the house (a price that makes this home sell for more $/sq ft than any home in the history of the neighborhood!). (I feel the need to clarify this - there has been at least one other home to sell for this amount/sq ft but it was vinyl or masonite -we have all brick on a cul de sac-with a pool. Our REA says the pool skews the numbers??? In any case, our home is more than fairly priced....).
6) He's paying cash in the amount of our asking price, to the penny.

(This contract is pending a roof inspection (said roof is 20 years old so this is totally understandable and expected). The only other stipulation in the contract is for a $450 home warranty (particularly for the 20 yo HVAC unit). We were going to do this no matter who bought.)


Ladies, when my REA asked me if I was sitting down and proceeded to tell me the terms of this offer, I couldn't help but weep and praise God. If we had put this home on the market two years ago when we first bought, we'd have hoped for $30K LESS than the price on this home now, at best. As it is, the two years more in our possession has, essentially, provided for the overage of our unexpected upgrades to the new place. That overage is the figure that I've carried in my mind we should try to stay close to while making upgrade decisions. That overage is the very figure over and above what we *planned* to get out of our home that our REA recommended we sell our home at 5 weeks ago when she listed it. That overage is the very thing we signed a contract for today. I serve a living God who is mighty and powerful and I praise him!

My prayer all along is that His glory would be revealed in the sale of this home. My prayer is answered today. My REA told me just yesterday she expected us to settle for around $8K less than asking. I pray she understands and appreciates the magnitude of what she's witnessed, today, and that seeds have been planted in her life! :D

I will adjust our current homes for sale list to reflect that Diane and I have current contracts so we can pray for those to proceed without flaw. For the rest of the homes, we wait with anticipation and expectation to see what else the Lord has up his sleeve!!!!! :hurray::thumbup:

Thank you all for standing in the gap with me!

Let's not forget the fact that my home was VACANT. Statistically, those vacant homes stay on the market longer and sell for less money than if they were furnished, you know! :-P This just makes God's glory all the more brilliant in this testimony! :hurray:

He truly is able to do abundantly more than any one of us can ask or imagine. Just as He spoke to my heart way back when we were just beginning to fully appreciate the magnitude of the journey upon which we had embarked, the steps we have to take are not always easy - we are simply called to trust. Him. He is so very trustworthy.

[kacifl]

Would it be ok if I slipped in here and asked for prayers for my daughter in Georgia? She is the one that was attacked in the attempted kidnapping.

She is too fearful to return to her condo and needs to sell it. Her mortgage is high and she has to rent elsewhere. She listed it today. Unfortunately, but understandably, her two neighbors are selling their condos as they are too afraid to stay there. It looks like all three of these dear girls could use prayers. Their condos are in Little Five Pts. Atlanta. Thanks and we'll keep praying for everyone to get their homes sold! kacifl

[Diane in CO]

Well the inspection was on Wednesday and only a few small items came up...so it really looks like this is going to happen as planned :D Thank you again for all of your prayers throughout this process!


Our other wonderful news is that I will be able to continue my job via telecommuting :D It still has to be approved by our executive committee, however my supervisor said that they appreciate all I do, so as far as he is concerned my status will not change. They are going to provide me with a laptop computer, cell phone, and high speed internet and pay for travel expenses to come to the office for important client meetings. :D:D:D So essentially I will be earning more as I don't have to pay for gas, dry-cleaning, lunches etc. ! So with only rent to pay and no mortgage, plus DH grad student stipend we will be earning enough this year to pay off all of our debt and save our 6 month emergency fund by Spring 09.

I feel so very blessed and humbled by the outpouring of God's love in this situation

Just had to share my happy news!

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Would it be ok if I slipped in here and asked for prayers for my daughter in Georgia? She is the one that was attacked in the attempted kidnapping.

She is too fearful to return to her condo and needs to sell it. Her mortgage is high and she has to rent elsewhere. She listed it today. Unfortunately, but understandably, her two neighbors are selling their condos as they are too afraid to stay there. It looks like all three of these dear girls could use prayers. Their condos are in Little Five Pts. Atlanta. Thanks and we'll keep praying for everyone to get their homes sold! kacifl

Certainly! Another home to sell is another opportunity to witness God's power. :D (I'll update the list now).

[Diane in CO]

Would it be ok if I slipped in here and asked for prayers for my daughter in Georgia? She is the one that was attacked in the attempted kidnapping.

She is too fearful to return to her condo and needs to sell it. Her mortgage is high and she has to rent elsewhere. She listed it today. Unfortunately, but understandably, her two neighbors are selling their condos as they are too afraid to stay there. It looks like all three of these dear girls could use prayers. Their condos are in Little Five Pts. Atlanta. Thanks and we'll keep praying for everyone to get their homes sold! kacifl

kacifl,

I just saw your post, I will keep your daughter and her neighbors in my prayers that they sell their condo. What a horrible experience our daughter has been through, I will pray that she leans on God during this difficult time.

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

Well the inspection was on Wednesday and only a few small items came up...so it really looks like this is going to happen as planned :D Thank you again for all of your prayers throughout this process!


Our other wonderful news is that I will be able to continue my job via telecommuting :D It still has to be approved by our executive committee, however my supervisor said that they appreciate all I do, so as far as he is concerned my status will not change. They are going to provide me with a laptop computer, cell phone, and high speed internet and pay for travel expenses to come to the office for important client meetings. :D:D:D So essentially I will be earning more as I don't have to pay for gas, dry-cleaning, lunches etc. ! So with only rent to pay and no mortgage, plus DH grad student stipend we will be earning enough this year to pay off all of our debt and save our 6 month emergency fund by Spring 09.

I feel so very blessed and humbled by the outpouring of God's love in this situation

Just had to share my happy news!

Diane

Our God reigns! I rejoice with you, Diane, on all fronts. How exciting and what a relief!

[Diane in CO]

AMEN! :D

[mommyofcb]

Yes...I will be praying for all of you that need to sell your house. We, too, are in a difficult spot. My husband is in school and we will be relocating several times. Currently, we are renting a house in Mooresville, North Carolina while our house is on the market in Gainesville, Georgia. We have had to lower our asking price below what we originally paid for the house. HUGE LOSS!!! Please pray that our house sells soon, but that God's will prevails as we know that HIS timing is the BEST.

[Sharon in SC]

Yes...I will be praying for all of you that need to sell your house. We, too, are in a difficult spot. My husband is in school and we will be relocating several times. Currently, we are renting a house in Mooresville, North Carolina while our house is on the market in Gainesville, Georgia. We have had to lower our asking price below what we originally paid for the house. HUGE LOSS!!! Please pray that our house sells soon, but that God's will prevails as we know that HIS timing is the BEST.

I'll add you to the list, NOW.

Standing in the gap with you,
Sharon

[Sharon in SC]

UPDATED Prayer List:

Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home under lease in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Brigitte (townhouse in Asheville, NC; needs to sell within the month to avoid renting!)
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)
kacifl's daughter (who was attacked) (condo to sell in Georgia as do two other single women neighbors)
mommieofcb (in NC) with home to sell in Georgia (asking price is already below what they paid for it for need to sell at asking price is great)

Contracts pending:
Diane in CO (offer on the table, inspection done, awaiting closing)
Sharon in SC (closing date set for 7/25; pray that, best case, roof *and* A/C passes inspection and the rest of the home checks out terrific!)

[Sharon in SC]

Ladies, give us updates as you are able!!

[HeatherH]

Sharon and all -

first, Sharon - thank you for your kind words of encouragement last night. It was what I needed! I spent time in Jeremiah this morning, where the Lord not-so-gently reminded me not to doubt, and not to leave my First Love - not to go after other gods (cleaning, stewing, scheming, etc.). Kwim?

We had yet ANOTHER showing today. So that's good! Continuing to pray for all of you -

This prayer list is a blessing. And, if the Lord does NOT choose to sell when and how we wish, will we not choose to rise and bless His name, and to seek to glorify Him as we wait?

[newbie]

UPDATED Prayer List:

Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home under lease in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Brigitte (townhouse in Asheville, NC; needs to sell within the month to avoid renting!)
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)
kacifl's daughter (who was attacked) (condo to sell in Georgia as do two other single women neighbors)
mommieofcb (in NC) with home to sell in Georgia (asking price is already below what they paid for it for need to sell at asking price is great)

Contracts pending:
Diane in CO (offer on the table, inspection done, awaiting closing)
Sharon in SC (closing date set for 7/25; pray that, best case, roof *and* A/C passes inspection and the rest of the home checks out terrific!)
Sharon,

Thanks for keeping me on list. No new movement yet. But everyday I say a prayer and put it in the Lords hands.

Blessings,
Jet

[Sharon in SC]

....will we not choose to rise and bless His name, and to seek to glorify Him as we wait?

Oh, yes!

[Sharon in SC]

But everyday I say a prayer and put it in the Lords hands.

Blessings,
Jet

That is *all* that's required of you, at this stage of the game, dear friend! :)

[Renee in FL]

We put our house in the market last night at a low price in order to (hopefully) get it to move fast. If not, we are looking at giving it back to the bank or (worse) foreclosure.

[Sharon in SC]

We put our house in the market last night at a low price in order to (hopefully) get it to move fast. If not, we are looking at giving it back to the bank or (worse) foreclosure.

Drama Queen, may I please add your name to the prayer list? :grouphug:

[Sharon in SC]

Current WTM Homes for Sale list:

Debbie in TX (home for sale in Arkansas)
Kari in SC (home under lease in Fla)
Tarheel Heather
Brigitte (townhouse in Asheville, NC; needs to sell within the month to avoid renting!)
Battlemaiden (facing renting her home immediately except for a timely sale!)
HeatherH
abreakfromlife
Newbie (needs to get her extra home prepped for renting ASAP)
kacifl's daughter (who was attacked) (condo to sell in Georgia as do two other single women neighbors)
Dianne in TX
TeaTotaler (needs wisdom to know whether to wait for house to sell to join hubby or move and rent before the sale of the house)


Contracts pending:
Diane in CO (offer on the table, inspection done, awaiting closing)
Sharon in SC (closing date set for 7/25; roof inspection was positive for hail damage so homeowner's insurance will cover cost of replacement; home inspection scheduled for 7/16 at 3pm)

[Sharon in SC]

He wants to close and take possession of the house on July 22, 2008. Diane

Diane, I found myself wondering how close we were to your closing date ('cause I couldn't remember the date) and just realized our closings are scheduled within 3 days of each other. :) I trust all is going well on your end. How's the packing? :tongue_smilie:

[Sharon in SC]

Your prayers are coveted, TONIGHT. I don't have it in me to share the details right this moment but I would greatly appreciate your prayers over the contract on my home. A major snafu occurred yesterday and we are just finding out about it this evening. I will be on the phone bright and early in the morning with the company involved. For now, it appears the buyer wants out of the contract (no legal right to do so so we have to decide what to do about his earnest $ if he doesn't happen to change his mind). We need divine wisdom and intervention to ensure that God's purposes are established in all of this. Blessings, Me

[mom2abcd]

Your prayers are coveted, TONIGHT. Blessings, Me

Praying for God's will to be done, Sharon. I hope for your sanity that it's best for the sale to go through, but ya never know.

[Sharon in SC]

I hope for your sanity that it's best for the sale to go through, but ya never know.

Yep, that's exactly why I worded my request the way that I did. I am confident that Lord has a perfect plan in mind and, whatever that happens to be is what I desire. Thank you for your prayers!

[newbie]

Sharon,
Prayers, house sales are the worst roller coaster ride. I definitely want off.:tongue_smilie:

Jet

[Diane in CO]

Sharon you are in my prayers tonight. Please keep us posted.

Diane

[missplacedalaskan]

Praying for your situation tonight, Sharon!

We are just beginning our journey here. I know that the Lord's will is the best for us...but OH! The Uncertainty!

[Kari C in SC]

Sharon,

I just saw this when I came on this morning. I am praying right now. Let us know what you hear today.

[Sharon in SC]

Sharon,

I just saw this when I came on this morning. I am praying right now. Let us know what you hear today.

Thank you, Kari. I will let you guys know something when I do. In short, our buyer became spooked by something that is *most* common in the southeast (foundation settling requiring piers to be placed strategically to counteract the settling). This is no big deal down here and as the authority in the field explained to him, virtually every home in the region will need a pier or two at one time or another. This is a 60yo first time home buyer and he's uneducated, I presume. As of yesterday, no matter what, he wants out of the contract (no legal right to do so as we have done and are committed to doing anything the foundation specialists deem necessary to leave our home a sound place to live!). My REA has plans to meet with his REA (who has indicated to him that he'll have to find another REA because of the way he's treating us, the owners) at lunch. We'll have to see what he makes of the fact that we do not feel compelled to give him his earnest $ back (due to the facts that he's bailing for no good reason, our home has been and remains OFF the market because of his contract AND we lost another very viable sale - the other multiple offer party - because, meanwhile, they've placed a contract on another home and are no longer in position to act on our house!). :-{

Maybe, the thought of losing all of his earnest $ will cause him to regain his senses. Maybe he's not the "right buyer", after all. At this point, I'm numb and am not sure of anything except this: the God I serve, the Creator of the ends of this earth, is still on His throne actively at work on my behalf to sell my house at the right time, to the right buyer, for the right price. :001_smile:

Thank you all for your continued prayer support. We need it.

[HeatherH]

Praying for you, dear Sharon. Hold fast to Jesus!

[Sharon in SC]

Praying for you, dear Sharon. Hold fast to Jesus!

Heather, I know I'm vulnerable in my emotions right now but your post brought immediate tears to my eyes. Thank you for your concern!

[TeaTotaler]

(((Sharon))) Praying here.
VH


Your prayers are coveted, TONIGHT. I don't have it in me to share the details right this moment but I would greatly appreciate your prayers over the contract on my home. A major snafu occurred yesterday and we are just finding out about it this evening. I will be on the phone bright and early in the morning with the company involved. For now, it appears the buyer wants out of the contract (no legal right to do so so we have to decide what to do about his earnest $ if he doesn't happen to change his mind). We need divine wisdom and intervention to ensure that God's purposes are established in all of this. Blessings, Me

[Diane in CO]

:grouphug: Sharon,

Continuing to keep you in my prayers this morning.

Praying for God's perfect Will in this situation.

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

:grouphug: Sharon,

Continuing to keep you in my prayers this morning.

Praying for God's perfect Will in this situation.

Diane

Thank you, Diane. I think I've already had revelation as to *why* this is transpiring the way that it is and this enlightenment came about not 30 mins ago while I was on the phone with my dsil. At one point she said, "You know, Sharon, it may be that the Lord has allowed this to protect you guys from any negative repercussions regarding this issue post sale of the house." In that instant, I do feel the light bulb went on and the Lord allowed me to *see* that, truly, this issue will be put to rest in a way that no one can refute *because* of this circumstance. (A professional engineer will be coming by today to assess and document from his expertise the condition of the home).

Meanwhile, time will tell if our buyer is the right buyer. For now, I'll rest in knowing that God's purposes are being established. Again, thank you for your prayer cover! (Oh, how I was longing for the 25th!)

[Sharon in SC]

Just in case anyone is within ear shot - the buyer is meeting with his REA and her broker right now for the purpose of them explaining to him that this is a legally binding contract and because he does not have a legal out he needs to make certain that he's changed his mind to the point of forfeiting his earnest $. Meanwhile, totally *in time* for this meeting, the Lord enabled us to have a PE (professional structural engineer) at another company's expense to asses the home (inside and out) and provide his professional opinion which he will have in writing to us by tomorrow. In essence, our home rates very high in terms of sound structure and while there is some settling, nothing in his opinion warrants intervention. Additionally, he authorized me to give his name and number to the buyer making himself available to speak to this gentleman by phone if that is something he would find helpful. In short, the Lord has enabled us to provide all that can be expected in terms of speaking to how sound of a structure our home is. Time will tell where we go from here....

[Diane in CO]

Thank you, Diane. I think I've already had revelation as to *why* this is transpiring the way that it is and this enlightenment came about not 30 mins ago while I was on the phone with my dsil. At one point she said, "You know, Sharon, it may be that the Lord has allowed this to protect you guys from any negative repercussions regarding this issue post sale of the house." In that instant, I do feel the light bulb went on and the Lord allowed me to *see* that, truly, this issue will be put to rest in a way that no one can refute *because* of this circumstance. (A professional engineer will be coming by today to assess and document from his expertise the condition of the home).

Meanwhile, time will tell if our buyer is the right buyer. For now, I'll rest in knowing that God's purposes are being established. Again, thank you for your prayer cover! (Oh, how I was longing for the 25th!)

I totally agree! It is definitely better to get this resolved to everyone's satisfaction now, so you won't have to worry about this in the future. God's purposes are being established! That is one thing we really can take comfort in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us.

Blessings to you!

Diane

[Diane in CO]

Just in case anyone is within ear shot - the buyer is meeting with his REA and her broker right now for the purpose of them explaining to him that this is a legally binding contract and because he does not have a legal out he needs to make certain that he's changed his mind to the point of forfeiting his earnest $. Meanwhile, totally *in time* for this meeting, the Lord enabled us to have a PE (professional structural engineer) at another company's expense to asses the home (inside and out) and provide his professional opinion which he will have in writing to us by tomorrow. In essence, our home rates very high in terms of sound structure and while there is some settling, nothing in his opinion warrants intervention. Additionally, he authorized me to give his name and number to the buyer making himself available to speak to this gentleman by phone if that is something he would find helpful. In short, the Lord has enabled us to provide all that can be expected in terms of speaking to how sound of a structure our home is. Time will tell where we go from here....

Prayers continuing for you! I know that God's glory will be revealed in this situation!

:grouphug:

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

I totally agree! It is definitely better to get this resolved to everyone's satisfaction now, so you won't have to worry about this in the future. God's purposes are being established! That is one thing we really can take comfort in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us.

Blessings to you!

Diane

One other benefit - the home inspection has yet to occur. It has to be assumed that when that is done, the cracks in the brick will be highlighted. We will be able to pre-empt question marks surrounding that with a documented assessment by *the* professional in the field. God is good. :)

[Sharon in SC]

Well.....the house is back on the market as of today. Long story short - our buyer got cold feet. He's a 60yo first time home buyer and decided he's not ready to take the plunge afterall. As it turns out, our other party in the multiple offer situation who was desperate for a home by 7/25 have since placed a contract on another house so they're not in position to consider ours again. The upside - because this gentleman did not have a reasonable reason to get out of the contract, the earnest $ becomes ours (for the fact that we in good faith took our home off the market in the name of selling it to him, we forfeited another very viable sale, and we remained committed to selling him our home as stated in the contract).

All I know to say is that the Lord remains on His throne actively at work effecting His kingdom purposes in all of this. Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf in the sale of our old homestead.

Meanwhile, my REA has an open house scheduled for this Sunday from 1-3pm.

[Sharon in SC]

You guys know that the heartcry of my heart has been to see as many people as possible experience God's glory in the sale of my home. Well, in light of that, I'd be remiss if I didn't share this with you. I don't want
to be the only one to be reminded that we serve a living God!

Find below an email from one of our associate pastors (who did not have a clue what was going on with the contract on my house this week!) to me today and my response to him:

From Him:
Sharon and ******,
That is so interesting that you are sending this. I was in (a neighborhood near our home)
yesterday and the Lord prompted me to drive by your house and stop and pray
for a few minutes. I didn't hear anything specific from the Lord but I did have a peace about
everything. I just thought I would pass the info along. I am amazed at how the Lord is orchestrating your answer and using different people at different times to be a part of the process.

God is so good, just keep trusting Him.

Blessings,

*****

From me to Justin:

Oh, J***. Your note brought immediate tears to my eyes. Tears of joy.
You see - the Lord gave my mom a Word last week *after* the contract was
accepted: "There is to be no angst or anxiety over the sale of this home."
At the time, I thought at most it was when I found myself wondering a bit
more than I should about how the 20 yo roof and AC would play out in the
inspections. Of course, now I know He was talking about more than that. He
knew *exactly* how things would play out and knew that we would find
ourselves wondering, as Ricky Riccardo would say, "Wha' happened?" :-} To
hear your testimony of being led to go by and pray the very day everything
was going down reassures me that we truly are to stand in firm belief that
God's Kingdom purposes ARE being established in the sale of this home!

I rejoice on behalf of the future homeowners as well 'cause God is also
working on their behalf, saving it just for them!

thank you, again, for sharing and for your obedience to the call (to pray
yesterday)!


Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for God who promised is
faithful!

[Sharon in SC]

Another update: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=394275#post394275

[coffeefreak]

We would also covet prayers in the sale of our home. We are not desperate yet, however we will be after the first of the year. We had listed with one realtor and it was a HORRIBLE disaster. We fired him and relisted on the first of July. We have not had a single showing. We're chalking it up to the weather and the time of year, but it sure would be nice to have at least ONE! Anyway, we are selling our home before my husband loses his job and in preparation of our eventual move to wherever he finds a job. He's been looking for almost a year, and has had a couple of offers, but no one is willing to pay moving costs and we can't afford a mortgage and an apartment on the pay people are offering. Bottom line - the house needs to go so we can move on, or, so when he's out of a job, we don't have to forclose.

Thanks for the prayers! I'll be praying for all of you!
Dorinda

[Sharon in SC]

I'm adding you now, Dorinda!

[HeatherH]

Showing tonight for us - first one in almost 2 weeks. Of COURSE the house wasn't ready - but with 1.5 hours notice, we're almost done. Just checking in here:

Praise: The Lord moved me to wash my kitchen floor and cabinets today!

Praise: My kids have been terrific getting it ready!

Prayer: That this would be our last showing :)

[Brigitte]

Here is our update:

We decided this weekend to put our townhouse up for rent and take it off the market. Dh called our property manager and they came out yesterday to take pictures and see if we needed to do anything. Yesterday afternoon I got a call scheduling a showing by a REA for this morning. Wouldn't it be ironic if we got an offer?! This was our first showing this month. Yikes.

We are okay with renting and perhaps it is the better thing to do financially in the long run (short run - a full price offer would be dandy). So, we are letting our agent know tonight that she can take it off the market on Monday. Perhaps she will call the agent who showed it today and their clients will want it before it rents.

I am trying to keep positive about the whole thing, but I truly did not think this place would not sell quickly.

[Sharon in SC]

Showing tonight for us - first one in almost 2 weeks. Of COURSE the house wasn't ready - but with 1.5 hours notice, we're almost done. Just checking in here:

Praise: The Lord moved me to wash my kitchen floor and cabinets today!

Praise: My kids have been terrific getting it ready!

Prayer: That this would be our last showing :)

We have what we need to do what we need *when* we need to do it! :-D Glad for the praises and agreeing with you on the prayer!

[Sharon in SC]

Here is our update:

We decided this weekend to put our townhouse up for rent and take it off the market. Dh called our property manager and they came out yesterday to take pictures and see if we needed to do anything. Yesterday afternoon I got a call scheduling a showing by a REA for this morning. Wouldn't it be ironic if we got an offer?! This was our first showing this month. Yikes.

We are okay with renting and perhaps it is the better thing to do financially in the long run (short run - a full price offer would be dandy). So, we are letting our agent know tonight that she can take it off the market on Monday. Perhaps she will call the agent who showed it today and their clients will want it before it rents.

I am trying to keep positive about the whole thing, but I truly did not think this place would not sell quickly.

Thanks for the update, Brigitte. I trust that you guys will have all the direction you need to make *good* decisions regarding your property. By all means, though, have your REA call the agent who showed it!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all that we can ask or imagine, to Him be the glory forever and ever!

[HeatherH]

Update on last night's showing:

Just got off the phone with buyer's agent. He said they loved the location, loved the home, loved the property, but really wanted something more updated (we live in a 70's ranch - we've heard this same refrain a LOT).

I did tell him we were flexible on the price and looking to make a deal, as dh is already working out-of-state. He said that may make a difference. I encouraged his buyers to submit an offer and we would see what we could work out.

All in all, it ended on a positive note. We'll see if a contract comes in or not. I'm trying not to get overly excited, but to rest in the Lord and focus on loving my kids!!!!!

[FloridaLisa]

I rarely log onto the General Board, but this thread caught my eye and I've found myself following it. I know what it is to need to sell a house, to be separated from a husband waiting; we were there not long ago in a recent move.

We are not in the *have to* sell position right now. However, we feel strongly that we need to sell as we have seriously outgrown our home. God has been so faithful. We have 7 sweet kids and we just need more space. We have been praying hard on our own, but I would like to join with you dear ladies and lift up prayers publicly so that God alone is glorified. If He allows our house to sell, there will be no doubt it was God. If we stay here, then God must want us to continue to minister right here! I'm moved by the mustard seed of faith of each of you and I pray that we see God's hand move mightily in all of these needs.

Many blessings,
Lisa

[HeatherH]

I rarely log onto the General Board, but this thread caught my eye and I've found myself following it. I know what it is to need to sell a house, to be separated from a husband waiting; we were there not long ago in a recent move.

We are not in the *have to* sell position right now. However, we feel strongly that we need to sell as we have seriously outgrown our home. God has been so faithful. We have 7 sweet kids and we just need more space. We have been praying hard on our own, but I would like to join with you dear ladies and life up prayers publicly so that God alone is glorified. If He allows our house to sell, there will be no doubt it was God. If we stay here, then God must want us to continue to minister right here! I'm moved by the mustard seed of faith of each of you and I pray that we see God's hand move mightily in all of these needs.

Many blessings,
Lisa

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Thanks, Lisa -

I'm out of rep, or I'd be slinging some your way!

[Sharon in SC]

I'm moved by the mustard seed of faith of each of you and I pray that we see God's hand move mightily in all of these needs.

Many blessings,
Lisa

That about sums it up, Lisa. I'll be adding your name to the Current WTM homes for sale list (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=409106#poststop)! We wait with anticipation and expectation to see what directives the Lord sends your way!

[Sharon in SC]

Update - in the two weeks since our buyer got cold feet we've 1) had a successful open house (see previous post with details on that, 2) had two showings both of which provided strong positive feedback, and 3) received the earnest money from the buyer that got cold feet. :-}

The most recent showing (Friday) was a couple who are VERY interested in the house but the wife cannot get upstairs to see the second floor firsthand due to recent ankle surgery. She hopes to be in a boot in two weeks. Meanwhile, while her dh was upstairs looking, she was fretting to my REA (who showed them the house) that it would be sold before she would be able to see it. That was encouraging, of course. The other showing was a fellow who has yet to put his own house on the market.

Ah, well, all in due (God's) time......meanwhile, the new roof goes on tomorrow.

[Diane in CO]

Update - in the two weeks since our buyer got cold feet we've 1) had a successful open house (see previous post with details on that, 2) had two showings both of which provided strong positive feedback, and 3) received the earnest money from the buyer that got cold feet. :-}

The most recent showing (Friday) was a couple who are VERY interested in the house but the wife cannot get upstairs to see the second floor firsthand due to recent ankle surgery. She hopes to be in a boot in two weeks. Meanwhile, while her dh was upstairs looking, she was fretting to my REA (who showed them the house) that it would be sold before she would be able to see it. That was encouraging, of course. The other showing was a fellow who has yet to put his own house on the market.

Ah, well, all in due (God's) time......meanwhile, the new roof goes on tomorrow.

Thank you for the update Sharon! You and all of the others on the list have been in my thoughts and prayers! I am glad to hear that you are getting lots of interested prospective buyers and will pray that one of them puts in an offer here soon!

:grouphug:

Diane

[HeatherH]

Our update:

Last week, a single mom with one son looked at our home (it's only 1.5 miles away from her ds's private school). I checked in with her today, and she had driven by and is mulling it over. Plus for her - she hasn't said, "No.", and she's renting, so it could be quick.

Twist: we are seriously considering staying put until the spring, when the market "optimistically" will pick back up. We'll need to decide that in the nearish future - we'd rather decide it ourselves, than have the market decide for us, kwim?

We are blessed that we even have that option. It would be hard, very hard, but possible.

So - I'd love prayers that the Lord would grant wisdom, that He would bring us to a decision soon!

[Sharon in SC]

Heather - you have my prayer that the Lord will guide you, and direct you, counsel you and watch over you, instruct you and show you the way that you are to go!

[kacifl]

It is always wonderful to have choices! K

[Sharon in SC]

Update on our house - we had two showings yesterday one of which was a family with 3 young children who saw the house with a set of grandparents. They spent a fair amount of time there according to one of our neighbors. Today, our neighbors noticed that a couple with a teenage daughter (without an REA) drove up and proceeded to look in the windows just as the family from yesterday arrived in two vehicles with the grandparents to see it again (no REA this time). At the very least, it has to work in our favor for them to see others' interest. ;-)

[MJN]

at the same time. Keep us posted!

Molly

[missplacedalaskan]

Wonderful! Praying that you will have a contract on the house SOON!

[Sharon in SC]

You know, I, too, have found myself thinking, "Now, Lord, you've done it once (multiple offer situation). Shall we do it again?!" :-D

[coffeefreak]

YEAH! We had two showings this week too!

The first one was Thursday. The girls and I were TOTALLY caught off guard. It was 2:00 in the afternoon and we had just finished school. I mean closed the books and gotten up from the table when the phone rang. NOTHING was clean and we were out of breath by the time we left the house. luckily, we had 30 min to get out.

Then, yesterday, we're sitting around, watching the Olympics in our lounge around clothes, and the phone rings. We were a little better off, but we had 5 min to get out of the house so the dishes got piled in the sink. I'm not used to doing the dishes right after we eat:D

No feedback on yesterday's showing, but Thursday's has a 4 year old Bankruptcy so our Realtor sent them to a lender to see what they qualify for. You never know, they could have an incredible down payment, or someone willing to co-sign!

YEAH GOD!
Blessings!
Dorinda

[HeatherH]

Dorinda - It's great you're having showings!

Here's our update:

Dh and I have decided to yes, try try try to sell! It may be that the Lord keeps us here, but we will heartily endeavor to get it sold! (Good to have that decision made)

We had 2 showings on Saturday.

First - woman from WA. She liked our house, and will come see it again the 2nd week of Sept. when her husband is in town. SO, better than nothing.

Second - a family with 8 kids. They really wanted to do a lease purchase, but we're not so sure. It's a long story -they are desparate for somewhere to live, and would move in ASAP. Dh and I are really, really, REALLY leery of an LP. SO - we're hoping their house in Florida sells, so they can just flat out buy it.

That's all! Haven't heard from the woman from 10 or so days ago. I did decide not to call her back.

We'd appreciate prayers that we would have a good contract by the end of September. DH's insane season at work starts Nov. 1, and he can't take more than one day off from Nov-Jan, so moving would be tricky.

Thanks, all!

[Sharon in SC]

Heather, fwiw, I felt peace when reading about your decision to continue your efforts to sell your home. As you said, in the event that you're home remains unsold, you'll have given the Lord *every* opportunity to sell it in case *that* is His intent and purpose for you guys! Continuing to stand in the gap.....

[Sharon in SC]

Well, this family appears to be *very* interested. Thankfully I have dear neighbors at the old house who have kept me very informed. :-P Two of them called last night to share that the family who began looking at the house over the weekend were there off and on yesterday for a total of 3 times. The last time was for more than an hour when ultimately 4 cars were in the driveway. I think it reasonable to expect that we might hear *something* today?..... :-} (Alltold they have been at the house a total of 6 times in 4 days).

[HeatherH]

Sharon - is this the right thread to update?

Our update this week:

We're about to begin a minor kitchen update, in an attempt to bring in a contract. We really need a contract by the end of Sept., otherwise it may be Feb/March before we can physically move to be with dh.

If you're inclined, please pray that we would be able to complete the update next week, that the Lord would allow for no surprises, and that the update would have a favorable effect on potential buyers.

We still have the one family "in the background" - they'll come back and see the home in early September, when the husband is in town.

Thanks, all!

[Sharon in SC]

This is fine. I may link it to the Current Homes for Sale thread in case there are some who are following that one for more general updates. I will pray that your kitchen update goes smoothly and timely. As for the timing of the contract (Sept or Feb/March), all I know to say to that is what I believe the Lord has been speaking to me about our own home - "in (His) time". Some days it is SO hard to be patient. (Like last weekend when we had a family virtually *live* at our house over the course of 4 days to ultimately not hear one thing from them!) The latter part of this week all I've known to do is pray, "Lord, help me to keep my trust in You."

Blessings, dear friend,
Sharon

[runninmommy]

I wanted to ask where in Alabama you have houses for sale? We are moving to the Montgomery area in 49 days..tick tock tic tock..

lol

[Sharon in SC]

Specific prayer needed - I've just learned that one REA agent in our area has *two* parties interested in our home. They each carry the same concern about the house which happens to be the thing that gave our previous buyer cold feet. This is something that is has been addressed and assessed to fulfill house inspection issues on our part and is not a problem as it stands today. Long story short - the brick veneer on our home has some cracking. Some of it is natural settlement. A small portion was due to foundation issues and that has been corrected with a pier. In the south, this is *common* but to the uneducated buyer can seem like a problem. We've had a professional engineer inspect the home and give it a glowing report. My prayer request is that the Lord will enable the right buyer to see past this and understand that there is no problem! Of course, my heart cry is that the right buyer would present themselves for a pre-fall sale of this home. Maybe the right buyer is one of these two interested parties and they just need reassurance that the cracks in the brick are, afterall, not a problem. Please pray.

[Mary in NJ]

Specific prayer needed - I've just learned that one REA agent in our area has *two* parties interested in our home. They each carry the same concern about the house which happens to be the thing that gave our previous buyer cold feet. This is something that is has been addressed and assessed to fulfill house inspection issues on our part and is not a problem as it stands today. Long story short - the brick veneer on our home has some cracking. Some of it is natural settlement. A small portion was due to foundation issues and that has been corrected with a pier. In the south, this is *common* but to the uneducated buyer can seem like a problem. We've had a professional engineer inspect the home and give it a glowing report. My prayer request is that the Lord will enable the right buyer to see past this and understand that there is no problem! Of course, my heart cry is that the right buyer would present themselves for a pre-fall sale of this home. Maybe the right buyer is one of these two interested parties and they just need reassurance that the cracks in the brick are, afterall, not a problem. Please pray.


I am praying about this situation. Hopefully, the real estate agent will educate the buyer.

[Diane in CO]

I am keeping you in my prayers as well Sharon, that one of these parties will ask the right questions, receive helpful information on how this issue has been taken care of, and put an offer on your house!

:grouphug:

Diane

[Sharon in SC]

I am keeping you in my prayers as well Sharon, that one of these parties will ask the right questions, receive helpful information on how this issue has been taken care of, and put an offer on your house!

:grouphug:

Diane

Thank you, Mary and Diane. Education. That is the key word here. These buyers need to be educated. Unfortunately, the REA who happens to be representing both of them does not appear to be the sharpest REA in the lot. The first party practically *lived* at the house two weekends ago and then, ultimately, decided the foundation questions were too big for them. Had she simply let our REA know of their interest/concern we could have promptly produced the letter from the professional engineer! Makes me wonder if this gal really wants to sell a house. :confused:

For now, the letter has been produced and hopefully she'll share it with both parties. I've asked my REA to pointblank ask her. More than that, I'm putting confidence in the power of prayer trusting the Lord to enlighten them.

AGain, thank you both for praying!

[Sharon in SC]

(Obvious CC) Word of the day:



"We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all,...and especially of those who believe." I Tim 4:10

I thought I'd share my struggles of the last two weeks and the testimony of the weekend in case someone else might also be encouraged. I confess that I've fought discouragement recently. To recap, in two months of being on the market, we've had 3-4 seriously interested parties with a multiple offer situation culminating in a buyer with cold feet who left $10K earnest money on the table. Through it all, I've been confident that the Lord has the right buyer chosen for our home. I believe He's spoken through various and sundry ways to confirm that (scripture, a Word from my mom to the effect, "There's to be no angst or worry over the sale of this home", etc). From the day the sign went in the yard, I was certain that the Lord indicated I was to no longer put the petition before him for His glory to be revealed and to sell the house to the right buyer, at the right time, for the right price but that I was to begin to thank Him and praise him for that very thing because the work was done.

Well, in the last two weeks and as I watched area REAs drop the ball (IMHO), discouragement set in. By this weekend, I began asking God to speak to my heart because of my struggles. I believe He has. It started with yesterday when I turned my desktop calendar and found the scripture I opened this post with. That is significant because my mom had just recently relayed to me the miraculous story of an acquaintance regarding the sale/purchase of her homes. Miraculous. Of course, my mom, said, "Sharon, if God was so very faithful to this woman, we can expect Him to be equally faithful to you." It is because of this that I believe the Lord used the verse in Timothy to confirm that.

As I was closing my day last night in prayer, truly, I believe the Lord spoke this to my heart: "Sharon, I'm the same today that I was 6 weeks ago when I said there was to be no angst or worry over the sale of this home." :-} Let's just say I was lovingly admonished.

This morning, in church, He reminded me of the early charge to thank Him and praise Him (rather than ask Him) for the sale of the house. (In the last two weeks, I'd resorted to pleading. begging. well, you get the picture).

So, as of tonight, I'm determined to go back to offering up praises and thanksgivings for the sale of my home. No more pleading. The work is done and I'm going to declare it. In faith.

Thanks for allowing me to share. It is my hope that others who are following this thread and who have homes to sell can find comfort and encouragement for their journey as I share the plight(s) of my own for....."We have put our trust in a living God....!"

[HeatherH]

Here is the latest:

We had a 2 showings Sunday, 1 yesterday.

The REA from yesterday's showing called back tonight. Basically, the man looking at the home has been transferred from Atlanta to Birmingham, he saw 6 houses, and far and away liked ours the BEST!

His wife is coming to town Oct. 14, and she'll see it then. (I'm baking cookies, folks! Really, really GOOD cookies!)

The timing is terrific. We have the option to house-sit in our new town from Nov. 1-May. If they give us a contract, we actually have somewhere to go, rent-free.

We'd sure appreciate prayers as we see what the Lord has in store for us. . . . .

[missplacedalaskan]

This is wonderful news for you, Heather!

[missplacedalaskan]

UPDATE: We had our first home showing this afternoon. No word yet on how it went, but I am praying that this is the Lord's timing. The house has been on the market since July and we have dropped the price from $199,000-182,500. Dh does not want to drop the price anymore because it is already to the point we will be losing quite a bit to sell....but I would rather lose $$ now and be done with it, than hold out for more and be paying long term.

[Sharon in SC]

Here is the latest:

We had a 2 showings Sunday, 1 yesterday.

The REA from yesterday's showing called back tonight. Basically, the man looking at the home has been transferred from Atlanta to Birmingham, he saw 6 houses, and far and away liked ours the BEST!

His wife is coming to town Oct. 14, and she'll see it then. (I'm baking cookies, folks! Really, really GOOD cookies!)

The timing is terrific. We have the option to house-sit in our new town from Nov. 1-May. If they give us a contract, we actually have somewhere to go, rent-free.

We'd sure appreciate prayers as we see what the Lord has in store for us. . . . .

Oct 14 is marked on my calendar, Heather! I'll be praying!

[Sharon in SC]

UPDATE: We had our first home showing this afternoon. No word yet on how it went, but I am praying that this is the Lord's timing. The house has been on the market since July and we have dropped the price from $199,000-182,500. Dh does not want to drop the price anymore because it is already to the point we will be losing quite a bit to sell....but I would rather lose $$ now and be done with it, than hold out for more and be paying long term.


Thank you for this update! Praying!

Sharon

[kacifl]

RE: my adult daughter who was attacked in the parking lot of her condo. THe condo didn't get sold, however it has been rented. She signed with a friend who works for a company that manages rentals in Atlanta. Thus, I'm thanking God for this temporary fix.

I think her fiance and friends were hoping she could get past the events of the attack and possibly move back in. This would have solved many financial problems, but she just couldn't. It was even hard for her to go and move her things out. She had been staying with friends (we're 400 miles south of her). Now she can move into a rental and get on with her life. Kaci

[Renee in FL]

We have had 2 different people very interested in our house, but so far neither has been able to secure financing.

[ma23peas]

We are praying for our house (on the market 16 months as well) to sell this month....please keep 102 Bishop Spring Court in your thoughts and let's see God's Glory and plan be praised!!! :)

Tara

[HeatherH]

To follow up for those following:

Unfortunately, the family who was to return this week is all sick. Bah! The REA said they would try to come on a weekend in another week or so.

My dh is going to call their REA and try to get a better feel for their timing, urgency, etc.

In the meantime - we wait!

[Sharon in SC]

Thanks for this. Our home had not shown in over 3 weeks until last week when it was shown to a woman relocating from Arizona. She ended up putting a contract on a home for $45K MORE than our asking price. :-P Then, it was shown again yesterday. Those folks took a disclosure packet out of the notebook and had their REA call today to inquire about proof of square footage. For the moment, I'm thankful for someone who is expressing any interest at all past the showing! ;-}