Hmmm . . . Progress?

My analytical mind typically works through a plan before jumping into anything big. Take this whole adoption thing, for example: there was a definite plan put into place prior to starting the paperwork necessary to bring Jimmy and Alby into our family.

Tired of living a bit "house poor," Eric and I began talking about where we should move to that would allow us better access to his school, same or better access to our parents, easy highway access for my commute, in an area where necessities (grocery stores, gas stations, an excellent Mexican restaurant) were plentiful. After initially placing our home on the market for sale by owner in the fall (which we figured out early scares many people off), we listed with our trusty realtor Dee in February.

After several showings, it became evident that the process would be less stressful if we didn't have to worry about two dogs and two children (and all their stuff) while trying to show the house. We had the opportunity to buy a home in Lakewood at a very good price, utilizing Eric's VA loan which allowed us to purchase without a down payment. Our new home ("Hackberry"), while MUCH  more affordable, also gave us two more bedrooms - perfect for our new additions!

So now we have two mortgages . . . well, three if you count the home equity loan on Morton, the green one pictured above (by the way, let me go on record as saying never again!) We've managed for several months, but now the savings well has run dry. Our desire to leave a ridiculously expensive neighborhood ($7,000 / year property tax + $700 home association dues) where we were lacking in support and hated Eric's commute to Oak Grove led us to rationalize that selling this home would free up so much more money necessary to complete the adoption process in the long run. Good plan. Of course, it has to sell for that to be true.

We've decided it's time for drastic measures. The majority of the feedback we receive following showings includes mention of our home being overpriced for not having a finished basement or compared to similar homes in other neighborhoods. So what if we price it lower, potentially selling it faster but leaving a balance on our home equity loan? Turns out that's an option (can you say short sale?), and will only leave us owing 6% of the total balance . . . which Wells Fargo's home equity liquidation department will work with us on.

Stressful, huh? I feel as if a load has been lifted from my shoulders, although finding a buyer is still necessary. I'm not a naive person. I realize this plan has consequences, but we already have a home to live in and have no intention of moving anytime soon. If something doesn't change very soon, I'm not sure how we'll get the boys here. This whole process requires faith and I'm not giving up.

We want these boys to know about Father's Day and Disneyland and having a family.

The reality is that Eric and I are strangers to Jimmy and Alby, but we already love them and have dreams for them and have invested part of our hearts in their well-being and future. I'll do whatever it takes. Too bad it's illegal to sell organs in this country . . . I'm healthy. I could live with one kidney! Lol