There are many new home developers in the northern part of Colorado Springs. The sizes and prices of homes available range widely. In fewer than 21 days we have visited most of them, walked through countless models, envisioned and discussed myriad possibilities.
Now, if you'll please allow me a brief digression...
I'm not a fan of reality TV. Never have been. Ever since the first episode of the first season of Survivor when I observed that this so-called reality TV show brought out the worst in human nature and emphasized the entertainment value of people dragging one another through the mud (literally AND figuratively), I have disdained this genre.
So, the fact that there is a reality show about househunting both annoys and puzzles me. This is not a process I would include in the category of entertainment. Maybe it's because since leaving college in 1985 I've moved 17 times. When you pack up, move, and unpack all your worldly belongings that many times you cease to be intoxicated by the romance of it all. Don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining. I really have loved moving to and exploring so many different places. I merely point out that the actual househunting process doesn't rank high on my list of favorite pastimes.
Combine all this with the fact that we have been living out of suitcases all summer and you will probably understand that Tom and I epitomize motivated buyers. However, we are also wary. We've lived in enough places that we feel confident that we know what we want. And maybe more importantly, what we don't want.
So, on the day we drive into the Northgate Estates development and tour the Challenger Homes model, we are cautiously hopeful.
We love the location. The views of the Air Force Academy and the Front Range are breathtaking. We are impressed with the quality and attention to detail of the model. The floorplans are open, thoughtful, comfortable.
Shunn (pronounced Sean), the builder's rep, tells us, "We have a spec home, scheduled to be complete early in October, but it's smaller than the model and the views are obstructed. It's just across the street, would you like to see it?"
Tom and I share a look. We've both been thinking the model was really too big (and too expensive) for us. So, we agree to take a look at the spec.
It's being painted, so we don't stay long, just take a quick walk around to get a feel for the layout and the details.
We thank Shunn and head back to our temporary digs in the basement of dear, generous friends.
We're excited. The house, as we recount each detail, is very much what we've been looking for. The details that grab us include:
-Ranch-planwith a fi nished basement ideally suited to visiting friends and family (especially college students)
-Gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop, double oven, and walk-in pantry
-Great Room/wide open living and eating space on main level
-Large main level master suite with both a large shower and soaking tub as well as a large closet
-Office space for both Tom and me
-Three car garage
-Views
-Outdoor living space
And it's affordable. We're more than excited. We're PUMPED!
Well, after several more visits and some serious discussions about financing, landscaping, etc. we write a contract for the house. We schedule the closing for October 11th.
We did close without any trouble and moved in that day.
And now, just shy of two weeks later, we are living in our new home and loving it more and more. The household goods shipment, all our furniture, etc. from Virginia, has yet to arrive. So, we're sort of camping out. Thanks to generous friends we have mattresses to sleep on and a table and chairs so we don't have to eat standing up. The word from the moving company is we should see our things by October 30th. I guess I won't have much time to get my Halloween decorations up! But it is all good.
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