Saturday, November 14, 2015

The Next Chapter

If you recall, in my last post I said that if all went well with the inspection of the house that we had offered to purchase, then it would become our new digs and our last move.




There have been some new developments so if you'd like to hear the rest of the story, please read on.  I'm warning you in advance, this is going to be long.

The house that we wanted to purchase is a 1200 square foot, three bedroom bungalow with a finished room in the basement.  It is about fifty years old and although there have been many updates made over the years, there were some big ticket projects that still had to be done.  

We knew after we had initially viewed the house that the indoor oil tank was out of date and had to be replaced and we were also aware that the existing 100 amp electrical panel used fuses.  We were willing to go ahead with the deal and absorb the costs of replacing the out-dated oil tank and to replace and update the electrical panel to one with breakers.

What we did not expect was that there was vermiculite insulation in the attic which judging by the age, more than likely contained asbestos.  We asked the inspector...who is also a building contractor...what his best guess would be to remove the existing vermiculite and replace it with blown-in R-40 insulation to bring it up to code. The price he quoted was between $2500-$3000.

What we were prepared to do was to either split the difference with the sellers or to lower the purchase price by $1000.  Pretty fair, don't you think?

Bear in mind that the closing date of our house is the 14th of December which is also the date that we have to vacate, so time was of the essence.  It is our belief that the sellers were very aware of the fact that we needed someplace to move to and that they had us over a barrel so they greedily refused the $1000 reduction.  

Their reply to their realtor was that the insulation would be okay as long as it wasn't disturbed.

Let me back up a step.  When a house is listed for sale in Canada, the sellers are required by law to fill out a disclosure statement or questionnaire revealing all that they know about the house.  One of the questions relates specifically to insulation and in this case, the sellers answer to that question was "unknown".  

If the vermiculite insulation situation was unknown as declared then why was their response something to the effect that if the current insulation remain undisturbed then it was okay?  They obviously knew about it but chose not to disclose what they knew.

You probably know the rest of the story without me having to go into more detail but here's where we now stand.

Yesterday we signed a document which effectively terminates our offer based on the findings of the inspection which was one of the conditions that was laid out in our original offer to purchase the property.  We did not feel comfortable with what other hidden things conveniently or inadvertently may not have been disclosed.

This might be the most expensive $1000 that the sellers decided NOT to spend.  
They could have sold their house for $1000 less than our agreed upon selling price which they turned down.  Now they have to disclose that there is vermiculite insulation in the attic which will scare away most potential buyers thereby making it more difficult to sell their house.  Ultimately, they will probably have to accept a much lower selling price than we were prepared to pay.  We dealt in good faith and feel that we were way more than fair.

Well, if you've read this far, I applaud you.  Here's the rest of the story.

Because of the time constraints, we were very lucky to find a two bedroom bungalow with garage to rent about 50 miles up the valley from where we currently live.  Yes, it ultimately means that we will have to move twice but at least now we won't be under the gun to find our LAST house.  We'll be able to take our time to look around and won't have to worry about closing dates or having to sell before finding for a new home.  

Renting will certainly be a new experience for us because we haven't rented since we were married many, many moons ago.  Thankfully the house is clean, in great shape and it'll be painted and cleaned throughout by the 1st of December which means that we can start to move the smaller stuff in before we have to vacate here on the 14th.

I can't begin to tell you about the stressful roller coaster ride we've been on over the last two and a half weeks.  If the truth be known, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.  Both Mr. Painted Quilt and myself are emotionally spent and there's still so much that still has to be done!

Thanks for listening!


Happy stitching!

50 comments:

PaddyAnne said...

Hi, first time reading your blog and yes I read the entire post. I think you came out on the top even though the purchase fell thru; the cost for removing asbestos generally runs much higher as you need people qualified to assess the rating, or percentage level of the asbestos, and then employ specialists in hazmat attire to remove it. Then you are looking at where it will go to be stored.... It gets horribly expensive -or rather, can. Look forward to dropping in again and seeing some of your quilts when you are settled😊

Susan Sawatzky said...

Probably a better solution for you all around. When I moved to Port Townsend from Spokane after my husband died 3 years ago, I rented a house for about 6 months. I'm so happy I did that, it gave me a feel for the area, prices, neighborhoods, etc. At about 6 mos I decided that interest rates and prices were slowly going up so took the plunge and put what equity I'd received from the Spokane house into the one I bought. I've never been sorry that two moves were involved, I know this is the last move for me. At my age I won't be doing that age and it has been the perfect house for a quilter with a very large living/dining room area for laying out quilts and inviting friends over for mini retreats. With 3 bedrooms I have one I can dedicate to sewing and one for an office plus bedroom and all in a fairly compact 1500 sq. ft.

Happy hunting!

Radka said...

I don't think that any move is without a stress, so was ours a couple of years ago and that was more or less a straightforward affair! Unfortunately, complications like yours are not unusual (sadly)and in reality expenses end up much higher than quote you got.
But I am a great believer that (mostly) something good comes out of something bad; you lost the house you set your heart on. Renting is inconvenient and means an extra move, but I think you are doing the right thing - it will give you time to look again, without a pressure of a deadline and at the end of it you might find a much better house :-) Good luck,
xx

Charlotte said...


Many years back, we went through a similar experience where we had to terminate the offer we made on a house. Our house was sold so we had to find something quickly or rent. Fortunately, we found a house in an area we always wanted to live. The house was a mixed bag - needed lots of cleaning and updating. But we lived to tell the tale.

I remember the emotional roller coaster ride it was - not being able to sleep etc. I think finding a rental house is a good choice - you will be able to take your time to find a home to your liking. You might just want to unpack a minimal amount in the rental home so you won't have to pack all over again when you find the "dream" home. You probably thought of that already.

Best of luck,
Charlotte



Monica said...

Oh dear, a roller coaster is right! But soon I think you'll be feeling that you had a lucky escape.

And you know, renting may suit you. There are none of the burdens of repairs or significant maintenance, even if you give up some control. Good luck with the move, and now you can rest easy over the holidays. :D

Janet O. said...

I read it all, Kaaren, with great interest. Isn't it sad that there are so many people who have no qualms about misrepresenting and trying to benefit from their non-disclosure?
You did the right thing and I am glad you found a place to live so that you can take your time, find the right fit, and not have the deadline pressuring you to choose something less than ideal.
Wish you well and look forward to the next chapter of your saga. : )

Anonymous said...

I also read it all. You did the right thing. Yes moving twice will be a hassle but you won't have the worry of asbestos. Sending my best your way. I love hearing about your adventures and seeing what you are up to with fabrics, designing and sewing!

Jackie said...

I read it all as well, you've definitely made the right decision. Moving twice may be a hassle but rushing into the other move would have been only the tip of the iceberg and your better off in the long run (my thoughts).

Loris said...

I'm sorry to hear of the added stress. Kudos for making the tough decisions though. You will have saved yourself from more. Here's for prayers and encouragement for the move ahead. We're cheering you on!

Lesley said...

Oh my, so sorry you had to go through this, but sounds like a perfect decision for now. The silver lining might be your next house you find and buy! Take a deep breath and glad you'll get to take your time now!

gracie said...

Hang in there...now you will be able to look without pressure. One of these days the right house will come along.

Terri in BC said...

So many people jump into what is the biggest purchase(s) of their lives when they buy a house. If they didn't disclose what they knew about the insulation, what else didn't they disclose? You are wise to back out of this deal and take your time to find your next dream home. Good luck!

barbara woods said...

Good thing you found out , you will find the right one, prayers that it will be soon

Anonymous said...

Smart girl! Glad you were able to back out of it. We had to rent while we built our house.... it isn't that bad! We just unpacked what we needed and left the rest boxed up in the garage until our house was done. You would be surprised about how little you really need day to day! Good luck!

Sharon said...

I applaud you for walking away from this deal. People are so short sighted when selling homes. My guy bought a condo for under 200K. Short version, it was on market for 229K and someone submitted offer to purchase with the condition of replacing the fridge. Seller too cheap to do that, and ended up eventually selling for under 200K to my guy. Pretty expensive fridge, right?
Just breathe, unpack bare necessities and like my dad says, a house is like a bus, another one will come along. Your "best" last house is out there and you will find it and it will be all that you want and need!

Ann in PA said...

It's a good thing that you didn't buy into that "money pit"...those people were dishonest and who knows what else you would find after you moved in. There is a dream house out there with your name on it. Take comfort in knowing that now you have time to find it without feeling pressured. Blessings!

Jacqueline said...

I am sure it wil all come together at the right time. Pray then trust.

Katie said...

No fun at all! I’m sorry you had such a bad time. I’ve always had to remind myself that a better house is out there waiting for me. I’m sure you’ll find yours. Best wishes!! :-)

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Hi Kaaren, sadly I think your house story is more common than we'd like. Good riddance to that property,I say and I know your 'meant to be home' is out there waiting for you...if not in Nova Scotia, maybe back here in Ontario.

Linda R said...

Definitely did the right thing by backing out. Who knows what else might be wrong. So hard to trust people these days.

Mary-Lou said...

I agree, you did do the right thing...shame on them for hiding that. Like others we have been in the same spot. When we were buying this place I asked the owner did the roof leak to which he replied no while looking me in the face. The day we moved in the basement had water in it from the nights rain.I could have sat on the stairs and cried. To make this story short.the judge said he had to pay for a new roof. I am very wary now and sad that we can't trust a mans word.
You will find your dream home, it WILL make your heart smile and have everything and more you wanted.

Mary-Lou

Cathi said...

What a nightmare of a situation. However, I think you did the right thing walking away from that as asbestos removal can end up as a hugely costly endeavour. I'm sorry you'll have to move twice, but at least now you'll have lots of time to find your forever house. Perhaps this was truly meant to be and a home will come on the market that you'll absolutely love - and hopefully you'll be dealing with vendors who are much more straightforward!

Frog Quilter said...

Congrats for sticking to your self. People can be so greedy. I honestly think you are much better off knowing the little hints of TROUBLE in that house. Buyer beware and you have. Always follow your gut. Your next home is out there and it will be better! Hugs.

Betsy said...

Karen I believe in fate. That house was not for you.

2dogs2luv said...

WOWSERS!!( think you did the right thing~~~~sad but true....always a snake in the grass.I think you did the right thing & shame on the scammers. Sad part, they'll try this again!

Mimi said...

There's a reason for everything. There must be something better out there for you. Keep the faith and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that all will work out in good time.

Kim said...

Yikes! Sounds like you ultimately dodged a bullet.

colleen said...

I haven't read the other comments but I am pretty sure I agree with them .... the best possible out come for you was that you not buy that house.
I think it would have been a money pit
Her in much milder weather California USA houses don't sell well during the winter months so some people don't even try to sell until the spring/summer so this may well be a blessing more and better houses might be getting paint and repairs done now to be ready for you to see later in the new year
All my best and go for the one story .... we don't have basements here so I don't know what to say about them .... but now in my old age stairs and I avoid each other I am afraid of falling
Colleen

margaret said...

I think you were right to back out of this purchase, as ypou say if they kept quiet about the asbestos what else did they not declare. Best of luck with the move and fingers crossed you find the perfect home soon

Crochet Addict UK said...

Sounds to me that fate has made sure you don't buy that house. I'm sure it means your perfect house is out there. Hope you find it soon! Good luck.

Quilt Granny said...

Hey hello we are almost neighbors. We moved into our "last home" on PEI last summer. We are adjusting well to this quieter lifestyle. I feel your pain, but agree that you made the right choice. We love the Annapolis Valley and try to go every fall. Good luck finding your perfect place.

Susan said...

Rode that same ride in 2011...... Trying but worth the effort.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear your deal fell through, but it is far better to know now than after you finalized and made the move. Wishing you all the best as your journey continues down this different path.

xx

Ingrid said...

Hola Karen!
Guao! Qué historia. Gracias a Dios encontraste una solución, aunque sea temporal. Eso te permitirá conseguir tu casa con calma. Con mucha seguridad será una que deje completamente setisfecha a tu familia. He venido siguiendo tu historia, a pesar de no haber hecho ningún comentario antes. Recibe un fuerte abrazo desde Venezuela!!!

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

I totally think you did the right thing. With something that big undeclared, who knows what else you'll find. Sorry it didn't work out as planned. Changing plans especially on something this big and life changing is so hard. Good luck on your continued house hunt, I know the right house is out there just waiting for you!

Unknown said...

It was a difficult decision but the right one.

Anonymous said...

Is it possible the people may have learned more about the situation after the discovery and having signed the disclosure? Many moons ago I worked for a company that did home structural/pest inspections required before the sale of a home. Very seldom did the seller know there was "an issue" that needed resolving for the sale of the home to finalize. Termites, bad sub-floors, dry-rot, the list is long for some of these "surprises." It is unfortunate for them to not have lowered the price that $1000 but in all honesty....GOOD for you to have an "out" especially now how you feel, right? *wink* One thing that is constant that I always say..."things happen for a reason and even though we don't know what that reason is we must be patient...when it comes....we will know." Be patient enjoying the journey....the perfect house is out there just waiting for you. Perhaps...even a ladybug will fly your way. *wink*

Unknown said...

Blessings going out to you & Mr. PQ.
I read and would read again, all your heart-felt stress regarding this sad situation Kaaren. While typing this is easy and I'm not living it as you are, I pray you, your hubby and fur-kids can enjoy this temporary chapter.
Jackie in NC, USA

Susie H said...

You hang in there. The right house will come along and it will be perfect!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

What an experience! Moving is stressful. Renting will allow you time to search for your new home. Anyone who is ever bought and sold property has stories to share some good some not so good. Ours came in the form of the shut down of the government and no loans were being processed. Prayers for brighter days and happy endings.

Unknown said...

Moving is so stressful! My husband and I purchased a new home last year. After being in the same house for nearly 20 years. We had so much to sort out, give away, donate, and then pack. The home we moved into was fairly new built in 2005 all brick. We were told everything was wonderful and even had an inspection done. The first day we moved in the cable company cam to hook up the cable and told us we needed to add some type of electrical box as the one we had wasn't large enough. $300, then our lights kept flickering off and on, we could smell something burning but they couldn't find anything and of course the lights didn't flicker when they came out. Next the a/c broke and cost us $580 to fix, then the water was so bad we had to purchase a softner and and a sulfer remover to deal with it. $5500. I can go on but the house for the first year has been a nightmare. Now we need an entire new heating/air system which is another $5000. I am wondering if it will ever end. lol
Take your time and check everything you can before signing the papers! Mary mburnette912@bellsouth.net

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Oh my! I for one am happy that it turned out this way as I know from experience, no matter what the experts say it is NOT easy to get rid of all the asbestos once it is disturbed. You will find a lovely home in your own relaxing time frame. I just with all of us (quilty bloggers) could be there to help you move! I know you've already had your Thanksgiving, but hopefully you can take some time to relax and enjoy our holiday whilst in the moving process.

nieves67 said...

what a stress, my poor!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

There was a reason that house wasn't meant to be. Your health is way more important than dealing with asbestos. Something will come along. I have faith it will. Hang in there.

Gypsy Quilter said...

What a smart decision, leaving that house behind. Years ago, I typed safety/training/procedure manuals for a very large electric company. Cleaning asbestos was a major undertaking. Renting can be a very freeing experience, as house maintenance will be left to someone else while you and hubs recover and re-group. I moved 24 times in 30 years so I have a bit of experience with this. Try to use fabric and towels when wrapping up glassware. If you're hiring packers/movers, have them work in one room at a time and watch the process. I've had packers steal money and jewelry in the past. Best of luck to you both.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I read every word...and really if you have doubt, get out seems like the best outcome even though it was so stressful. Good luck with the next stage of moving and finding that gem that will be your forever home. ((hugs))

Quiltgal said...

Sounds like you did the right thing. My Mom always said if you didn't get it you were not meant to have it and something better will come along. Perhaps you can build exactly what you want!!

Unknown said...

I think you made the right decision. And the good news is that the easiest move is from a rental property to a purchased one, so your next move will go much better! We bought a house where we thought we knew all of the issues and we didn't and we have been fixing things ever since. I would not wish that one anyone.

beatriz said...

I am using a translator my address is
aldharabe@gmail.com

five years ago tube to leave my house because of health problems , with the economic crisis impossible to sell , I am living rent a smaller house that I can control and I'm happy . I do not want to buy another house , I will lodge rental less worry if my health gets worse can find a more comfortable home safely buy.

ann said...

Sure glad you were able to find a houseand get in before Christmas