Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Now We've Really Done It!

Although we've lived in South Florida for over forty-five years, we put our house up for sale this past Friday night. In this depressed market, we were warned that the average sale takes 6 - 8 months. Saturday some people came with their real estate agents. Two returned for a second look. Monday, we were surprised to learn that two offers were made! We've accepted one. Closing is June 18th. You can imagine, my head is spinning! (I guess no one told God that it doesn't happen this quickly!)

Why move? Well, nothing is more important than family, and our son and his family are moving to central Florida. We're following even though people always recommend against it. In addition to remaining within 5 minutes of our son's family, this will bring us within two hours of our daughter and her family. We're excited, tired, smiling, and soon to be exhausted. Now, we're off to buy a place to live. First, we'll probably rent. It should be an adventure.

If you leave a comment, I promise, I will return it, even if it takes a bit longer than normal. However, I won't have time to go down my blogroll every day as is my custom. So leave me those all-important comments, please!

51 comments:

April said...

Wow, Sally, what a surprise! I didn't know you were contemplating moving! However, I'm so happy to know that things moved quicker than expected...congratulations! I wish you all the best on finding the right home. How great it will be to be closer to those you love!

Dawn said...

That's exciting news!!! I am glad things are moving quickly for you! I don't know what I would do if my daughter and her family weren't so close to me. I hope the move goes smoothly and you find your new home easily!!

take care,
Dawn

Patti VZ said...

I always say "It's a God thing"... if you are supposed to move, that house will sell. Guess you were meant to move! Welcome to Central Florida!

jlshall said...

Wow, you're so lucky to have everything fall into place so quickly! Hope you find a new place just as fast. Just keep saying to yourself "house hunting is really fun" over and over!

Faye said...

Goodmorning my sweet Sally!I am so happy for you.It is Gods will for you to go.He has fixed it all for you.I just want you to know you are so special to me.You have been such a blessing to me.Is is funny how we have never met face to face but i feel so close to you.Please continue to keep me in your prayers.From the way the Dr. is talking I will have to be in the hospital for a few days!I will be taking my lap top so I can stay in contact with all my blog friends! Have a great day! Blessings, Faye

Becky K. said...

This is great! I am so excited for you!!!

Patsy said...

I would say this was a God thing --He can make a way when no one else can--He is not bothered with the economy---He will have just the right house too in the new location.

Judi said...

Congratulations Sally! but isn't it interesting??? hmmmm my first thought was oh dear...you're moving to a new place. I've never known you anyplace except where you live now and I was feeling slightly sad because you were all set up there for blogging...isn't that something?
My second thought was it wouldn't matter where you moved as long as you took your computer with you..*hugs*
Well that sure was quick and it sounds like a great plan...being closer to family....
Now you'll be busy...
Judi

nfmgirl said...

Congratulations! I hope your move goes well, and I hope that they have more water up there in Central Florida than we do down in southern. I learned yesterday (after my water system went down) that the wells are beginning to go dry down here from the drought. Luckily mine has not. It turned out that ants had taken out a switch!

I had the reverse happen to what you encountered. I decided last summer that I would start looking at homes and consider buying, because prices had come down to the point where I, as a single woman, could finally afford it. I figured it would take 6-12 months before I reached the point of buying. Well within a couple of weeks I found a house, had my offer accepted, and within six weeks or so was moved into my new house. Can you say "stressful"? Yet exciting!

I hope you enjoy your new adventure!

Elizabeth-Plain and Simple said...

How exciting. I hope everything continues to goes well and you are able to find a new home just as quick. The housing market should be in your favor since you are now a buyer. Best of luck to you.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Cindy said...

God is in control! How exciting to move and get closer to your daughter as well.
Cindy

Knitty said...

Best wishes to you and hubby as you prepare for the closing and begin packing!

sara said...

Wow!!! that is exciting! And how wonderful that you can follow your son and be closer to your daughter!! I will be praying for the move and all that entails!

xinex said...

Wow! That's wonderful, Sally! Congrats! And good luck on the move...Christine

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Oh my goodness-this is a surprise! I'm sure you will enjoy living in your new home and I'm certain you will decorate it lovely. The best news is that you'll continue to be close to your son and closer to your daughter.

Cathy said...

Sally, that is marvelous. Your house must be in tip top condition! I used to sell real estate. I'm very happy for you.
Remember me in prayer, as my heart cath is on Thursday.

Anonymous said...

How exciting! What an adventure. I live close to all of my children and within walking distance to one. We feel so blessed for the time we are able to spend together. It's been wonderful ♥

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Sally, I am so happy for you. I know it will be a big adjustment and an exciting adventure.
Congrats.
Molly

raxx a day in the life said...

Congratulations on your quick sale! Although from what I've seen of your home, its no suprise that it was snapped up!

Hope the packing and moving goes smoothly, one day at a time......

Neabear said...

My goodness, changes abound! Congrats on the quick sale and I wish you luck finding that new place to call home and that you find it quickly. What fun to pack up everything and make that long haul.

Libby's Library said...

Enjoy Central Florida...I loved living there. I was in Lakeland for about 30 years! Can't wait to see what you find.

Darlene said...

WOW....a new, exciting adventure has begun for you!!

I sure wish my parents would get moved out here in their home that is waiting!!!!

ellen b. said...

Well congratulations on your speedy sale! Blessings on your hunt for a new place and the move...

Unknown said...

All in God's timing! Glad it went fast for you. Hope you find the home the Lord has waiting for you.

The Bliss Journey said...

Well, I would say God definitely wants you to move. Congratulations on the quick sale of your home. Best of luck with your new home search.
Kathleen

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Sounds like the Lord was perfectly in control. I know He will find you the perfect place to live. Have fun looking for the new home and packing. Hugs, Marty

Needled Mom said...

Oh my goodness - what a shock! Congratulations on the quick, quick sale. Won't it be fun to go shopping for a new place?

Terry said...

God Bless You Sweet Sally !
May all things fall into place as quickly as the sale of your home.
Congratulations to you .
What a testimony of love you and your hubby are teaching to your children and grandchildren.
The family is after all THE FAMILY
and staying connected is wonderful for all. Blessings to you.
Wish I could help in some way moving is always a big project but you can do it !
Have a wonderful week.

Unknown said...

How wonderful to get a good offer so quickly! It's a credit to how you care for your home.
My sister and I WISH our parents would move closer. We are 15 minutes from each other, and our parents are 2 hours away. I think my mom just doesn't want to deal with packing up 45 years of stuff!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness, Sally! God knows what He's doing, doesn't He? That's a miracle you home sold so quickly! It really is! And wonderful you'll be close to your son and your daughter! Family is very important and I'm glad it's working out for you! Take lots of pictures for us!
bE a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Barb said...

Sally, I live in Central Florida....Orlando.. and you will love it. This is such a progressive area.

The very best to you and your family.

Barb

tammy said...

Good luck! I'm tired just thinking of packing and moving. I'm glad you will be by family still, that's so important.

Coloradolady said...

Wow Sally, that is fantastic news. But I am not surprised...you have a wonderful home and I am sure someone was waiting to snatch that great home up...and it seems they did. Good luck on the new location and finding a great new place to live. I can not wait to follow you story....

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Sally,
Wow! What an exciting adventure! I pray the Lord will go before you and find you a lovely place to live! This will no doubt offer up lots of scope for imagination and serve up many interesting stories. I pray all goes well for you and your hubby as you make this transition. Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Sandi

artis1111 said...

Oh, Sally,you get to decorate and that is fun! hehe I hope you find a great home. Kathy

Unknown said...

Congratulations Sally on the quick sale of your home. It must have been very well maintained to have sold so quickly.

Hope you will have good luck finding another place to live!

Ruthie said...

Wow! I'd say this is definitely God's provision for you for such a fast sale of your house. Praying you'll find just what you're looking for in your new place of residence. It'll be nice being close to your kids. We love have at least two of our kids close by.
Hugs. Ruthie

Four Paws and Co said...

Oh my gosh Sally, this is so exciting! I'm thrilled for you & looking forward to hearing all about your new adventures! Hugs! Diane

Ashley ~ said...

I'm excited for you*!!! Moving closer to your kids is a win win situation for everyone*!!! Good luck with the selling and buying and moving part. It will all be worth the effort when it's over and you're all settled down again.
(((hugs))) _Ashley*

Anonymous said...

Wow Sally. We've been expecting an announcement like this. I think it's great. You're right. Nothing is more important than family. How nice you can be close to your daughter as well. We're looking forward to hearing about the move. How wonderful your house sold so fast. God is so good.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Musings of A Minister said...

Ah yes, a new adventure with God. I am so happy for you and your entire family. Our son and daughter live about five minutes from us and it's wonderful.We will continue to pray for all the decisions you have to make in the next few weeks. I feel so excited for you that it's almost like we are moving. Soldier on! God is good!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Congratulations! In this market, that is one heck of a surprise! I don't know who advises against it, but it is just so sad that so many families these days are separated by so many miles. So much better when everyone just lived "down the road" from each other! Good luck with the move. laurie

Bridget said...

Oh my goodness, aren't you just the luckiest one to have sold so quickly! I hope you find some place that your really like and that it has a blue wall or two!
You will be missed during your move but welcomed back with open arms whenever you are back up and running again.
Take care and don't work too hard, Bridget

Deare Diary said...

If that is what is best for you then I am glad for you. You have such a pretty place and all of those pretty things to decorate your house. I hope that you pack carefully and nothing gets broken or damaged. Look foward to seeing pictures of your new place.
Judy

Lorrie said...

Wow Sally--this is such a big thing to happen so quickly. I think it's great that you'll be near both your son and daughter.

Life is going to be very busy for you for a while, that's for sure!

Dorothy said...

How exciting!! Good luck in finding your perfect home.

imjacobsmom said...

Well Sally - I'm not surprised your home sold so quickly - it's a lovely home. I just hope you find a great home right away too. I bet John would like one on the golf course...Robyn

dana said...

How wonderful for you guys!! It was meant to be!! It will be terrific for your family to be so close together. I know it was a dream come true when our son's job brought him and his family back to our area. You're so right--there IS nothing more important than family--but I also rank my friends right up there!!

Have fun packing---take lots of pictures of your progress! Dana

Barbara H. said...

Wow, Sally! My head would be spinning, too! That was quick! Hope you have as easy a move as possible.

nikkicrumpet said...

WOW how cool that you were able to sell it so fast! Congrats on the move. I completely understand wanting to be close to your kids. Being so very far away from all of mine is the hardest thing I've ever done. Good luck finding a wonderful new place to create new family memories.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sally, that must be God. Let me know where you will be. You're moving up closer! Yea! Email me when you get a chance because I can't click on anyone's email address because my default thingy isn't set up or whatever.


XO,

Sheila :-)