Where in the World is Geek Grandma?

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Some of you may be wondering just what is going on with Geek Grandma. Well here’s the scoop…

Where it began…

Not many weeks ago we had a really deep freeze here in Kansas, like minus single digits deep freeze. What’s so special about that? The house we live in is an older house put together in a mixture of old and new techniques. Unfortunately those who tried to meld the old with the new did a really poor job of it. So when the temperatures reached those low frigid single digits the water pipes froze. There were no broken pipes and all thawed with no issues.

We have invested a huge amount of time and funds to upgrade this house. These things had to be done no matter what we chose to do with it. While it is true that frozen pipes have not been an issue in the past, they did serve as the impetus for us finding the house we really want to be in and for that I am thankful.

This quaint little house is located in a great area within walking distance of Old Downtown Overland Park. There are many pluses to owning this house. Someone will find it very endearing, just as we have during the years we have owned it.

New House

We began our search for a new house. My husband and I are both very good researchers. It did not take us long to find the house we wanted. We are dream clients for our buying agent.

The Buying Process

We are not new to the buying process. We have purchased 2 houses and sold one of them. This time the buying process is different and much more stressful.

I am speaking to the mortgage process, not as a cash buyer.

My husband and I are great at having the required documents at our fingertips. We have been through the buying process before so we knew at least the minimum of what would be required. We even had more available in case of special requests.

At this point I am not sure why the process has changed so much in such a few short years. Anyone looking to purchase a home now can expect to go through a much more detailed and stringent process. For instance: My husband is a naturalized American Citizen. You cannot get an American Passport without going through the naturalization process. We had to provide the naturalization document, not the passport. I don’t understand the logic in that, but we did it.

Birthing a Child

I must say that I think giving birth was easier than going through this house purchasing process.

In the end it will all be worth it. The house we are buying is a huge upgrade to the one we are living in now. It is not a new house. It’s about 40 years old. It has had only one owner and has lots of new upgrades. The inspector indicated that even new houses are not as well equipped as this house is. Anything we change will be because we want to not because it is needed.

Once we have completed the process and closed on the house I will share photos.

Time Intensive

This process has taken all of my free time. There has been no time to write, or comment on blogs I follow, or pretty much anything that is not part of buying the house. My apologies to all…

Most people took time off from blogging around the holidays. For Geek Grandma taking time off now for this process and move makes more sense.

So if you don’t get a blog update from Grandmother Diaries you will know why.

Until next time…

Geek Girl

Geek Grandma

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Comments (9 )

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  1. jacquiegum says:

    Well first and foremost, congratulations! I am thrilled for you! I think this process has become more tedious (as I speak as an ex Realtor) because of the increasing difficult banking regulations brought on by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers. But I am glad you got through, if a little bruised and worn out:) Looking forward to seeing the new house!!!!

  2. JeriWB says:

    Ohhhh, you'll have to give us a virtual tour when you get settled in. Someday I'll be on house number two, and I'm not looking forward to the paperwork, etc. but it's always exciting to hunt for and then occupy a new space.

  3. patweber says:

    Oh yeah Cheryl, I love Jeri's idea – we want a virtual tour when you are settled in! Happy house buying – the pains will soon subside.

  4. Thanks for the update Cheryl. Busying a house is SO time consuming, even when you know the ropes. And there really aren't any corners you can cut, though certainly online sites make it a million times easier than it used to be. Good luck in the rest of your project

  5. Susan Cooper says:

    Well congratulations! Buying a new house is a combination of every emotion wrapped up in one and can be so draining, yet exciting. Can’t wait to see our virtual tour which it sounds like you’re being talked into. 🙂

  6. Wonderful news, Cheryl! Am delighted for you.

    Why is it that wherever you are in the world bureaucracy takes away part of the pleasure of your delight at buying a new house or whatever it is. It actually is faster to get a work permit in The United Arab Emirates (including HIV and TBC tests) than as a Swedish citizen be a resident there again. Ludicrous, isn't it.

  7. Pat says:

    Take all the time you need, Cheryl. I understand the daunting process in purchasing another home (was a mortgage loan officer/processor in another life), not to mention the move. Then, the adjustments and your life is slowly changing before you.

    Wishing you all the best in this new event in your life. It sounds exciting and can't wait to see the pictures. 🙂

  8. Exciting, Cheryl! Unfortunate about all the red tape you're having to go thru, but just think of the reward you will have. The home of your dreams!

    And with regard to the freezing pipes issue, fortunately we haven't had a problem ourselves, but last year in Winnipeg there were hundreds of people whose pipes froze for the 1st time ever. Climate change is wreaking havoc everywhere you look! All the best in your new home.

  9. Cheryl,I started my first job as a journalist when I was 22. Have since worked with the most famous and prestigious newspapers and magazines in the world. Re-publishing timeless articles have always been done in media. Why should blogs be different? If I were you I would have re-publish timeless posts instead of being silent. It's common practice even though some North American women seem to disapprove. Just make sure it has not been published for at least 2 years:-)