Off for the (sober) weekend

Heading north this weekend to help our eldest daughter set up the condo she (finally) managed to purchase. Home purchases can be an extremely stressful process, especially in the aftermath of the fiscal meltdown.

After making the offer, she decided to go with lender #1. Lender #2 was extremely unprofessional and slandered #1, saying they couldn't get the loan done, they were using a bait and switch on the rate, and so on. Needless and unethical sour grapes that caused unnecessary stress early on.

Then, on the day before closing, the lender calls and says that no one will write mortgage insurance on these condos, which is required for a 10% down loan. The apartment she was in was already rented out, so instead of moving into a condo, she moved into a storage unit, well her stuff did...she found a couch with friends. The contingency date past, a substantial deposit was at risk of being lost.

FHA didn't seem to be an option, but that is the route the lender took next. One week later, FHA approved, the close took place...can't get a loan for 10% down, but can with 3.5%. These are interesting times.

So, the plane tickets we purchased will not go to waste, the deposit was not lost, and a teeth gnashing, hair pulling, stressful week seems to be coming to a happy ending.

While packing I thought back to trips in the past when I looked up the drinking laws of the state visiting, to make sure I had access to a ample supply of beer. If it looked like I might not be able to find a store near the hotel I would pack a bottle. If I ever have a doubt, memories like this fully confirm my alcoholism... Anyway, now there is one less thing to worry about, and flying without a hangover is so much better than flying with one.