The Back Up

You might remember that we put an offer on a house, known as the Felicidad house, in case the house we really would like does not work out. Remember, it had the awesome kitchen. Outside was nice. It has a three car garage, which is so exciting since we only had one with the townhouse and it was used only as storage.

We felt that the house was worth -- maybe -- $330,000. We put in a lower offer (it was a short sale, of course) and we were told that we would get a response in two weeks and we could close in three. This house could be ours in five weeks!

True to form, nothing after two weeks and after three weeks the listing agent came back and asked for $30,000 more. He had found another buyer, and though the standard practice was to just deal with one buyer at a time (which is why you work fast to get into first-place) the agent threatened to pull our offer.

We agreed to the higher amount.

But were cursing the listing agent's sketchy morals.

Then the banks came back (this house had three mortgages on it). The banks wanted $387,000. Beautiful kitchen or no, it's not worth $387,000. The banks will never get it, and house will be foreclosed on. Which means the owner will not be able to buy another home for eight years.

Still no word on the Esperanza house.