A Home of Their Own

Carter and Claire got engaged just over a year ago. At first they thought they were going to have a big wedding like all the many weddings where Claire had been a bridesmaid. Then they considered an alternative. Instead of spending all that money on one big party, they could buy a house instead.

So they went to look at properties in Boston. Actually, just in Dorchester. They fell in love with a three bedroom, three bath condo that was just about completed in a total renovation of the triple it was in.

It was double the amount of space they had in their apartment. Two floors, two parking spaces, front and back porch. It was on a one way street with houses only on one side. Even better there was a big community garden the next street over that had availability. So in March they made an offered that was accepted. They planned on moving in July.

They let their current landlord know and they applied for a mortgage, which they were already pre-approved for. Since the unit was almost done the timeline seemed fine. Except for one little hiccup no one anticipated.

Since their building was going to officially become a condo for the first time it had Condo docs that had to be approved through the little known, pre-colonial era land court. Apparently only 10% of Massachusetts properties fall under the “land Court” system and Carter and Claire’s did.

As the date of their closing approached the owners were getting nervous that the docs had not been approved. They pushed back the closing. As the date Carter and Claire had to be out of their apartment they got nervous. Thankfully they had a kick ass female attorney.

The sellers did not want to lose the sale of the unit as the market was cooling. So the girls’s attorney proposed that the sellers let the girls move into the unit and live for free until the condo docs were approved. It was a win for the girls.

What was thought was going to be mere weeks turned into five months. The girls changed light fixtures and wall papered all in anticipation for closing on the house. Finally at Thanksgiving they got word the docs were nearing approval. Good thing as the unit upstairs also had a buyer.

So today was the closing. The girls went to their attorney’s office to sign all the paperwork after the money had already been transferred. They went to celebrate and went home to the house they had already made their own.

I am so proud of them for making this big life decision. I know that buying your first house is a big commitment, but the right step, especially instead of blowing that same amount of money on a one day party.

We are looking forward to their small Wedding in June in Maine. For now I am happy to know they are officially homeowners. Congratulations Carter and Claire (and Norman).