Angel and Jacqueline and the Quest for Grass III

Two weeks ago we accepted an offer on our condo here in sunny California. The housing market in these parts has been slow, and so we were thrilled when someone actually showed some interest in buying our place. We have been looking for a house to buy since summer, and believe you me, there is plenty to chose from.

The problem was, we didn't like anything that was available. I have lived in this town since 1967, and I was surprised to find out that most of the houses in our price range just don't appeal to me. (More importantly, none appealed to my wife, either.)

We did find one house in Newbury Park, a town about twenty miles away from where we live now. It was a beautiful house with a beautiful view, and my wife told me we need look no further; it was the one. The problem was the location. It is a little further away from where we wanted to live, AND you have to drive up a pretty long, steep section of the 101 freeway called the Conejo Grade to get there. We would travel this grade twice everyday because of our jobs alone.

The other problem was the property has no fence. The house sits at the top of a hill, and there are natural barriers between it and the surrounding properties. But those things would not keep Angel and Jackie from roaming around where they shouldn't.

There was another house that was nothing short of spectacular that we were considering. The problem there was it sat right on a busy stretch of highway in Oak View, California. This highway is the only way in and out of the Oak View, Ojai area, and is heavily traveled. The owner did much to dampen the noise that is caused by cars, motorcycles, and trucks speeding by, but it wasn't enough to satisfy us, so we decided against it.

Today, though, our agent called us and told us that the offer we made on a house two weeks ago, and just a few minutes away from us now was finally accepted by the bank. This place is owned by a couple that have, "gone their separate ways", and are three months behind on their payments. We are buying the house for $20,000.00 LESS than what they owe, and about $50,000.00 less than the property is worth. It has a couple of drawbacks, but nothing all that bad. It is pretty big for around here; 1800+ square feet, and has a pretty big yard. It also has all the grass Angel and Jackie could ever hope to have.

Our backyard now consists manly of one large cement slab. By New Years it will not only have a nice, covered patio, lots of grass, an avocado tree, and enough room for two small dogs to run themselves silly with exhaustion.

I lifted this picture of the backyard of the house we are buying off the local Internet MLS listings. The offer we signed excludes the jacuzzi, and of course the barbecue belongs to the current residents. Doesn't that backyard just scream doggie heaven? It has a covered patio, plenty of grass, and a nice, big shade tree that occasionally drops a tasty avocado. Jackie, Angel, and especially Mariah, (my stepson's dog,) are going to go simply insane.

I can't wait until we are all moved in.

Posted by Jeff at November 21, 2006 2:40 PM