Everything happens for a reason, right?

*sigh*

Well, it looks like our construction loan fell through. We were totally credit approved, but the bank insisted on clinging to some bogus appraisal numbers such that they won't extend us the loan unless we come up with a ridiculous amount of cash. Their appraisal basically valued our house at $75/sq. ft. Anyone vaguely familiar with construction will tell you that's beyond ridiculous.

So, despite the fact that we just lost a lot of time and a significant application fee, we are trying to stay optimistic. Maybe this is for the best. Tomorrow I am calling a smaller local bank that our builder referred us to. This bank is familiar with our builder and has closed deals with him in the past without a problem. So this should still work out in the end, given a little more time, patience, and (of course!) money. I just hate hate hate that we're back at square one again.

To anyone considering a construction loan:

FYI, here is what you need:

1) Patience
2) Stamina
3) Organizational skills
4) Patience
5) A lot of booze
6) A desire for self-punishment
7) A good lawyer
8) A good realtor
9) Excellent verbal & written communication skills
10) An outbox that automatically saves every e-mail you have ever sent, ever
11) Patience
12) A brick wall to bang your head against (the harder the better)
13) Given #12, good medical insurance

You have been warned.

P.S. Oh and Happy Valentine's Day.

Mother Nature is certainly not cooperating. :(

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd check in since it's been awhile. I really have nothing new to report. Everything is ready to go - we just need 72 hours of above-freezing temperatures, which doesn't seem likely in the immediate future. Of course this is the coldest, snowiest winter in 45 years. Of course it is.

:(