The Ball Is Rolling...

The past 2 weeks have been nerve-racking.  From the loan application, to the structural features, I am happy to put these things behind me and confident that I made the right decisions.  I stayed away from a lot of cosmetic changes and tried to think of things that would bring real value to our home.

The Loan Application meeting was easy.. being that I'm very well organized gathering the boat load of documents required to complete the loan application was a breeze.  We completed the loan app on  9/4/12 and hope for a speedy approval process.  We'll visit locking in a rate later but as of today we are doing a 30 year FHA loan at 3.25%.  I don't think it will get much better than that, but I don't see it getting any worse either being an election year and all.

On 9/7 we meet with our SR to make my final selections, choose siding, counters, cabinets etc. Here is what we chose:

• Palermo, Elevation B
• Siding Veneer Front ($1,790)
• Finished Basement ($10,590)
• Plumbing Rough In Basement ($1,590)
• Recessed Lighting in Basement ($795)
• Recessed Lighting in Kitchen ($795)
• Kitchen Island ($1,490)
• 42'' Tahoe Square Cherry Bordeaux Cabinets ($2,685)
• Standard Black Appliances (we'll purchase our own stainless appliances later)
• Upgraded Master Bath - Soaking Tub and Shower with Bench ($3,990)
• Maple Spice Vanities in Bathrooms ($100)
• Double Bowl Vanity in Master Bath ($590)
• 2 Windows on the Dining Room Side ($990)
• 2 Windows on the 1st Floor Office Side ($990)
• 2 Ceiling Fan Rough Ins- Family Room & Office ($380.00)
• "Antique Mascarello"  Laminate Upgrade Kitchen Counter ($190)
• Laminate Upgrade Island ($90)
• 10x12 Deck ($2,400)

Color Selections:

Red Door

Gray Shutters

Silver Mist Siding (Not sold on this color but couldn't get what I really wanted since our neighbor had it)

White Exterior Trim & Garage

Grand Caramel Brick with Buff Mortar

Black Roof

Flooring & Electrical appointments are up next.. I'd love to add music throughout the house (if the price is right).  Right now the only upgrade would be to have cable in each room.  I learned that you're only allowed 4 wire locations (i.e 3 cable, 1 phone or 2 cable to 2 phone) as part of the standard package.  Not sure what I want as far as flooring at the moment.  Stay tuned...