Cha-ching!

So, we packed up the rented truck and took all of the copper and aluminum to the scrap metal place.  Figuring in the rental of the truck, we made over $250!  Okay, so it’s not a ton of money, and it took a lot of hours and buckets of sweat to get all that metal, but I feel better knowing that we did our part to recycle and got a few bucks for it, too.

The builder also came by to look over a few things and let us know that we’d be paying a lot more if we don’t get all of the “trash” out of the house before teardown.  We figured that an antique freezer and ten-ton desk would be okay to leave in the basement, but he felt otherwise.  So, three of us used a dolly and the 1-2-3-PUSH method to get the freezer and fridge out of the basement and we’ll take the builder’s suggestion on how to get the desk out – the sledgehammer method!

We also had the electricity and gas disconnected by the utility companies today, so we’re two steps closer to teardown.  All we need is water disconnect and a close on the loan, which should be in the first week of July if everyone has their fingers crossed.

Bundling

We spent some time bundling together the aluminum siding and copper pipe in preparation for a trip the recycling center next week.  Not only are we saving the earth, but we’re getting some exercise and making a little money in the process.

Speaking of which, we sold the furnace and air conditioner today.  The price was set over the phone, but when the guy and his two buddies got to the house, he wanted to lower the price because the air conditioning unit wasn’t what he thought it was and he just wanted the furnace.  I agreed.  Well, when he got ready to load the AC in the truck, I told him I wanted all of the money.  We did come to a compromise, but I don’t think he expected a tough-as-nails chick on the other end of his lousy offer.  I’ve felt very “Rosie the Riveter” lately…  I don’t think he’d cross her.

This Babysitter is Raising the Rates!

If it feels like a long time since I had something to report, you get the feeling of just how long and drawn out this process is!

I called the Title Company the other day to make sure we were on track and the lady there asked me for my file number.  I said I hadn’t gotten one yet, so she looked us up.  The reason I hadn’t gotten one was because the bank hadn’t sent the application!  So, I had to call up the bank and see what was up.  Of course I got voicemail.  Then they said they faxed the info weeks ago.  Apparently to the wrong fax number.  I told them they had a half hour to fax the application to the number provided and, thankfully, it got done.  Good thing I’m babysitting! 

The builder and I sat down to go over some final paperwork and make some decisions.  Do we want 9 foot or 10 foot ceilings in the basement?  Do we really need 10 foot ceilings?  And do we really want to spend the money?  But it is only a couple thousand dollars and it’s not exactly like we can raise the ceiling or lower the floor once the house is on top…  But what would we do with 10 foot ceilings?  It will only make it that much more difficult to reach the cobwebs, right?  Decisions, decisions… And we haven’t even gotten to the carpet and cabinetry and paint colors and bathroom fixtures and… and…..

On the good side, the bank said we are about 5-10 days from closing, which puts us just about on track to get the house down by the end of the month.  We still have to have the village out to disconnect the water, and the electric and gas companies out to disconnect their utilities, but the big ol’ wrecking ball is no longer on the backswing!