I've been MIA for over a month now because I didn't want to post until I knew for sure what we were going to do. So here's the scoop:
On March 3rd we got a phone call from our sales rep's boss (knew it was not going to be a good phone call...) When we wrote our first contract back in December, another builder wrote a contract for the same lot so we lost that lot. In order to rectify the situation, Ryan Homes and the land developer worked out an agreement that allowed us to pick another lot, which belonged to the land developer and not Ryan. We wrote a second contract for the new lot, but come to find out the lot did not belong to the land developer, it belonged to another builder. This builder was not willing to sell the lot to Ryan, hence the reason behind the phone call. So once again we were without a lot.
To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. We had spent the better part of 3 months meticulously planning, researching, and selecting every aspect of our new home; but when something like this happens, and happens twice, its a sign (Vegas style with bright lights and sirens). Something was trying to tell us not build in that neighborhood. We've been trying to speculate as to what that reason could be, but as of right now, we're still not sure what that reason is. We ran the gamut of emotions over the past several weeks.. anger, sadness, frustration...none of which should be associated with building your first home.
Along with our sales rep, we explored other options. We looked at several Ryan Homes communities in the area, but none of them suited us for one reason or another. So last night we drove to the model and signed the Mutual Release Agreement which basically voids the contract and allows us to get our deposit money back.
We were to have broken ground on March 16th meaning that our house would have been in drywall at this point. Sad to think about, but I've got to believe that there is something better out there waiting for us.
So for now, my mom is stuck with two additional tenants, luckily she does not mind. I defend my dissertation in 9 days...and we get married in 59 days, so there is lots to keep us busy. We've learned from this experience (especially from all of the blogs!), so hopefully our next attempt at home building/buying will go much smoother. I'm going to continue to follow as many of the blogs as possible and, hopefully, you'll soon be reading our new blog.
