Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Adventure is Officially Over...for Now

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.

8 comments:

  1. OMG - I feel so bad. I can't believe what you've had to go through. Have a WONDERFUL wedding and come back to us with some wedding pictures!

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  2. OMG IS RIGHT! I thought our lot situation at the beginning was bad. We initially signed paperwork for a lot that was sold by a previous rep that wasn't logged properly. But that's minor compared to this. I'm sorry this happend, but I trust your decision. You both refused to settle and in the end you'll end up with something better.

    Congrats on the wedding and like Amy said, post pics.

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  3. ((( Great Big HUGS )))

    I can't imagine how emotional this has all been for you. But you know when something is right (like your spouse, your wedding gown, ect). And when the right things comes along again, you will know it.

    It's got to be hard to have you're heart set so something to have it fall through, and not because of anything you have done.

    I am so very sorry about all of this. I think you're right though. I think maybe God has something better for you. I know that doesn't take much of the sting away now, but maybe it will give you hope for the future.

    Looking forward to your new upcoming blog....

    In the mean time, enjoy your wedding!! And yes, we want pictures!!

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  4. I knew a little bit of what was going on but not the full details. So sorry to hear that this has happened to you but as you say there must be a good reason. Focus on the wedding and each other...that's what is important right now.

    In reality I think the real reason is we were meant to be close neighbors and you will come back to the development and end up building your Bainbridge Hall in the open lot directly across the street from us. :)

    Regardless, we wish you good luck and we thank you for some of the ideas you gave us....especially the extra insulation in the garage and the upgraded furnace...THANK YOU!!!

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  5. SOrry to hear...What is meant to be will be....best wished to you and your fiance!!! Marriage is awesome!!! God Bless!!

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  6. That's awful!! But you're right - it's a sign! Something bigger and better is coming your way. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

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  7. Hi! I just bumped into your blog today and wanted to give some comfort. We also live in DE and bought a Ryan Homes and let me tell ya, they were a total nightmare from day 1. Good Luck!

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  8. @Victoria...not sure if you will see this or not, but we are building with Ryan Homes in Delaware and I would like to hear the problems that you ran into with them. You can send me an email if you want: buildingavalon@gmail.com

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