So, one simple day after getting the good news about my appraisal I hear a story on NPR. Allegedly some mortgage lenders are colluding with some appraisal companies. Of course, it is neither of the companies I am working with, but it still gives one pause.

Meanwhile, I come home to see a square cut out of the garage ceiling. To some this is a terrible turn of events but to me this is the start of something beautiful. There's been a problem with a leak in the over-garage condo for some time, and I'm sure I've documented it here before. The cut-out shows signs of progress! Signs of change in the wind! The landlord of the over-garage condo is apparently a lawyer and a bit of an ass; he has made it known to other neightbors that he only intends to do the minimum required by law and doesn't really care that his tenants are loud, arguing, late night partying, drug dealing idiots (allegedly).

Good things are ahead in the Acres. Good things.

Labels: divorcee acres, homestead

Ok, not entirely, but sort of. The process of refinancing a condo (or house, or any form of real estate) involves an appraisal. Mr Appraisal came by yesterday and was nice enough (after spending a few minutes with the dogs at my suggestion--once you become their friend they will forget you exist and let you be). My condo was clean for the first time in ages, and he poked around here and there. My condo does have issues; there's the laundry room ceiling, the carpet near the door (thanks, Denny!) and my garage (though that is not my fault, but the fault of the jackass neighbors).

Today I get my appraisal back: 20% appreciation in 5 years. My condo's not even one of the nice ones in the neighborhood--it needs work, which is why I'm refinancing.

I'm not bragging, but I have to share. This is not the sort of thing that happens to me! This happens to friends, or friends of friends. Not me. I keep thinking that he's going to come back and take a closer look at something and take it down several grand.

Woo.

Labels: divorcee acres, homestead

Commission OKs Bellevue mall revamp

This mall opened the day we moved into our Bellevue homestead. It would be nice if I could get the hell out of Bellevue on the day it closes, but this is not likely

Labels: divorcee acres

Divorcee Acres isn't the hippest part of town. I do like it, it has a small town feel to it but I'm just 15 minute drive from town, 20 minutes from the irritatingly hip East Side. The neighborhood is young families on their way up, retirees, and, of course, divorcees. Within three miles are a grocery store, a library, a locally owned pizza joint, and my parents. It's a good location if not exactly a cool location.

So there's also a park nearby, just a scant mile from the house. During the summer they have a concert series with family friendly shows, and often I can hear the shows from my front porch. Recently I commented to my parents that the acts are good and all, but why not have a nice rockabilly band? They assured me there would be one, but I didn't expect it would be THE HILLBILLY FREAKIN CASINO. Yes. Them. Less than a mile from my house. This would be the coolest thing to hit the Acres this year and I made sure that I would be there. Not that that would be a stretch, as I'm not
a big socializer these days.

Dad and I grabbed sandwiches and took the dogs and our portable chairs over to the park early enough to get a good seat. This was not a problem, and I was a little upset that that there wasn't a bigger turnout--the more folks that showed up the more likelyhood that the coolness would be revisited upon the Acres.

Little drama before the show, however. As I mentioned, we took the dogs. Since there weren't a bunch of folks around I just kind of let the dogs wander as far as their leashes would allow, and at one point looked to see Flash over peeing on a lady's purse. Unfortunately the lady also happened to be walking back over after a visit to the SnoCone stand. She freaked, understandably, but was very polite about it. I did offer to replace the purse, she declined. Dad wanted to leave but like hell, I was staying.

The band rocked the park. They were fun, and they did a great job of keeping it family friendly (I was a tad concerned). They even played my request (PBR if you're asking). Dad enjoyed it. Denny sure as hell enjoyed it, barking his approval on a few songs and wagging his tail like crazy. He made friends, getting an ice cube from one couple and a good scratching from another gentleman who allowed a few doggie kisses. Flash--well, he spent time in my lap. He gets a little scared by loud noises.

If they come to your town or you happen to find yourself on Lower Broad late one Friday night I highly recommend, and bring your tippin' money.

Here's hoping for the same next year...

Labels: divorcee acres, music, pictures