Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

The rains began in the middle of the night, after I’d returned from World Headquarters, and haven’t let up since. I wonder how many inches have fallen, and Earl notes that if this were snow we’d be stuck in our house.

In spite of the crummy weather, I managed to get a ton done today. We’re down to the last details of construction on our new home, and we’re closing Monday morning first thing. That would be Day Forty-Eight. I’m excited.

As of today, we have the Certificate of Occupancy, the HUD statement, the certified checks we have to bring to the closing, the blessings of everyone involved. It’s been a pleasurable experience from beginning to end. It’s also an anomaly, since it isn’t often that a real estate transaction occurs without someone being out of sorts or something going awry at the end.

I’ve often thought that when someone purchases probably the most expensive item he or she will ever own that it should be a transaction that’s joyful, even when there are challenges along the way. But, as a card-carrying real estate agent for twelve years, my experience has been the exact opposite. Buying a home requires a strong heart and great fortitude.

I’m not sure why this is the case. Is it because the general public only purchases maybe two or three homes in a lifetime and doesn’t understand the intricacies? Is it because mortgage lenders are reclusive and don’t educate their applicants of what’s involved. Or is it because the real estate industry hasn’t done a very good job of educating its clients either? I think it’s all of the above.

I’m sure one reason this transaction has gone smoothly is that I’ve done enough of them as a real estate agent myself that I know what needs to happen and when. I know it all comes together at the last minute and you better leave time to run to the bank. I know you shouldn’t purchase a car when you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction. And you must remember to bring your driver’s license to the closing. It’s just too bad you have to be an insider to make it all go smoothly.