So it wasn't...

Just letting you guys know that we didn't get the house.  There were 2 other offers against us.

one - offered 549k with contingency of two months wait so they could sale their current house.
two - offered ? but wanted to put down 300k.
Can you believe that??  We're just the normal 20% down.

We crossed our fingers and toes, but that wasn't enough.  They didn't choose us.  I'd be really bummed if number two offered the asking price.  We offered 5k below that.  sighs.  Anyways, through this experience we learned a few things:

1. Don't start planning like the house is yours.
2. Don't get emotionally attached to the home.
3. You are the buyer, you should be the one in control.
4. How do you show that you are in control?  Tell yourself that there will always be another house that's better.
5. The market is falling.  
6. You are still saving, which gives you the opportunity to afford more.
7. You can always make your house your home.

Doug stumbled upon another home today.  It's very wow!  The only downside is that it's on a hill, so there's no yard.

High ceilings in a lovely living room

Deck off the living room, but there's another one in the master.

Night view

Amazing huh?  I don't know how I would feel living on a hill.  There's a lot of sunlight in the house, but I don't think it will be very breezy.  It's fun to dream though.  =)