Our New House

Things that I love:
*Our mortgage, even with taxes and insurance, is less than rent for a decent apartment around here
*4 bedrooms (on the smaller side, but still 4)
*Living room PLUS fairly large separate family room
*Central heating and CENTRAL AIR!! (I have been turning on heat room to room since I started living on my own)
*All one level (one less stress with a toddler and future toddler!)
*HUGE corner lot, the back yard needs work, but is BIG
*Very quiet cul-de-sac
*Great elementary school
*Within walking distance of public pool, which offers inexpensive memberships and classes
*Very close to gym with same as above

Things I'll Accept:
*1 1/2 bath, with the 1/2 in the master. This will change within a few months to a full bath!
*Kitchen is on the smaller side and outdated. This is on our list over the next couple of years. It certainly will do the job, just needs some updating.
*Though the yard is HUGE, it needs some serious landscaping. Again, a project for the next year or more. We plan to weed, trim, etc. We also want to put in some raised beds to start a garden (this may wait a year, since I'll be busy with a new baby this spring...) and eventually a play structure for the kids.
*The crummy, small cement 'patio'. Again, in the next few years, we'd love a deck or something similar.
*Ugly, dirty family room carpet. Will be done in the next month.

Things That Need Attention ASAP:
*CLEANING. Seriously, I don't know what the sellers were thinking. They are so lucky we were able to see past their ungodly, hoarder-like housekeeping skills. Cleaners are arriving first thing Saturday morning!
*Removal of the 2 hornet nests in the crawlspace. (exterminator coming Tuesday)
*Furnace and ducts cleaned and serviced (Wednesday)
*All gutters replaced and roof cleaned (next week, hopefully)
*Painting the entire interior. Nelson and a couple of guys from church will start this weekend.
*Repair hole in living room wall (Saturday)
*Minor plumbing (will be done when we upgrade the bath, okay to wait that long)
*Minor electrical (within the next week; Nelson's dad is a certified electrician)
*Dishwasher needs replacing (within the next week)
*No window treatments. We are going to buy temporary blinds where necessary (this weekend) and I'll add curtains over the next couple of weeks.

So, all in all, things are looking GREAT! Hopefully we'll get a LOT done in the next few days and can move in ASAP. SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!