House Status 0.1

Okay, one of the things that I know people will want to be updated on is the status of our "build a new house" project. Here is what has happened so far:

1. We often go house shopping to get remodeling ideas and just for the fun of it. Recently, we ran across a floor plan we fell in love with and realized that the house was actually within our budget.
2. We got some initial information from the builder of the model that we liked. They seemed like good people, but we weren't really happy with the location.
3. Justin was more interested in working with one of his computer consulting customers, the Hoeltings, because not only did he have a great relationship with them through his business connection, but also because we have always liked their floor plans and building quality ever since we got married. So he asked around, (there are several Hoeltings that build houses within the family) and it turned out one of them had the same floor plan we fell in love with.
4. So we started talking to Mark Hoelting in more detail. Not only did we like the idea of working with him because of the trust benefits, but he also happened to own some lots that he was planning on setting up for development in the near future. These lots were in an excellent location, and by going through the builder directly, we'd save money in agent's fees!
5. So we started planning and got an agent to put our old house up on the market. Because of all the awesome remodeling we had done, the agent told us that we'd priced ourselves near the top of the neighborhood and that it might take 3 to 4 months to sell. Even if we could start building the new house right away, we figured there would be a gap without a house. Luckily, my parents offered to let us stay with them.
6. Packing; moving stuff to parents basement; showing house to potential buyers; negotiating with various lenders to get a 1-year builder rate-lock for the new house
7. After 19 days on the market, our house sells!
8. Our builder tells us that the lot hadn't been through all the city/county planning meetings needed yet; and that he couldn't break ground until August.
9. My parents agree to let us move in with them despite the newly discovered delay.

That's where things stand as of now. We are living with my parents. Saving money for the new house, which is still on track to begin next month. See our project floor plan here.