Today we began our adoption journey...

[WillParkinson]

We took our introductory class for placement of a child. Next up we start the process of the home study. (First we have to get a new house, though, as ours is not nearly big enough. If you're interested in seeing the one we are looking at tomorrow (and intend on putting a bid on if it's as nice as it seems) you can look at it here: http://www.coldwellbankeronline.com/property/details/2172435/MLS-1209983/3762-E-Holmes-Ave-Cudahy-WI-53110.aspx or take a Youtube tour of the property: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIdIa8q-CXM)

Keep your fingers crossed for us!

[catabryna]

1. Best wishes on your journey...

it's was an incredible part of my life and I'm reminded of it every day when I look at my son. :)

[Faygo Kid]

2. Good luck!

[MADem]

3. Good luck, but don't go showing off the houses you might want to buy....

Why? The realtor works for the SELLER in most cases. If that site gets a lot of hits, the realtor will tell the seller to hold their asking price, thinking that many people have an interest in the property.

You want to beat them down and get the best price you can, as you'll need all sorts of unanticipated cash for adoption and child related expenses.

Best wishes on your journey to parenthood! Never a dull moment!

[WillParkinson]

4. This particular realtor...

Works for us. I'm not certain I understand how it works but she shows us houses that belong to people from other companies. The one we were interested in she warned us right away that the guy was making changes illegally and had never pulled permits for the work which would become our responsibility.

[MADem]

6. Ugh. Stay away from houses with problems--you will have enough on your plate.

Make any agreements contingent upon inspections, and don't take on any "responsibility" like screw-ups in permitting. You could end up having to rip all that work out.

Be cautious, don't buy more house than you need, beat that price down into the ground, get a qualified inspector to vet your choices, and take your time.

It is a buyer's market.

Make sure your agent is a BUYER broker--otherwise, she's not really on your team.

Best of luck.

[WillParkinson]

13. We had that issue with the last house we went to see...

Loved it until she informed us that the guy who owned it took out no permits and that we would be required to pay because he had zero money. Deal sunk right there.

[GoCubsGo]

11. Sounds like you have a buyer broker.

They work solely for people who are buying a house, not sellers. That's how I bought my house. It's the best way to go.

[lamp_shade]

5. ONE bathroom?

Nice sturdy looking house... tidy and clean and shiny.
I hope you get it. :hi:

[badhair77]

7. Very cozy - Love it.

I wish you well on the house and the adoption. :) Keep us updated on all fronts.

[beyurslf]

8. Good luck on the adoption! I have adopted 4 kids and it is a long process

but well worth it in the end!

[alphafemale]

9. I see you one day...or actually many nights...crawling out the window to sit on that porch roof.

And talk with your child.

That looks like a great place to honestly talk about life with someone.

[Scuba]

10. We started that process 30 years ago. Our "kids" are now adults...

... yet it seems like yesterday.


Good luck to you!

[GoCubsGo]

12. What a neat house!

I'm lusting over the wooden floors and the back yard. Plenty of room for a nice vegetable garden back there. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out the way you would like it to.

[Worried senior]

14. Cute house

nice area.

[roguevalley]

15. Good luck and God speed. I am so happy for you.