Update on Home Buying

So, we made an offer of $54,900 for the house with them paying up to $3100 of the closing costs.  The sellers came back stating they needed to clear $54,900 and would sell for $58,050.  We countered with $56050 (thought it was going to be $56,900) and told the realtor to take it if they came back with $57,900.  The lady working the mortage had worked out the payment and with a loan at $57,900 my payments, including taxes and insurance, will be about $452 per month.  Didn't hear back until yesterday morning that they wouldn't take less than the $58,050.  Alicia (my realtor) found another house that had come on the market that she thought we could get for $57,000 so we went to look at it.  It doesn't include any of the appliances and it reeked of cigarette smoke.  They'd redone part of the floors, but not finished it properly.  There were things about the house that I liked, but can't handle being in a house that will cause my asthma to act up.  

So, we went back over to the house I'd bid on and looked at it again.  Decided to stick with it and since the sellers final asking price is only $150 more than what I was willing to accept in a counter-bid, I decided to go ahead and go for it.  Alicia is getting the home inspection set up for Thursday morning.  If the house passes inspection and meets the appraisal requirements we put into the contract, then I'll be closing on the house on Dec. 28th.  

Now, it becomes a matter of figuring out my finances and what bills will be coming out of which paychecks.  Luckily, I've only got 9 more months on my van payments and that'll be done and my finances will be a little more comfy.  Also, I have a couple of people chomping at the bit for me to get setup so I can start sewing again.  This means I'll have some costuming income to help with bills as well.

Things are starting to look up :D