We've got a contract

After nine days of negotiating, the sellers of the property on Lake Vallecito and I have finally reached an agreement on price and terms.  It's a little more than I wanted to pay but they did come off their asking price considerably.  I've decided against an appraisal and an overall inspection and closing is set for October 13th.  I've done a lot of research on the property and am waiting to hear back from the Planning department in Durango as to whether or not I can demolish some of the cabins and replace them with tiny houses the same size or smaller.  I've talked to a septic engineer who educated me on what it will take to upgrade the old system should we choose to make improvements to any of the cabins.  Only the house and one of the cabins are suitable for winter living and both are occupied by tenants.  I've asked the seller to give them 30 days notice so they'll be out before closing.  We'd like to get in there before the weather gets cold to clean and to see what we've got to work with.   Both of them were loaded with junk and/or were dirty when we viewed them.   The other summer cabins in varying degrees of condition will need to be winterized.

So, that's exciting news but I'm going to hold off on too much enthusiasm until closing.  And, while I'd like to replace some of the cabins with tiny houses sooner rather than later, I think it would be best to experience the winters there before making any costly changes.

I've been visiting Reid in California since last Thursday.  He's in a holding pattern trying to find a house in California (without much luck).  My goal was to help him find a house but there just isn't anything new on the market for him to look at.  We did see a great place way up a narrow, windy road near Woodside CA but the drive in and out is so treacherous that he decided against it.  The home sits on lovely property that reminds me of a national park.  However, that same windy road is a draw to motorcyclists and cyclists who love to traverse it evenings and weekends.  Turns out, it's not that peaceful listening to the roar of motorcycles going by no matter how lovely the view.  His realtor says she expects new listings to come on the market after Labor Day.

I'm flying back to Salt Lake City on Friday morning and Reid is flying to Houston to spend the long weekend with his boys.  I've got a friend joining me in the Navi for the long weekend.  She'll fly from Colorado Springs into SLC and we'll spend 3 days on the road together hitting some cool spots in Colorado on the way back to her place.  Then, I plan to see some tiny houses in Colorado Springs and Denver before heading once again to Boulder for a visit there.