Great News, I think.

[gemkeeper]

Thanks, sthepoet and mbmouse. Life is always good, but when you know that the move to E. TN is almost in the bag - and, you have 2 new kidlets on the way, it feels extra special.

Catsndogs, we were open to buying an existing house considering the market just now, but really wanted to build our "own" for our last house. So, we actually decided on the drive up to TN last week to buy the lot that was our #1 choice from previous visits. Yikes, someone bought it first! Their house was being framed when we drove up. Our realtor said that it hadn't been taken out of the listings and it was actually sold in May. Don't put toooo much faith in the listings; sometimes they are not exactly up to date!

We did like another one in the same area that we really hadn't considered before, but now feel that it is probably a better choice for us. Sometimes, things work out for the best.

Yes, mbmouse, we are putting all of our ducks in a row before signing the dotted line. You won't ever regret being too careful, but certainly can regret not taking enough care and time to check all of the records and details.

[SPLIT]

GEM: CONGRADULATIONS again, that seems to be great location. Scenic, etc. I was just west of there two weeks ago, rt #333 Louisville, Friendsville, Firehouse Engine Alumimun Boat show twice a year, rescue helicopter we will take ya next Spring.
.BONES,CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR 300 POINT Reputaion level. Someone should throw ya a party.? Your Gang knows how to do a Meet & Greet. Wrote more on the Chatt web. .Your Crock Pot Recipe for the 3 K's was a HIT.!
PS, dont tell everyone-Spend most of the money on the Wine. . WOW 300 points ,time to go BOWLING this week.

[goodbyehollywood]

Well, gee, gemthornton, congrats are in order! I'll break out the bubbly in your honor.

Wow, you found your lot and made your decision quickly. And you're building after all-- that's exciting! I bought a wonderful lot before I moved back to Knoxville, but ended up buying an existing home. I might still build one day, though. I really want that river view, but I'm just not up for the ordeal-- or the expense-- of building. So good for you for going after what you really want. Kudos, cheers, applause-- all well wishes apply!

[gemkeeper]

Hey, thanks, goodbyehollywood. It is great to have so many well-wishers for friends.

We had wanted to build all along. However, hubby and I started to have second thoughts about building vs. existing. We really don't want to add to the housing market downturn just now by building a new house in E. TN when there are so many going unsold.

I still feel that way, but it's hard to overrule your heart by being sensible and altruistic. I have always had the "lost puppy" syndrome and feel that so many lanquishing homes on the market are like those lost puppies. It is bothersome not to bring one home.

I know that somewhere down the road, however, I would be discontent knowing that the retirement home in my head sitting in just the right spot would never be. Boy, would that make my husband's life unhappy. So, as we talked about it for 4 or 5 hours driving up to TN last week, we just decided we had to do what was the best for us. We never know how long we have to be here and want to make the most of our senior years together. Cannot believe it has been 38 years! It went by in a flash.

You're right, SPLIT, it is very pretty country. We'll have a bash when we are settled in, ok?