Tue Jan 14 09:09 EST 1997
Details

As of last week, we had three pretty good prospects on the house.
One was a woman who looked at the place and wanted her husband (who
was away on business) to see it.  Two were people who were unsure of
their credit history.  One of these latter two is Gerry and Sharon
Desrochers.  Between 89-91 they had a string of bad luck, all of which
can be documented.

Last Thursday, the district had a prayer brunch and Joy attended with
our Pastor.  Gerry, the associate at the new Hudson church, was also
there.  We've know Gerry from our church before he moved on.  He currently
lives in another part of Quincy.  Since the house is significant focus
of our attention, it came up in conversation and Pastor quipped, "why
don't you and Sharon buy it" to Gerry.

Gerry went home and prayed about it.  He told me about his potential
credit problems but I encouraged him to talk to "joe the banker" (with
whom we've been dealing) to find out exactly where he stands.  He found
out that he probably could detail his credit woes and pass the test to
get a mortgage, but then he discovered that he could only get about $2800
from his 401K and security deposit on the house he is renting.  The 401K
has more money in it but he can't touch it.  He sent me email telling me
that he appreciated trying but he was about $3000 too short for the
downpayment.

"$3000?" I thought. "Wait a minute and hold the phone."  I sent him email
telling him that we could give him the $3000 he needed for the downpayment
if he got a mortgage for $3000 more so he could give it back to use when
he got the house.  That brought him out of his disappointed resignation
into that feeling of daring to hope for something too good to be true.

We spoke to the banker last night.  The actual details need to be that
he gets the $3000 gift from someone other than us (the seller).  Then
they can add to the asking price like so:  $117,000 minus $2000 (closing costs)
minus $3000 that we will give them after closing to pay the person from
whom they borrowed the $3000.  We wind up with our asking price $112,000.
They pay for the $3000 (which was part of their downpayment) in their
mortgage, and the person who loans them $3000 gets their money back.
They'll have the extra $3000 for about 6 weeks.  He says he is looking
into who will be the provider of that - family members and a close rich
friend.  The banker said that it will be tough but believes he can
pass the loan.

The apprehension is selling to people we know.  We spent some time last night
going over every wrinkle we know of in the house.  They seem undeterred.
They will have an inspection (the bank will require it).  We will ensure
that they get taken care of well, especially at asking price which gives
us a little room.

Now for the religious part (just to warn Faith).  I am cautiously awed
about answered prayer.  What I mean by that is that it is too soon to
declare it for sure but you know my prayers have been for "God's best"
over these two years.  When we found the house we loved, that was only
Part 1 of God's best.  At first, I prayed, "gimme a buyer (any buyer)
for my house."  But then I felt the need to change my prayer.  "Lord,
give me the people who need this house - the people You want in it.
(and please do it soon!)"  *IF* Gerry and Sharon are these people,
it would be possible to put their credit woes behind them, bring them
into home ownership, a school system their kids will love, and a home
that can accomodate them very nicely.  We dedicated our house to God
when we moved in and will do so with the next one. We told them that
our prayers will be finalized when they settle in and then say, "isn't
this a great house?"  We could wind up this deal with helping people
we know get a leg up while we move on to what promises to be a very
wonderful home, and at a price that will allow many of our initial
improvements to be done immediately.

We're excited.  We still have these other two prospects and I told Gerry
that we would show the house just in case something snags in his process,
but that I expect that he'll be able to get through it fine.  I am going
to pack a few boxes when I get home.

We are going to also shop for a new fridge and stove when the green light
comes.  That will be fun.   The spa will stay, and I'm glad.  I am ready
for a newer and bigger one!!!  (Probably in a couple years, but who knows!?)

Lots of love, and keep praying,
(Soon to do the dance of joy)

Mark
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