It's been a whirlwind few months since our last update.
The Search:
We spent too many weeks looking from development to development (and there are a zillion here in southwest Florida). Some were too rich for our tastes and we didn't feel that while working we'd fit into the community. Others had homes that we could live in, but the neighborhoods weren't to our standards.
Finally we found Tarpon Bay, a small community in North Naples that will be 350 homes at build out, and only 15 minutes to work. The development has amenities that I describe as "resort quality" and the landscaping is lush and full.
Options for housing included multifamily units (16 homes per building), to lovely fourplexes (side by side, 2 story buildings), townhouse (but they only had a single car garage), to side by side (duplex) villas.
Of the three models, one hit the right buttons, with 2 bedrooms and a den/study/guest room, 2 baths, 2 car garage, large screened lanai and the right exposure, east facing lanai to avoid the afternoon summer sun. With red tile roofs, brick pavers driveway, and a large discount incentive to close before the 20th of December, we were ready to sign on the dotted line.
Furnishings, etc.
After signing on October 31 (Happy Holloween), we are 6 weeks from closing on the 12th of December when our mortgage commitment expires (wow 5.25% fixed 15 years).
Now the challenge- to have everything here on or shortly after December 12. Susan did the pre-shopping and covered every store from Naples to Fort Myers. Thank goodness for the digital camera. Each night I'd review the photos with her and enter the furniture photos that had follow-up possibilities.
After the sticker shock of prices (we hadn't furnished a home from scratch since 1970)- back to the drawing boards to refigure the budget. Susan did a great job and everything was on order (to cover 90% of the house needs- but certainly enough to get started).
Imaging having to pick furniture, light fixtures, pots, pans, TV's, window coverings, etc. from start? An almost overwhelming event.
December 11, Walkthrough Date:
Forget about it. There were more workmen trying to finish up then could be imagined. The construction manager wanted to push back the closing from 9 am on the 12th, to 3 pm. I said we couldn't do that since I had a wall unit coming on the 13th and had to paint the wall behind the unit, and needed the time after the closing. His response, start painting now, but we need the time pushed back. Ok.
As for the walk through, we'll wait until tomorrow.
December 12, Closing Date:
So many workers that the punch list is "each sub to finish their work". Down to the wire for the certificate of occupancy. The inspector comes back at 11 AM for the final lanai approval, signs the papers, and the contractor runs the papers to the county. A final C/O was obtained by 2 PM for a 3 PM closing. Now that's cutting it close!
We close at 3, and return "home" for more painting. Tomorrow will be a big day.
December 13, Delivery Date:
All day long the workers are here and the delivery men are stacked up in the driveway. Chairs and couches and tables come (only minor damage on one chair), living room wall unit men come at 8 PM and finish assembly at 10 PM (a long day for them after starting at the Miami warehouse at 4 AM), guest room furniture comes (which will go into the master unit our delayed wall unit comes off the boat next week), the mattresses come, and also the alarm people and the cable people.
Following:
It's just after New Year. The study with a custom pullout queen platform bed and separate drop down work desk are installed and functioning well. Most of the window coverings are finished. Next week the dining room light and our 6 ceiling fans get installed. It's starting to feel like home after I painted some strong colors throughout. Our bedroom is a deep red. The guest room a warm yellow. Office/study is a warm tan. The living room is a deep toast. The dining room is has two walls with a metallic olive green color and a 12' ceiling pan painted dark metallic gold. And, just for kicks, one wall in the kitchen is a brick red. Fun!
We rushed to Colorado on the 23rd of December, and loaded a rental truck with our storage "stuff". Dinner with Debi, Steve and Becky for a pre anniversary dinner. On the 24th, our 35th anniversary, we drove from Denver to Kansas City to be with Brad and Rachael and Jake as well as the newborn, Nate. A bris followed on the 25th, and by 2 pm we were eastbound in the moving truck, finishing the day in Paducah, KY. Thursday morning we started in Kentucky and arrived, just before midnight, back home in Naples.
The unloading and sorting of the things that we've basically lived without for 5 years didn't take long, and we are now ready for visitors.
So, as they say…."come on down".
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