Paperwork, paperwork

It's been snowing paperwork here for 2 weeks now. And we haven't even closed yet! We've been meeting with our realtor, attorney, accountant, banker, and city planners. I'm already tired of signing my name and closing isn't until Friday. We hope. The title company has found a glitch in the title: a document that was never recorded. The folks at the title company have been working hard to track down the errant paperwork so we can move forward. We've used this title company before and they've always been great! First American Title if you're interested.

If we close on Friday 4/20 as planned we won't take possession until June 4. The current owners have lots of stuff to sort thru as Bob was a packrat of cosmic proportions! We knew they would need time after the sale so we're letting them occupy the house until then. In the meantime we'll be able to start working on the yard, and do a little work on the outside of the house. The backyard has been taken over by blackberry bushes which are hell to remove. Blood transfusion anyone?

We met with 2 city planners last week to get a feel for the permit process. Because it's an historic building we'll need approval from the city Historic Resources Commission (HRC) before we make any exterior changes. It sounds like the process will take at least a couple of months, partly because the HRC only meets once per month.

I've been doing some horticultural research to find out what plants were popular here 150 years ago. I know the pioneers brought some plant material with them, and I'd like to keep the landscaping historically accurate. I realize that I won't be able to use accurate varieties in some cases but I can get close. I'm not good at waiting, and am itching to tackle the place. Brian has been working with CAD to prepare an "after" plan and images. The elevation drawing makes the place look amazing! I can't wait to see it like that, as it once was.

One of the most inspiring things has been the reaction of friends & family - very happy for us, and encouraging us, and we've had offers of help from surprising places. Our attorney, a young couple we've only known about a year, and an old friend we haven't seen in a very long time may be coming here to pitch in! Although the young couple I mentioned drove by the Caton House today and emailed me "You bought that? On purpose?" Another friend (and our insurance agent) said when he drives past the house he hears the theme song from the Addams Family! I think we know too many comedians...