[BodaciousBean]

Hey everyone,

Okay, I have to rant here....

Hubby and I submitted our EOI on August 25th and we were selected for the August 27th draw. :) I am the Principle Applicant and we had 115 points, with my work being on the Immediate Shortage List. I also claimed bonus points because my Master's Degree goes with my career.

Anyway...we got an email October 31st because I assume this will be our CO officer, had a question about my job. He wanted to know if I get paid for the work I do and how many hours I work in a week. I answered the questions and he shot me an email stating, "thank you, your response cleared up the matter I was looking at." And that he will be in touch soon. Now...nothing.

Guys, it has been over TWO months since were selected and now, I can't stand the wait. I look at everyone else's time lines ( I know I should not compare but cannot help it at this point) and been decision successful within two months and even shorter in most cases. Even those with no job offers and the same amount of points as myself. I just do not what gives. My work is on the shortage list and I have a Master's Degree. *sigh*

To make matters more frustrating, our house has been on the market for almost 6 months and get this guys, we had almost 60 showings (no lie) and NO OFFERS. NOT ONE! SIXTY SHOWINGS people!! We are very unhappy with our realitors (not only because our house is still for sale, other matters as well). So, our contract is up with them at the end of month and will have to start over with another broker. I am SO TIRED of keeping the house clean. I cannot leave a flippin' dish in the sink because we might get a showing. It is like walking on eggshells. :wah

And finally, I had to find my cat another home and it was a disaster. I was very against him going to shelter so I looked for a home for him and found a couple whom wanted him. It turned out my cat was very disobedient and scratched, hissed and growled at them. From what they described, they did not give him any breathing room, did not give a chance to become familiar with his surroundings and new owners. So what do they do, instead of calling me, they brought him to a shelter. :wah My heart was breaking and still is breaking. I can assume he was adopted because he is not listed in the shelter's rooster. I have no idea where he is and if he being taken care of. I miss him terribly. But it had to be done. My hubby and I discussed the matter at great length and decided it would be best for him to stay here. I was not hot on the idea of him flying for so long, being quaranteened (sp) and pay a ton of money to bring him. Plus, we have no idea where we will end up if/when we get to NZ.

I know I should be grateful for how far we come but I also cannot help to feel frustrated and upset. I pray every morning we will get an offer on the house and sell it. And that one morning I log onto the NZIS website and see "Decision Successful." Thank you all for reading this and also for making this a fabulous website.

[TonnyTessa]

How incredibly frustrating! Can't really help you other than help you hope that it will be sorted soon. Big smile usually helps me

[Mrs Pony]

Welcome to our world!! :exit
You're tired of waiting!? At least you're not in our shoes!
But I understand! This waiting is horrible!

And trust me I know it's really hard to be grateful for where you are at now..But it could always be worse (i keep telling myself) at least we have to opportunity to try and get over there, a roof over our heads, food to eat!
We just lost our kitty and we'll have to give up our puppy too (Grandma & Grandpa will be taking care of her)
We have a condo and all the options suck! renting, selling or foreclosing we lose either way!
OH is going to be out of a job soon
We can't afford to take our things so we're going with as little as possible...if we can get over there

Just one day at a time! It will all fall into place!

[doowrehsij]

Hi BodaciousBean,

Have you tried emailing your CO since then as a gentle reminder?... It does seem quite a while, but don't NZIS have a maximum of 3 months before they have decide to send you an ITA?.. if so, you're nearly there!

[BodaciousBean]

Like I wrote earlier, I know I should be grateful (and I truly am) but this is getting hard. We both been working really hard and it difficult when nothing is coming back in return. But I will try to continue to keep my chin up. I know it could be worse but that does not negate how I feel at this moment and my hubby as well. I still cry about my cat, I am getting better but it seems like certain moments I will cry and wish things turned out different. I was hoping he would work out with this couple so I can keep in contact with them and know how he doing. Now, I have no clue. *sigh*

As far as the house goes, we are losing, we bought the house 3 years ago but as long as we don't have to bring money to the table, we will be extremely grateful.

I have thought about emailing this gentleman back but for some reason hesitated. I will wait it out another week and see what happens.

Thanks for the encouragement peeps, it really helps. :nice1

[Mrs Pony]

Don't be afraid to email your CO! Ours has been great and really helpful!

Trust me I know exactly how you feel! Read some of my (many) posts...and it is really hard... OH needs to get out of here for his sanity... He's really unhappy here and it tares me apart that I can't do anything to get over there sooner... The way things are over here aren't helping either... But one day at a time and try (again this is hard for us as well) but try to enjoy where you are in the time being...

I feel ya on the house thing too! We got our condo just over a year ago... and the updated unit above us is asking for $40k less than what we got our place for...

I think a lot of others have had this "trapped" feeling during this roller coaster ... but they've all seemed to make it to the end of the ride...

[BodaciousBean]

Thanks Mrs. Pony. :)

I also here ya about the hubby. My hubby's health is suffering as well by being here. He asthma is flaring up, allergies are making it worse and was just put on another high blood pressure medication. I worry for him too. I feel sometimes I am breaking at the seams, trying to keep the house together, keeping myself together and helping out my husband. He has been fabulous about the cat situation, let me cry on his shoulder, sent me a card but I do not want to get to a point where he is tired of hearing about it, you know?

The house is a monster right now. It has been a huge monkey on our back. We are hoping now with the state of our economy, it will work in our favor. For example, those looking for that 200,000-300,000K loan will not get it and will be only approved for the sum that is around our asking price. We cannot budge on our asking price either. So, I pray for an offer every day.

[ourquest]

To make matters more frustrating, our house has been on the market for almost 6 months and get this guys, we had almost 60 showings (no lie) and NO OFFERS. NOT ONE! SIXTY SHOWINGS people!! We are very unhappy with our realitors (not only because our house is still for sale, other matters as well). So, our contract is up with them at the end of month and will have to start over with another broker. I am SO TIRED of keeping the house clean. I cannot leave a flippin' dish in the sink because we might get a showing. It is like walking on eggshells. :wah


Why is the house not selling with so many viewings? Either your price is too high or there is something putting every buyer off? What have you decided is the reason?

[BodaciousBean]

Why is the house not selling with so many viewings? Either your price is too high or there is something putting every buyer off? What have you decided is the reason?


One Bathroom. That is our problem. Everyone wants 2 or more. We cannot afford to put one in. Otherwise, the feedback has been great. Only a few viewers felt the price was too high but the majority felt the price was just right and the house was in great condition. The house has awesome curb appeal. The previous owner had a family member whom was a mason and did beautiful brick work in the front and back. It has a Trax deck, in a cul de sac, by the park, quiet neighborhood, 3 bedrooms, all appliances included, new central air, hard wood floors, just one bathroom.

[Hagabel]

I understand the housing situation you are in. I am very sorry about your cat. That is horrible that they did not call you and took him to a shelter. Do they not have a record of where he went?
We have our house on the market for 2-3 months and 2 viewings first week! Our house in in a price range that is just not selling at present.
I am however more hopeful after the results of last nights election!!! Not re the sale of our house but for some change over here.
Hang in there.
:exit

EOI selected August 13th 2008
ITA in progress!

[BodaciousBean]

Do they not have a record of where he went?

Once the adoption takes place, the records are sealed, the shelter would never tell me where he went and who adopted him. I know deep down he is fine, probably just chillin', but it is hard not knowing where he is.

I have high hopes that the economy will turn around, that Obama will bring new hope here and people will feel safe with spending money. I can only hope.

[JandM]

((((()))))

[Marti]

I think that 'in limbo' feeling is the worst. If you had a date to work towards, a goal, then it's so much easier on the ole sanity. I was in limbo for around 14 months. It was awful.

But trust me on this - when the ball starts rolling, it happens FRIGHTENINGLY quickly, and before you know it, you will be here.

Try to use this time to your advantage. Keep doing your research, make thorough lists of everything/body you need to cancel/inform. Start cleaning and putting away things that you are unlikely to use that will be packed away for your container.

After all this waiting, the last thing you need is a final mad panic to get things done!!

I firmly believe things happen for a reason. Destiny has a plan for you, and she's laying the foundations for the paths you will take further down the line. You cant rush her - but have a little faith and trust, and she'll see you right :yes

Hold on in there!

[BodaciousBean]

I firmly believe things happen for a reason. Destiny has a plan for you, and she's laying the foundations for the paths you will take further down the line. You cant rush her - but have a little faith and trust, and she'll see you right :yes

Hold on in there!

I totally believe this. I have to keep this frame of mind or else I will go coo-coo!:laugh

Thanks for all the support and words of wisdom!:nice1

[BkyMonster]

Why is the house not selling with so many viewings? Either your price is too high or there is something putting every buyer off? What have you decided is the reason?
I had this issue as well when selling our house. Our house was on the market for 5 months, we dropped the price by 25k and for a few months we had at least one viewing a day. Often the people were in our house for an hour or more. We were really lucky to be in an area supported by a stable employer- a University.
Our experience was that there was nothing wrong with our house or price it was that the consumers wanted the very best deal possible, or are just looking for fun. Basically they were passing up our (lowest price in the area for the size) house because it didn't have things like granite counter tops...People didn't want a house where they could make it their own.
There were no consistent complaints other than the house had no garage (which it said on the listing!).

We had probably well over 100 viewings before we sold in May. It was horrible and I feel your pain.
If you can, move into one room, the bathroom and kitchen, and your cleaning will be minimized.

[marybelle]

Hi BodaciousBean

It must have been a huge shock to find out your cat had gone to the shelter.
I had to give my dog to a shelter some years ago and it was the most difficult thing I had ever had to do, the people at the shelter assured me that everyone who applies to adopt an animal is proprely vetted to make sure that they are suitable and responsible enough to care for it. In the end I took solace in the fact that they could be more sure than I could that a potential new owner was right for my dog and this will be the same for your cat.
He/she will be in a loving home with people who will care for them and love them as much as you did.
Although the adoption records are now sealed is there any way that the shelter would consider passing a letter from you to the new owners. That way you could tell them all your cats likes and dislikes and ask if they would mind putting your mind at rest. It may be worth a try.
Never be scared to show you how you feel. At the end of the day you have suffered a loss and your husband will understand how you feel.

Take care
Marybelle

[ourquest]

One Bathroom. That is our problem. Everyone wants 2 or more. We cannot afford to put one in. Otherwise, the feedback has been great. Only a few viewers felt the price was too high but the majority felt the price was just right and the house was in great condition.

That would certainly be a factor, but surely at least some of the 60 viewings would have seen the potential to put in a second bathroom if all the other factors are good as you say? Most informed buyers do understand that they are never going to get everything with any particular house, and if there is a logical place to have a bathroom installed then it shouldn't be a deal breaker, particularly as buyers often plan to renovate existing bathrooms anyway. Have you had any quotes for a bathroom addition? These quotes could be made available to prospective purchasers so that they know how much they are in for. Is there something else you are overlooking maybe? Have you defined all the rooms by the furniture that is in them for example? (ie if it is a bedroom does it in fact look like a bedroom?). Is the yard tidy? Does the house have a logical layout? (not that this is very easy to change in most cases). Is there sufficient parking?

I only ask all these questions because there is always a reason (and your house sounds like a good buy). It could be blamed on the economy, but 60 viewings is a lot so there must be buyers around. Or you've just been unlucky so far and the deal is round the corner.

Try and stay positive and make sure you keep injecting some energy into the house sale. Getting a fresh real estate agent might well help with that too.

Best of luck for the right buyer to view soon.

[BodaciousBean]

BkyMonster- The showings are really getting to us. We have no problems with the hour time slots but the two hour ones are a thorn in our side. Thank you for the tip on keeping the house clean. :nice1

marybelle- Thank you so much for your kind words. And what you wrote echoed what my husband reassured me with. The shelter takes great pains to match the animal with the right owner and really do careful checks and so forth. I try to think positive and perhaps God did not want my kitty with the original couple and had him placed in a more suitable home.

ourquest- Well, now the fall has come, the yard is fall looking, like leaves and stuff but all summer, the grass was lush green (high water bills to prove that), I had colorful annuals planted (front and back), we have iris', cherry blossom tree as well as a rose bush in the front. The listing specifically says it has one bathroom and it is almost 1200 square feet. The majority of the viewers rated the property good or above, priced just right, but the one bathroom is an issue. We overheard some potential buyers contemplate where to a put a second bathroom but nothing pans out. We had a few maybes. But no follow up. We had one buyer whom wanted it but was only approved for a loan no where near our asking price. We another interested couple who looked promising but the meddlesome mother stuck her nose in and made a big deal about the one bathroom bit, according to our realitors. All of our rooms are set up functionally, we have one room set up as a work out room which is what it is being used for and the other is a sitting room and master bedroom. We have very little furniature so the house is not cramped. We actually had very many comments on how clean and well kept the house is and it is one of the nicest houses they saw. I just do not get it!

I know this sounds crazy but this is all true. But there is someone out there whom will want our house. He/she is out there, I pray really heard they come along soon! :)

Thank you again all for taking the time to post kind and supportive posts.

[BkyMonster]

For plants.. I know this sounds tacky but get some fake ones. Just head over to a dollar store and put together some arrangements. We were selling ours in winter and early spring and the live plants I did buy just succumbed to the frost. We stuck the fake flowers and leaves in pots of dirt and no one noticed. They couldn't tell from the curb and by the time they were up looking at the house closer they had other things to look at. :nice1

[BodaciousBean]

Hey cool, just might have to give that idea a whirl. Thank you. :):nice1

[allen_kalai]

Goodness! I can only image what you're going through as we have only begun to fill out the EOI at this point.

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty! I'm sure he's being loved and in a good home; tis probably better than to ship him.

I hope it works out and you sell your home at the perfect time and get accepted when the timing is just right. God has a way of taking care of things when all looks bleak to us. (I have to remind myself of that--and you will probably be reminding me of this in a couple of months.)

[BodaciousBean]

Thanks so much allen_kalai. :)

[Hagabel]

Someone's suggestion about minimising living space to help keep house clean is just what we have done.
We have a fully finished basement same size as upstairs so we have 'moved downstairs' and the only thing I go upstairs for is to cook or do laundry. We luckily have 2 separate heating sytems so we are cutting back on heating whole house and upstairs is looking much more sellable. Trying to keep a house clean with 1 large dog and 2 kids under 4 not happening!!
By doing this we have gone from 3 to 1 bathroom and living in under 2000sq ft is interesting. OH says it is getting me ready for New Zealand!!
Sorry not trying to hijack the thread but minimising living space makes it so much easier to keep clean.
Hang in there,
hugs.
:exit