Friday, June 26, 2009

Our New Home!

After several weeks of research, studying it out, faith and prayers, Eric and I have found a new home!

For those who missed our previous Lost The Lease post, we were informed by our landlord Leonard that he needed to move his mother into our unit because of health concerns. We have felt calm that we would be ok, but had to go through the process of finding the right place for us to reside during the next phase of our lives.

We went through all of the questions: Should we stay or go? home to Utah or how about Texas? Do we downsize and save money? What are our priorities?

We made a list of things that we 'needed' with open minds that 'needs' can be relative to a situation. We wanted to stay in the Dana Point area, preferably in the Capistrano 1st Ward. We wanted to be where we should be, where we can be a blessing in the lives of others and where our light can shine. We wanted a two bedroom/two bath location in a townhouse setting rather than a large apartment complex, although the benefits of a pool, spa and workout room added value to a new experience. We were hoping for a two car garage and washer/dryer hookups. We wanted to save money on rent to pay down our mortgages so we could retire earlier. We hoped we could find a view that would bring us happiness - a peek-a-boo ocean view and palm trees and the moon out the window. Light and bright floor plans sounded good. Basically we wanted everything we have here on Copper Lantern only better and for less. Throw in a great landlord too who would appreciate us and never raise the rent and quiet neighbors. We realize how wonderful life has been for us!

Crazy huh?

Well, Heavenly Father has a way of helping us learn and develop higher ways. We spent these last few weeks reading The Weekender, The Pennysaver and driving around looking for Rent or Lease signs. Finally I discovered DanaPointRentals.com. I found MLS listings and tons of available properties. We enlisted the aid of our good friend and Realtor Gretchen Donahoo. She set up a day of house hunting and we fell in love with a place. It is really funky! Totally '70's kitsch with avocado tile in the kitchen, tile in the entry and chandeliers from a few decades ago. You can tell that it was tres chic in it's time. If it was up to date now we could Never afford it! The view is SPECTACULAR! There is a three car garage, a spiral staircase, a sunroom, formal dining room, fireplace, washer dryer hookups, plenty of storage space and two bedrooms. It's only drawback is one bathroom, although it is separated with the shower and toilet in one area and tub and sinks in another.

I think these cell phone pictures fail to capture the true wonder of the view we will have but here they are for now. We will be moving mid-July and will post better pictures then.

Heavenly Father answers prayers!
He didn't give us everything we wanted but he gave us those things that would help us grow.
The door is still open for visitors! Of course you may be asked to pack, clean, haul or unload boxes! We know who our friends are!
GOOGLE MAP BACK
GOOGLE MAP FRONT

4 comments:

shawna said...

This is exciting! Congrats on your new digs. :) Prayers are answered...but did you consider Sun City??? J/K

Kristen Marie said...

I am excited to hear about your new place and how it all came about, Heavenly Father does work miracles and it is great to hear about them. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the new place!

Our Sunny SoCal Life said...

Yes Shawna for a nanosecond I considered your beautiful area. But I'm still holding out that you'll exchange the Sun for the Sea!

shawna said...

would that I could....we'll be here at least 3-4 years more. :-)