Sheer Serendipity.

I thought it is fitting to share some news of inspiration because what the Bible says "Ask and you will receive" is one promise we always held on to. And it never failed to deliver.

After bouts of sleepless nights and paranoia of seeing the housing market in Calgary go up every week by 5K, we were almost resigned that we'll probably need to sit thru again and wait for our lottery numbers to be called as winners before we can get into a house. It's just plain craziness how our hot economy is moving up and up. Until, we decided to watch "The Secret" again.

B suddenly had a lightbulb moment and mentioned to me that we need to go to the showhome visiting again. I've been egging him to do that so when he said we should do it AGAIN, I was happy.

That Saturday, we went to Panorama in the north and realized that we are close to being eliminated as the price range has increased tremendously (about 30K over now) so we thought we should go to the south side instead and this time, include the townhouse (multi family) units as that might be where our price range can afford us.

We went furthest south (Auburn Bay) and realized that the price is not so different from Panorama - except that, building here would give us access to the lake. Not bad, but we're not budging as it's 30K higher. Next was the Montage townhouses - it's definitely within our range but all units are conditionally sold and the are still waiting for more lots released. Dang, we all knew that meant HIGHER base price again.

So, our final destination was New Brighton. We have been constantly told by the builders that there will be a price increase starting Monday (April 2nd). We knew they were not kidding as every place we've visited said the same thing.

After going thru the show home visit, we thought it's just wise to really ask if AT ALL there is any way for us to get in. We just wanted a starter home - not a mansion!!! Our convo went like this:

Builder: Hello guys, did you find something you want?

We: Yes, actually. We always have. (smiles) But, how long is the wait for you to build? (We ask this question because if they say there is a wait-list, we knew that we can't hold the price and therefore, there will be price increase after price increase again!!!)

Builder: What model are you looking at?

We: (We really wanted The Parker - because of the skylight but we knew there's no lot available for it!!!) Well, your homes are really charming - but we more or less wanted something within our range. Do you have a spec home for either the Lancaster or Winchester? (These are the 2 smaller houses - but still larger than a t/house unit within that area).

Builder: Hang on 1 minute (pulls something from underneath and showed a spec home detail).

We: (Zeroed in on the price - heck, we've been shopping for 3 months - we KNOW all freakin' details of almost every home!)

Builder: We have a Winchester that just went back to the market. Here. Look at the price, you can't go wrong with that! (*with a joyful tone on her voice*)

We: (*In shock* because the price is definitely within our pre-approved range) Wow!!! This is a spec home, did you say? When will this home be ready?

Builder: Yes, it's a spec home. And, based on our timelines, you probably can get it by November.

We: (*dazed*) Awesome!

The next few minutes was a blur. We asked and we got the answer. (These are the first 2 steps in The Secret). We need the third step - 'receive'. We knew we have to go thru with this - it's now or never!!! The catch: We have to put down the $1000 by tomorrow (Sunday) because the price will jump up to $5192 by Monday.

Receive or Reject?

We took a leap of faith. Paid the $1000 downpayment the following day at 12:20pm. Had the prodding and help of a great mortgage broker who did the phone call to the builder right after we left that Saturday. (B&I were both stunned, I swear if we call that builder again on that day, we're going to cry - because we knew this house is for us! lol) Pam (our broker and our business partner) made sure the builder knows we're going back to put down our deposit.

Thank God nobody else asked. We received what was meant for us. 10 days from April 1, we signed, sealed and firmed our deal. We have a house before Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!