TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 11, 2013 22:55:14 GMT -5
Fog is sort of creepy, isn't it? And soooo dangerous to drive in! Scary to drive in. I saw one school was cancelled today and many had a 2 hour delay. I didn't have to go anywhere except the post office and I could hardly see past my car. I talked to my mom tonight. She's all excited about moving now. I think she has been watching HGTV. She wants things out of the closets. The house has not officially been listed. Parents are not happy with the suggested listing price. It's $20,000 less than what they were guessing when I was there last week. It's halfway what realtor told them when he left. He probably said that to appease them. House was built in 1910 and doesn't have a dishwasher. Kitchen and bathroom are not updated. Parents don't get that. I advised mom to listen to the realtor as he knows the market. I don't and they certainly don't. My DS said realtor did tell them about the commission and other expenses that will be deducted before the bottom line that will come to them. I just hope it sells quickly and we don't get to the place where we have to convince dad to take the loan from BIL. DS said dad said he'd do whatever makes mom happy. He did see that when he got so mad last week that she cried and he knows she does not turn on the tears. I've never seen my mother cry. Mom said that she wants us to go through all the stuff that DS brought home and decide what we want and try to sell anything we think will sell. She said anything that sells, we are to split the money. I was like shouldn't we be putting it in a fund to get you up here right now? She said no. DS said we'll discuss that after we go through stuff. DS wants her daughter there. I reminded her that stuff is divided between the two of us first and if we don't want it, her kids can take it.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 12, 2013 1:15:56 GMT -5
That sounds very positive.
One thing I've learned from watching countless hours of HGTV is that people usually OVERestimate the value of their own home, and UNDERestimate what it will cost to get the nifty upgrades they see in renovated houses.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Jan 12, 2013 5:10:45 GMT -5
WOW!!!! While I have no current travel plans my passport expired Oct, 2011. I wanted to renew it while I could still just renew and not start all over w/a new application and possibly needing one in a hurry. I mailed the renewal 12/29. My check was cashed Jan 4. Got my passport 1/11. That is SUPER quick.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Jan 12, 2013 9:45:34 GMT -5
MARV: I often think about getting a passport, but I'm waiting for a good hair day. ;D
The weather here is a bit freaky. It's been humid and warm since yesterday. Warm, I get. Humid? Scary.
I've been trying a low spend month. I did get a birthday gift for SIL3, but used my swags for it on amazon. So far, only other things have been food and cheap wrapping paper. Oh, my DVD set, but that was with cc points.
It's getting time to go on a family outing. I'm looking into Wolf Lodge. I think the adults will be OK with it, but the kiddos will have a blast. Since we have one near us, we can do an over nighter.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 12, 2013 10:33:18 GMT -5
We have a great deal of freezing fog once again this morning. I am not going to be in any hurry to hit the road an get DD moved into her apartment. There is plenty of housework to do around here before I hit the road. My passport is still good for a few years. DD's has either just expired or will be expiring soon. She will need to start over with the application process since she is transitioning from a child's passport to an adult passport. She can wait until she is married and do it then, although I have been hearing rumors of a cruise as a possible honeymoon option. She may or may not need one for that. The only time we have taken our passports when traveling was when we went to Alaska. We only took them then in case we had difficulties during the flight and would have had to make an emergency landing in Canada. Fortunately we did not need them.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Sarcasm is my Superpower
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Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 12, 2013 21:17:42 GMT -5
We needed our passports for our Alaska cruise since there was a stop in Victoria. I think I've got 4 more years on my passport before it needs renewal. My wonderful DH, of course, uses a passport all the time ... but that's his military one. (He has a civilian one, too)
5 kittens adopted today at Petco!
I was craving Kalamata olives, so we picked some up at Whole Foods, along with some Cotswold Cheese (my favorite) and some sugar free peanut butter cookies (yum.) And a bacon spinach quiche ... yum!
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 12, 2013 21:24:23 GMT -5
We got DD pretty much moved into her apt today. She will need to organize and finish putting things away but we did get a lot unpacked. She is also waiting for her Grandpa to bring the van of furniture down.
We are supposed to get down into the teens tonight. Brrrr!!!!! I suspect I will have both cats on the bed tonight and I won't be kicking them off either.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 12, 2013 21:28:58 GMT -5
DS talked to mom last night and she was wondering if we will come visit once they move here. She told her for sure her two daughters will. The three grandsons will most likely be spread around the country so will only visit when they are home. Granddaughter will be expected to visit, which was why she wanted them in the town where she lives. She does get that it is better if they are in an independent living facility and closer to DS and me. She looked at a regular condo in town last Sunday and said it was really nice. I told her this situation has a guaranteed buyer. We'd have to go through the process of selling a condo--not to mention it costs $60K more than what they are buying in to.
I hope mom and dad find somebody who either likes a pink bathroom or is handy. ;D I could not deal with the yukky bathroom carpet either.
I did tell mom to tell realtor about the hardwood floors under all the carpeting, so she wrote that town.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 12, 2013 21:30:51 GMT -5
We are supposed to get down into the teens tonight. Brrrr!!!!! I suspect I will have both cats on the bed tonight and I won't be kicking them off either. Same kind of temps here and I never kick Lucy off the bed. She sleeps in there sometimes when I am in the living room. Guess she finds the bed more comfy or warmer.
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motherto2
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Post by motherto2 on Jan 12, 2013 21:45:16 GMT -5
Theo, I've been very fortunate and sold both of my homes without a realtor. Of course, the house was discounted to take that into consideration, but they sold pretty quickly so I didn't have to worry about showing them. They do make some sort of paint that can be sprayed over things like tile and porcelain if they want to do a quick inexpensive fix to the pink. Dutt, if you are thinking about Great Wolf Lodge, look into the weekends that they give military discounts. I believe you said you have someone with military bennies. The price is even better. I know alot of people that have used it on those weekends, and it's a huge savings. I never took my kids, because DS would have wanted to take several boys, and then my costs would have been greatly increased . Sharon, glad your daughter is moved in. Always fun to decorate your first place! I think I told you all that I bought a new mattress that was finally delivered a week ago last Thursday. I am so disappointed because the thing smells horrible. I realize I have a very strange sense of smell at times, but this is over the top. I am washing all the bedding (to include the zippered allergen covers for the mattress and pillows). Our weather was supposed to be really nice and warm today, so I had planned on dragging it downstairs and out on the front porch. Well, it was foggy, overcast, damp, and about 15 or more degrees colder, so that didn't happen. I did take it off the bed and leaned it up against the wall to let it air out a little more. I am open to any suggestions. I've sprayed febreze on it twice. It's gotten better, but I feel like I wake up every morning with "chemical head".
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Jan 13, 2013 5:14:27 GMT -5
Sharon DD2 had a passport in her maiden name w/several years on it when she did a honeymoon cruise. There are several ‘options’ to handle this: 1. Her drivers license was still in maiden name so she booked cruise in maiden name 2. For cruise + drivers license in ‘new’ name just have a certified copy of marriage license with her. If they are thinking about cruising she might want to join & read a cruise forum. I like www.cruisecritic.com. I have done about 12 cruises beginning in 1969 with 3 still existant main stream lines (Carnival, NCL, Celebrity). Theotherme When I moved into this house in 1976 the master bath was lavender. HATED it. Finally fixed that in 2006. Lynn I have seen places like Great Wolf Lodge on Groupon. You might want to watch that. Weather forecast here was for falling temps starting mid-afternoon Sat with rain/sleet/snow. We seem to be running 12-18 hours behind. Temps have fallen to 30 but still raining. I have no plans to go out & am parked on the ‘correct’ side of the street for today if we do get snow.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Jan 13, 2013 12:10:58 GMT -5
MOTHER: The military 'discount' price was over 40.00 more than the early booking price. Can you guess which one I took? LOL It's a bit disheartening to see where their loyalties lie. But it is what it is, and any discount is better than full price. Since March was more economically friendly than February, I booked a weekend in March. The adults are super excited (including me) and the kids are asking what Great Wolf is. Who'da thunk? DD1 and family took me out for brunch this morning. So much good food, so little tummy space. The rest of the day will be spent doing what I want. No work on Sunday. (this week anyway) Stay safe and enjoy the day.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 13, 2013 13:39:25 GMT -5
I got inspired to bake bread today, so there are now two loaves of whole wheat bread working on their second rising.
My pantry is a lot cleaner now that DD is moved out. She was the beneficiary of several things that I didn't think I would use or might not use or had maybe over stocked.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Sarcasm is my Superpower
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Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 13, 2013 15:40:25 GMT -5
Mmmmm.... baked bread
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motherto2
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Post by motherto2 on Jan 13, 2013 16:31:18 GMT -5
Dutt, I wonder if something changed? I know alot of people that have gone there, and they have never come across a better deal. Good for you! You all will have a great time! Well, DS left about an hour ago to go back to school . I managed not to get teary eyed in front of him. He won't be back home til Spring break. He hit the nail on the head when he said it would be different if he could come and go as he pleased and come home for the weekend. Being at a military school, they only get to have a certain number of passes each semester, and they differ in how long you can stay out, etc. I told him the pup and I would come up in a few weeks to spend an evening with him. We did that one time, and the three of us spent the evening sitting in the car in the Walmart parking lot. No one is allowed to go into the barracks except when they get to school/leave for the year, and a couple of hours on Saturday during Parent's weekend. So can't go there and hang out. On a better note, I have retirement training this week! Woohoo! It's getting closer and closer!
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Jan 14, 2013 4:43:16 GMT -5
I did NOT get any of the forecast sleet or snow. However, I DO have the cold. It is down to 13 actual read, NOT wind chill. I am staying home, again, today. Have not decided if I will be chore driven or lazy (again).
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on Jan 14, 2013 8:37:12 GMT -5
What is retirement training? I thought the whole point of retirement was t be able to do what you want.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 14, 2013 20:11:15 GMT -5
Hmm. My post got lost. Anyway I made it through the upgrade.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Sarcasm is my Superpower
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Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 14, 2013 21:54:05 GMT -5
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 14, 2013 22:41:58 GMT -5
Molly thank you for the posting the article link. My nephew has confirmed that they are getting an MRE for breakfast. I did ship him a box of instant oatmeal, pop tarts, and mac and cheese. He said that they did have access to a microwave.
This deployment has been the worst of this three, partly because he is AF stationed on an army base. They may actually move him to another base because the army will not supply his group with the things they need.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 14, 2013 22:43:33 GMT -5
I've never heard any military person say MRE's are tasty. What does your hubby think, Molly?
Very cold here this morning and I had a doctor's appointment. At least I could grocery shop and leave them in the car with no problem.
When Early retirement was offered at my agency, we had retirement planning classes. They were all about financial stuff--most of which didn't sink in until I had only one pay check a month and less income.
This upgrade is weird. I don't care for the look of it and I don't see how to do smilies.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 14, 2013 22:46:41 GMT -5
I've never heard any military person say MRE's are tasty. What does your hubby think, Molly? Very cold here this morning and I had a doctor's appointment. At least I could grocery shop and leave them in the car with no problem. When Early retirement was offered at my agency, we had retirement planning classes. They were all about financial stuff--most of which didn't sink in until I had only one pay check a month and less income. This upgrade is weird. I don't care for the look of it and I don't see how to do smilies. Moon and Virgil are working on getting all of our nice customizations added back in. I suspect that will also mean all of our emoticons.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 14, 2013 22:53:07 GMT -5
I figured out how to do the emoticons. There aren't very many yet.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 15, 2013 1:06:02 GMT -5
My wonderful DH doesn't especially like MREs, he said. Then again, he thinks that the food served in the Chow Halls over there is also quite disgusting and gross. It will take some getting used to the updated format. Oh well, at least we can still chat here just fine
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Jan 15, 2013 2:47:41 GMT -5
I, too, am finding issues w/the new system. I HAD done the upgrade before but had to do it again this am. Neiter the back arrow nor the back shortcut (alt+left arrow works.
It is currently a PITA to be on/use the entire board. I may just drop out for a while.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 15, 2013 16:25:22 GMT -5
You will be missed, Holly. I've been decluttering and making piles for things to go to the Cancer Society Discovery Shop (which I usually generically refer to as the "thrift store.") I tackled several cupboards and drawers in the several different rooms, including the master bathroom. MY cupboard (under my sink) is all tidy and organized now and I can actually SEE that I have quite the stash of the conditioner I like (3 bottles), the deodorant I use (2 sticks), the toothpaste I like (2 tubes), and an impressive collection of feminine products. There were a lot of opened (and unliked) lotions and soaps and conditioners, etc. and those are now GONE! I did donate some unopened items, too. And I now have a nifty new toothbrush, too. (I tossed ALL of the old ones!) I don't think I am quite brave enough to check out my wonderful DH's side of the bathroom ... but maybe this will inspre him? We're still clear and cold here (low 30s at night), but we should be in the 60s in the daytime by the end of the week (up from the 50s) That will be nice. I found a dog yesterday afternoon ... a black and white fluffy Shih Tzu. Posted her on Craiglists and Facebook and put up signs in our neighborhood. No collar/no tags/no microchip. Found her owner last night for a happy reunion! (Suggested collars, tags and microchipping!) (Her name was Itsy and Megan the Cat was NOT pleased to have her here, even in a crate!) It's Tuesday!
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motherto2
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Post by motherto2 on Jan 15, 2013 19:57:49 GMT -5
First, I made it! Whew! I guess I truly am getting old. I don't like change . Hey, the emoties do work . First day of retirement class over. The guy that taught today was really good. He was able to tell us alot of things that were "news to us". Not the best thing in some instances when you are 5 and 1/2 years out. Good news - by taking the class, we get free advice from them forever! I found out I might be in the wrong retirement system. I have to request a summary sheet of my career, which may take a few months. He was truly baffled about what they did with me almost 30 years ago. He said when I get that form back, to please email that and my personnel action forms from that time frame to him. He wants to make sure that the Government hasn't made some mistakes. So,, time will tell. I went through a scenario several years ago with my HR, where I knew I needed to pay some money into the retirement system for a period where I was in a certain position and didn't pay into it. I had contacted our HR and OPM to get the payback amount and I would have thought someone from there or from OPM would have raised a flag, but no. SSSSOOOOO glad I took this class and he was our instructor today. As usual, things are always rearranged for me. DS is supposed to be in the Inaugural parade on Monday, and I was having one of my besties over and we were going to watch the parade (since it's a holiday, we get to actually watch it) but now DD is scheduled to get her wisdom teeth out at 12:30 that day. Nothing like her waiting til the last minute. I've literally been after her for over a year to settle down and schedule it, and being the good little procrastinator she is, she wouldn't take it seriously until this weekend. Of course, she has several things scheduled for the rest of January and February, so bam, it's this Monday. I hate to tell my supervisor that I will need to take a day or two off next week, after being out all this week. Oh well. The things we do.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jan 15, 2013 20:54:09 GMT -5
Mother what an honor that your son gets to be in the inaugural parade. Do you have a way to tape the parade so you can watch it later? I was back at the dentist again today, my temporary crown took a leave once again. Hopefully the permanent crown will be ready by next week. I talked with DD tonight and she is loving her apartment. That makes me happy to finally see her happy again. She was so miserable last term living in the sorority. Thankfully we were able to get her out of that situation and into her own apartment.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 15, 2013 21:13:06 GMT -5
Glad to see people are getting used the new forum. (I don't like change, either!)
Sounds like good reports from your kids ~ yay!
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jan 15, 2013 22:02:30 GMT -5
I can't find mom and dad's house online yet, but it's being shown tomorrow. DS said mom was giddy. Some people drove by very slowly several times. About an hour later, they got a call that there is a showing in the morning. Due to parents' age and mom's health, realtor has explained they will be there. He has instructed them not to show the house and not to say anything. DS was going to call back and tell them to go to the den and sit there. I hated looking at houses when the owner's were present back in the day.
DS did tell mom they are not to sign any offer without talking it over with us. She lived here when they sold their last two houses and said they never negotiated--just took the first offer and ran with it. The last house they sold, they did have a cash buyer, so you can afford to sell for a lesser price than have to wait on financing.
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