Monday, April 26, 2010

It's pending...

Ths house is under contract! I can't believe how fast it happened. We got an offer the first day on the market and a second the second day. We countered the 2nd offer and they accepted. We are set to close at the end of May.

It was probably so fast due to the $8k tax credit which requires the buyer be under contract by the end of April, which is this week. We wanted it to be quick, and I am relieved that I no longer have to keep it immaculate at all moments (not fun with kids).

Of course, we are still waiting for the kids paperwork. The hubs has been calling the consulate to see what we can do. We "inscribed" them in January, about 4 months ago; it normally takes up to 6 months, or more, but, as with all things in Chile, if you know someone, it can be expedited. Well, we don't know anyone, but the consulate employee we have been working with does. She had told us she would ask her contact to get it done as quickly as possible.

As we have learned today, the papers never reached the hands of her contact, so they are going to try to locate them and see what they can do.

I don't know if we are willing to postpone the move for months, waiting for their papers. But I don't know what options we have. They have US passports, so we could still go, entering the kids on a tourist visa. Their papers allow them to enter Chile as Chilean, which means we don't have to go through the arduous process of changing that status.

Anyway, we'll see what happens..

We seem to have adopted this strange "now or never" attitude about doing/buying things before the move. My husband wanted to go around to all the touristy spots in Austin and take photos. I pondered aloud why we would do that, when we don't hang out in those spots anyway...like ever. He was also suddenly dismayed that we had spent so many years here and had never gone to one of the music festivals they have here in the self-proclaimed "live music capital of the world", like Austin City Limits and South by South West. We are not really live-music people, which is weird to say. I mean, we like music, and we like listening to music, but actually going to concerts or even smaller live music venues has never been our thing--too many people,too loud (yes, I am elderly) and then some of the outdoor music festivals involve heat/dust or rain/mud all day long... oh, and over-priced scarce tickets.

He is saddened that we'll never see Big Bend. I say: "you do remember that I am from the US, right? and that all my family and many friends live here...and that we'll be back to visit, so our kids have a connection to this country too, and possibly to live (I am leaving that option open in my head because I am a wimp). This is not our last chance at anything! But he is unconvinced.

We have been talking about buying things too, because it is "now or never." Like a kitchen aid stand mixer. I have wanted one for a long time, but I get along just fine without one, and I like to bake: I've been making cookies, muffins, pancakes, even pizza dough and bread (and kneading it myself!!!) and don't know any other way. But now, it feels urgently necessary to buy one and take it with me. Partly because it would be easier to ship it with our other things, rather than as a carry on at some future date during a visit. But the other part of me keeps asking if I really need one. Need is such a funny, relative, subjective term.

So it looks like early-mid June. I'll have to check the world sposrts calendar, but that may be just in time for the World Cup. Chile qualified this time, which, naturally, will have them all riled up in Chile. I was there in 98, the last time they qualified, and the entire country closes down to watch the games. That would be a fun way to start our residence there.

10 comments:

mosey (kim) said...

Oh, go for the Kitchenaid! And I know what you mean about live music. We watched a great music documentary the other night and I said to hubby "wouldn't it be nice to go see a band live?" and then immediately retracted it because I always get headaches and ringing ears at concern. I too am elderly.

It's getting so close!

mosey (kim) said...

"...at CONCERTS" I mean. Geez man, proofread much?

Bex said...

I am in exactly the same position now. We found renters for our house (congratulations on a quick sale by the way!) and we're leaving for Scotland in July. We don't have Jack's British passport yet so we're debating whether or not to just take him in on a tourist visa... Oh these international regulations...

Kyle said...

A soccer event in which Chile wins (maybe not the whole cup, but at least does well) would be a fabulous way to start your life. At know other time are the people of this country as good to each other as when the soccer team is succeeding!

Maggie May said...

Congratulations- things are moving forward.

Eileen said...

Yay! and get a pretty kitchen aid mixer (does it have a 110/220 switch or do you know someone that can do that for you?) I will come and eat cookies, I will. But later in July. I'll be in the states when you first get here, sounds like (but not in Big Bend).

Congratulations! And if the kids come as Americans you should have three additional months to sort stuff out, I'd think. And Argentina's not that far away if you have to take a quick trip, and it will be mid-sept by the time you'd have to, and by then the pass to Mendoza should be open.

YAY!

Anonymous said...

Crazy! I was reading your blog from the beginning forward and just now saw that you're leaving for Chile. Good luck in your move, and I hope you keep blogging from there!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It's neat how the timing worked out- that you'd be ready to make your move and people would be so anxious to buy because of the homebuyer's credit.

I second everyone else when it comes to the kitchenaid. We're waiting on things beyond the "Essential" so that people will have wedding gift ideas... But if you can do it now, DO IT. And get a pretty color. :)

Margaret said...

I am sooo glad you're coming and absolutely vote for doing all those things you never got around to before you left... but just for the record... we DO have Kitchen Aids in Chile! Sure, it'll be more expensive, but you'll have the right power cord and a guarantee and it'll be one less thing to worry about shipping... (or am I being too practical?)

Annje said...

Margaret, strangely enough, we probably won't get around to doing all those things we never got around to, but I will probably get my kitchenaid. I have heard they are insanely expensive in Chile,and since we have to ship some stuff anyway, it just makes sense. I found a place online where I can buy a 220v one here for the price of a regular (110v)... but I have been consisdering buying one with more power and getting a transformer... though that makes me a little nervous--I know lots of people do it, I am just a weanie with electricity.