Settlement Day!

Great news! Settlement is complete! The deal is done! I am a first time homeowner!

In short, I have to say I had a wonderful real estate dream team who made this process quick and painless. I can hardly believe that it was just over a month ago that I put in the offer and had the home inspection.  And, it's still rather surreal to think that I really own a home. On the other hand, my "Must Do" and "Want To Do" lists are quite real, and very long.

Paint City - 14 paint samples to start things off!

So, what to do first? Pack up all my bright, shiny, fresh, and crisp fabric samples and paint chips - of course! Then, I go to Home Depot for hard wood floor tiles and actual paint samples. Then I go to my house(!) and proceed to paint with said samples on a couple of walls - in non-paint clothes, with no drop cloth or anything to wipe up the inevitable dribbles. Let's hope responsible and messy are not necessarily mutually exclusive. :)

In any event, here are some pictures of the progress today. There are 14 paint samples, for:

• Kitchen
• Powder room
• Master BR and bath
• Guest BR
• Guest bath
• Office

So far I've painted up options in the kitchen (silver/gray) and powder room (lavender). It's hard to see in the pictures. But, better "after" shots will be forthcoming.

Silver/gray options for the kitchen.

Lavender options for the powder room.

The Backyard

The space in the backyard may be small, but it is very charming and has a lot of potential. I am excited to plant some tomatoes, herbs, and flowers back here this summer. 

Here is the view from the guest bedroom.
It is a small area, but lots of potential.

The door from the living
room into the back yard.

I believe the grill will go somewhere in here. :-)

The seller left this handy little
gardening bench and some flower pots.

Here's a view from the back.
The brick is nice and high and
looks cute with the iron gate.

Here's the view from
up the hill. The Armistead
is the second one down.

The Lower Level

Brick hearth, wood-burning fireplace.

70's wet bar, representin'!

 The Armistead lower level provides a cozy den with fireplace and wet bar. 

It also has a "bonus room" with closet and third full bath.

"Bonus Room" at the bottom of the stairs. Bathroom to the left. Laundry room and then den to the right.

And, it has a great (unfinished) laundry room and storage under the stairs (also not shown).

The Upper Level

Looking out of the master bedroom
into the hallway.

From the upstairs hallway to the stairs down.

Master Bedroom and Bath

The Master Bedroom is huge!
This is the view when entering master bedroom.
It looks out into the Mew.

Master bedroom far wall.

Door into master bedroom.

Closets!!

Master bath is pretty small.

Master bath...
shower needs some work. 

Guest Bedroom and Bath

Guest Bedroom is quite large. Strange, but big closet.

Small window over backyard.

Guest bathtub
is in better shape.

Guest bathroom, also small,
but more than sufficient.

Small Bedroom / Office

This smaller bedroom is the perfect size for an office.

The window gives just the right amount of light,
looks over the back yard.

The Main Level

The entry way and coat closet. Powder room is to the right and kitchen is to the left.

To the upper level.

Powder room.

View from the front door,
down the hallway
into the living room and
out the door to the back yard.

The very large, beautiful kitchen!

The big window that makes this kitchen so bright and beautiful.
I think the kitties are going to LOVE that window sill. 
I, however, do *not* love that tile (yes, it's tile) adorning said sill. That will have to go, soon!

I can see some major renovation and
a pass through into the dining room in my future.

Door from hallway and
into dining room.

Love this dining room! Check out the molding! The chandelier, not so much.

The dining room is huge!

And, here's the door out to the little back yard.

And here's the huge living room! You can't see all of it, and the light is deceptive. But, it's lovely.

The Armistead

This year, 2012, marks something of a milestone as I turn 35. I'm happy to be able to celebrate being so blessed and having accomplished enough in these many years that I can finally purchase my first home. This event has been a long time coming, but I've worked hard and learned a lot along the way. I'm so excited and can't wait to get moved in!

Welcome to my new neighborhood, Beauregard Heights!

I figured this blog would be the best way to share pictures of my new house, and chronicle all the changes I hope to make to it as I live here.

This is walking into my Mew, or shared living area,
from the parking lot.

Here it is! My first house!
 I think I'll call it "The Armistead".

These pictures are from the home inspection, which was yesterday, 3/31/12. If all goes smoothly, I will close on 4/30 and move in mid-May. The timing couldn't be more perfect.

I hope you enjoy these pictures, and give all due credit to my father for taking such great shots!

The Armistead is a 3-level, approx. 2,500 sq. ft. brick townhouse built in 1976; 
it's just a little older than I am!
I can't wait to put some purple flowers on the porch to go with the wisteria.

Here is the view down the Mews from my front porch.
We met some of the neighbors yesterday and it seems like a pretty friendly place. 

Here's the little sitting area at the end of the Mews.
It looks down over a little grassy knoll.