March

Drove through Littles Hill in Georgetown. Thought the homes were very nice but figured we'd be able to find the same style and price range in Middleton or North Andover (yeah right!); also didn't think we wanted to be in a subdivision, and Georgetown was not at the top of our list.

Saturday, 4/13

Bill met with Dick Barrett and Lillian Montalto about selling our current home. Lillian said given our requirements and price range, Georgetown was by far our best bet to find what we wanted, and strongly suggested we look at Littles Hill again.

Sunday, 4/14

Back to Littles Hill. Walked through model (Cape, lot 2) with Dick. Thought house construction was wonderful and couldn't believe we hadn't been more wow-ed by our first trip through a month earlier. We knew we were in the right place. The big question was which lot -- we were primarily interested in Phase 3 lots. Did not want an interior lot (backing up to another lot), although Dick and Lillian didn't see what the issue was.

Tuesday, 4/16

Bill spoke with Shep Spear, the builder, about the lots.

Saturday, 4/20

Met with Dick and Lillian again at her office to talk about lots. None of the Phase 1 or Phase 2 lots interested us -- either backed up to another lot or were next to the barn. Lot 31, from Phase 3, had a "verbal OK" from the town to build on. They would hold on to the occupancy permit until the road had been extended the length of the lot frontage, not a problem according to the builder. We agreed to look at it, with Dick and Shep, the next day.

Sunday, 4/21

Brought Bill's parents along, toured the model again. Looked at lot 18 because Dick and Lillian wanted us to, but it wasn't what we wanted, plus backed up to another lot.

Looked at lot 31. The slope was immediately apparent and discouraged us, but Shep explained he didn't consider it a strong slope, and that it would allow us to have a walkout (and thus light-filled) basement. Said he would grade to whatever level we wanted, although the more grading we do, the more trees we lose. Pointed out a beautiful beech that we hopefully can keep.

Lot was far enough from barn not to bother us. Also far enough from intersection of Londonderry and Hillside not to bother us (although it's very close). We walked through the lot, which slopes gently and flattens out near the back. A trail runs by just off the property line, going off into a valley of broadly-spaced trees, very beautiful. Absolutely private and quiet!

Monday, 4/22

After thinking about it overnight, and another conversation between Bill and Shep about grading, we stopped by the office and signed an offer. Left the $1,000 deposit in the mailbox on 4/23.

Saturday, 4/27

Met with Dick and Shep at the office and discussed Deerfield plan, upgrades and options. No prices available on most things, so were just talking theoretically. Asked about a gazebo-type bump-out for the family room we'd seen in North Reading; Shep said it would be expensive. Then realized with a window seat in the back and a bump-out in the front, that's two walls that couldn't have furniture against them. Decided against pursuing this. Left with a number of questions and ideas. Went up to the lot and looked at the model. That helped us decide some things; raised other questions. Ran into Shep there and discussed the walk-out basement idea some more. Decided on a half walk-out -- full windows in basement, but door would probably have some steps coming up and out. This will keep the deck low. Took the dogs for a great walk behind our lot!

Monday, 4/29

Bill talked to someone at Ipswich Bank, and we have an appointment Saturday to get the financing process underway. We don't anticipate any problems, but you never know. Here's hoping it all goes smoothly.

Tuesday, 4/30

We gave Shep a list of the options and upgrades we're interested in and he's pricing them out. So we're waiting for the magic number -- maybe that marble-inlaid laundry room is not going to work out! (Just kidding!)