I went to Denver for a week, and put in an offer on a house!

The whirlwind week

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FRIDAY

I departed Juneau before 6AM on a Friday. Two flights later I arrived in Denver with a massive collection of luggage (moving items, including the cello) which I proudly and improbably managed to cart across several traffic lanes to get to the rental car shuttle bus WITHOUT A LUGGAGE CART (stubborn independence strikes again). I was rescued by the very kind shuttle driver who helped me load and unload said items – services well worth the tip.

SATURDAY

I met up with my friend to get coffee, pick up a puppy from a shelter, and shuttle the puppy to the Maxfund Animal Adoption and Rehabilitation Center where I volunteered in my past Denver life. Diane helped me get reoriented and get my volunteer status renewed so I can resume playing with doggos! After another secret shelter mission, I went home just to get ready for a trek into the mountains to sit by a campfire and cook hot dogs and s’mores with other friends from work.

SUNDAY

I drove around and did some neighborhood recon to evaluate potential suburbs where some of my potential houses were located. In the process, stopped by Taco Bell for some luxurious lunch. Juneau does not have Taco Bell. I checked in with my realtor to set up a plan for showings the following day.

MONDAY + TUESDAY

So many showings. Houses, condos, apartments, oh my. Downtown, uptown, out of town. We went to check out what appeared to be the dreamy ideal – a 1910 brick town house with a small yard and wood floors. At the tip top of my budget, and OLD, I got a little nervous about the financial risk and had to bid it farewell. This set the tone for my remaining options. As “cool” as a place was, I wanted to be practical about the budget. I’ll never be featured in Grand Designs after all…

I saw one place that I really liked, but it was not in the neighborhood I had originally planned. I thought about it. A lot v

I saw more and more places, and this place still stood up to the rest. One strong contender was a high-rise building in Capitol Hill with a pool and fitness room and giant balcony. This might be my Alaskan talking but it was a little too hustle and bustle urban for me in the end.

Closed on sale of my house in Juneau. Am suddenly, if ephemerally, rich!

WEDNESDAY

We checked out a condo in my favorite neighborhood that proved to be too pricy, and revisited the top contenders. In the evening, I put in my offer on the original top option for below the listing price.

THURSDAY

The seller had all day to respond to my offer. About 30 minutes before the deadline, they came back and lowered their price slightly. I went out for happy hour with some good friends from work and drank $8 virgin mojitos and ate delicious arepas.

FRIDAY

In the morning I accepted the counter offer and now I’m under contract!

I can’t be sure what happened during the day. Paperwork. Phone calls. Loan things. Dropping off my cello at his foster home. In the evening, I met up with an old friend for dinner and an improv show. It was overwhelming being out in public, but it was great to see some familiar faces!

SATURDAY

Brunch with work friends. Beignets. More paperwork. Packing and laundry.

SUNDAY

Good bagels. Airport. Bye for now Denver, back to Juneau.