Will the circle be unbroken

In September 09, my mother became gravely ill. She entered hospice on October 31, 2009 and passed away on Nov 10th. Her sister passed away 17 days later. I was an only child to a single mother and my aunt was childless. Nothing prepares you for losing a parent yet it's something most of us have to go through at some point. I can say that it's one of those events that will change you profoundly.

Winter here is very gray and Christmas was depressing. The one bright spot was spending New Year's with some good friends. We toasted to the demise of 2009. May we never see the likes of it again.

But it's time to put away the tissue. I am so ready for spring. In fact, I need spring.

Some times good things can spring out of the worst circumstances (there's that word again).

In late January 2010, I finally entered into escrow. After errr.... 19 offers over almost 4 years, one was accepted. I am scheduled to take occupancy on March 1st, my mother's birthday.

To answer the inevitable questions:

1. Do I think the market has bottomed?
Nope. The fact that a bank took my ridiculous lowball offer on a short sale is a sign that something is brewing. I still stick my prediction that absent even more government invention, Q3 2011 will be the bottom for the 4 county Sacramento area.

2. If 2011 is the bottom, why buy now?
Much of it was personal choice. I had a lease expiring in a few months and trying to find a decent place with a dog in midtown- bah. I had the money and then some so if I could buy for below what renting would run me, it made sense. Honestly, I still think the stars just aligned and I'm the butt of a great cosmic joke >; )

3. Did I finally go all cash?
Nope. But I did go conventional with 20% down and financed through my credit union. I qualified for the First Time Home Buyers credit which I really didn't need to buy but hey, I'll take it. Renovation work will be done on a cash. The major banks can kiss my lily white @ss and my Credit union is getting enough of a piece of me as it is.

4. Will I still follow Sacramento real estate?
Hell yes.

So thank you to everyone who sent in their prayers and best wishes.
What a long strange trip it's been.