What a rush! It was very exciting even though I wasn't physically there. Bill called me on his cell phone when he arrived. The auction was held at another property that was being sold and only a few people were there.
At 8 AM Bill called me again and the auctioneer promptly began. I could hear it all. He spent the first two minutes going over the rules of the auction -- everyone already had a copy. Then he started the bidding. He was like a tobacco auctioneer -- you couldn't understand a word he said except for the amounts.
Very quickly, my heart sank as I heard the amount of my top bid called. But the next number I heard was lower. Then I heard Bill say, "We just got it for 50." The time was 8:05. I started shaking I was so excited.
We weren't out of the woods yet. The bank had 14 days to accept or reject the offer although the auctioneer told Bill he thought they would accept. The closing had to occur within 30 days of their acceptance.
Only one other person bid against Bill -- Bill was facing the auctioneer and couldn't tell for certain as the fellow was behind him. But he thought it was the same one who bid and won the property where they were -- a double wide. When I asked why anyone would want one of those, Bill said -- to rent it. Assuming it was the same fellow, that would have been the fate of my little house -- and a detriment to the neighborhood. One of my goals is to help neighborhoods maintain their integrity.
It was Thanksgiving week so the bank didn't respond until the following Monday with their acceptance. I had it. The little house was mine.
All the plans have been reinstated and updated and I'm just waiting to close. Next month I'll go down to take possession, meet with my wonderful team and get the upgrades going. Things do sometimes work out!
Jean, Somewhere in Maine
