Yesterday was a momentous day in this house-buying process. In theory, the house is complete, for it was time for the inspection. It was optional, but the Realtor thought it a good idea and I have to agree.

I say in theory, because the house is clearly not quite done. The inspection isn’t either. Normally about a three hour process, this one was cut short and will resume on Tuesday morning. See, the water isn’t on. Hard to inspect plumbing when there’s no liquids in the pipes!

Following the inspector around was an interesting process. I’m very happy to have paid for the extra service. Some of the stuff he found will be fixed before I move in (missing siding, unsealed MDF exterior surfaces, unsealed plumbing fixtures, etc). Some of them won’t (the siding is too tight in places and needs to be re-hung or it will warp). Mostly, it was a tale of two subs. The one working the interior has an attention to detail and high levels of workmanship (plumbing notwithstanding). The one on the exterior, not so much. Overall, the inspector came away impressed. “They’ve really improved their building practices.”

Still, at the end there was the list of corrections to be made and when I met the Realtor later that day, we filled out the paperwork to get that on file.

Which brings me to the lead. For after the inspection, it was time to drive down to Stewart Title and sit at a big round table. It was signing day. As of 4:30 PM, I’ve signed all the paperwork. I’ll walk through the home again on Monday (the plumbing will be on by then), and assuming no major flaws show up when Roger finishes his inspection Tuesday morning, the title company will fill Tuesday and I’ll have keys that afternoon.

Then I start to move.