Many of you may remember that we have had a house for sale for about five years. Actually, this week may mark exactly 5 years (seems like it was 1-17-08). Feb. 12 will mark five years since we've lived in the house.

We have been going through the short sale process since August. We've had two offers fall thorough, and now have a third active offer. This one is gaining some traction. We are in the negotiation stage. That is - our bank's representative negotiating with the buyer. Just today we saw the bank's counter. They're about 6K apart. We'll see where that goes.

We've not yet gotten this far in the short sale process before. If all goes well, the close may be in a month or so. If all does not go well ... well, we wait for another buyer. I should add that this buyer is getting a loan through the USDA Rural Development office. Kind of like an FHA loan, but for people in rural areas, and as I understand it, more hoops to jump through. The buyer is waiting for our short sale to get approved before he begins working with the RD inspections.

I need to talk with DW about it, but I think we'll approach our current renters (again) about buying the house, if this deal falls through. They are interested, but claim they have no money for a down payment. And, her credit is trashed due to a recent divorce and foreclosure. Sound like prime buyers, don't they? I will say that even though they are always late with the rent, it is paid every month.

And, if we do approach them again about buying the house, this time we'll be armed with some information as to what the bank will accept for an offer.

Keeping my fingers crossed!