I debated holding off with the details until the deal was done and I was moved in, just in case something went wrong, but I feel I must share with my brothers and sisters my experience that hopefully will inspire them.

Ink dried today, escrow has begun and hopefully there wont be any twists and turns in the next 45 days, but one never knows what fate has in store.

So what began three years ago and was extended by many good people here has finally come to a close. In the end, there is no way to be absolutely certain that a better deal wont be found but for me, it was time. My strategy was learned after multiple failed attempts, I honed my skills, borrowed from the experts here and after I spend my first night in the new pad, I’ll share the strategy. In the end, the final score was less than 55% off peak, $90 a square ft with a view and under 45 cents on the dollar, way more house than I’ll ever need and 20% less than any recent comp or listing. I am going to be the most unpopular guy in the new hood and that hood is the best hood in my hood. It isn’t the best house in town, has it’s drawbacks and will need a little work, but it was what I wanted, where I wanted it and for less than I wanted to and was willing to pay (about 1999 or 2000 pricing, I wanted 2001).

So it can be done, my guess is that stories like this will become more common in S.D. in about a year, and I wish that all of you find the patience and the strength to meet each of your goals.