Part Two: Well…The Map Just Changed!

So what’s the Next Move.

So remember in Part One when I talked about not needing to have everything figured out?

About taking the next step.

Making the next move.

Trusting the process.

Being flexible.

Well, apparently God, the universe, and the condominium gods said:

“Oh really, Tena? Let’s see.” 😂

Today I got a text from my real estate agent:

“Check your email.”

That was it.

Now, first of all, if you are about to send me information that could potentially derail the sale of my home, perhaps “check your email” is not the best opening. 😂

I looked. Couldn’t find it.

So I texted back, basically, What does it say?

And that’s when I learned that my condominium building currently does not meet Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac (FHA) lending guidelines because an engineering report identified several unresolved issues—including water intrusion problems in some units and façade repairs.

Translation for those of us who don’t speak underwriting:

The buyer may not be able to get her loan approved until these issues are satisfactorily addressed.

And translation of THAT:

We might not close October 1.

Wait.

WHAT?! 😂

At this point, I asked him to call me.

He called.

He explained.

And explained.

And explained some more.

He told me about other condominiums. He told me what the HOA was doing. He told me they were putting together a package for the underwriter. He told me an engineer is expected to start work in mid-September.

And I listened.

Mostly. 😂

Because somewhere during all that talking, I realized I only needed the answer to one question:

What does this mean for me?

It means October 1 may not happen.

That’s it.

That’s the information I needed.

And here’s the part that surprised even me.

I didn’t panic.

No anxiety.

No spiraling.

No emotional reaction at all.

I just sat there thinking:

Okay. Let me digest this.

I already have movers scheduled for September 28.

Move-out cleaners scheduled for September 29.

I’ve changed my address.

I’ve stopped payments that needed to be stopped.

I’ve been packing up the home I’ve lived in for 7 years.

In my mind, October 1 was locked in.

Except apparently, it isn’t.

And you know what?

I’m still okay.

If it’s October 1, okay.

If it becomes November 1, I can deal with that.

If it becomes December 1, I can deal with that too.

What I’m not going to do is live indefinitely in limbo.

I’ve decided I’ll give this situation about 30-60 days max to show me where it’s going. If there isn’t a reasonable path forward by then, I may take the condo off the market and reassess.

That’s a decision I can make later.

I don’t have to make it tonight.

And THAT may be the biggest lesson of Part Two.

Sometimes the next move is not moving.

Sometimes the next move is waiting for more information.

Sometimes the next move is refusing to create ten imaginary problems while you’re still waiting to find out whether Problem Number One can be solved.

Old me might have wanted answers immediately.

When will the repairs happen?

Will underwriting approve it?

Will the buyer wait?

Will we need an extension?

When am I moving?

Where am I going?

WHAT ARE WE DOING?! 😩

But today?

Cool as a cucumber. 🥒😂

I listened.

I took what I needed from the conversation.

And I compartmentalized the rest.

Thank you, God, for that gift.

Because there is a difference between ignoring reality and refusing to let uncertainty steal your peace.

The structural issues are real.

The possibility of delaying closing is real.

But none of those things require me to panic today.

So I’m slowing down the packing — not stopping.

I’m waiting for the HOA, engineers, lender and all the other people whose jobs are involved in figuring this out to do what they need to do.

And I’m going to keep doing what I said I was going to do when I started this series:

Take the next move when the next move becomes clear.

Funny how quickly life gave me an opportunity to practice what I preach.

The map changed.

I didn’t.

My peace is still intact.

And for today, that’s enough.

—Tena

Next Move Series • Part Three (3) in a week or so 👌🏽😉

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A Note About AI: This blog may have been created with the assistance of multiple AI platforms for historical research, fact-checking, writing support, and image generation. Every idea, perspective, and final edit reflects my voice and my commitment to sharing thoughtful, well-researched stories.

 – Tena 💞